The Fairer Sex and Yachting...

Admin Note: The posts below have been split from another thread. The previous topic veered off-course. Originally, a new member questioned exceptions made for certain members regarding their signatures and avatars. This took the thread in a different direction and a good topic... "the fairer sex and yachting".

Well Alik, I think YF is among the friendliest of forums. If you are so quick to find fault, then maybe it is best to point your browser in a different direction.

We have some very limited, very basic guidelines... in addition to proper forum etiquette and conduct. There are a few isolated exceptions to these rules, specifically for members who have made MANY contributions to YF. These are members that participate on every subject, offer helpful and friendly advice, raise the level of information and education, and most importantly... they are not here simply to promote their wares or services.

But I digress... and I agree Eric ********'s avatar does not meet our criteria. It did not seem important enough to address based on the content Eric has brought forward. Of course, this presents an issue… if we don't maintain the guidlelines, then some people will take exception and see this as unfair.

As for Brian Eiland... Brian falls into another category known as "admin's prerogative". This means I made an exception and I don't have to explain. But I will say this… if you show me forward thinking as Brian, question the norm, present sound reasons why, continually bring new and relevant content to the forum, and you generally have a passion for the marine industry…. then you’ll have a promotional link in your signature.

Fair?

I see you added Teenna to your post. Good catch! That avatar will remain and here's why... it's not often a pretty young thing shows an interest, or has an educated opinion on our industry. Teenna's done more to ruffle a few feather and pull lurkers out of the woodwork than ANY of my erroneous posts. Have to ask you... wouldn't you be compelled to engage her based on common interest? Well others have! And they may not have done this if her avatar contained an image of a boat.

In closing Alik, it's not my intent to make an example out of you. Many others have come before you and have been subject to the same. All I can say is... if you want to become a part of any community.... rise to the challenge, put on your professional cap, abide by the guidelines (even if others do not) and you will quickly make headway.

Carl Camper, Admin
www.YachtForums.com

Judy,

I agree. PYT was an inappropriate reference. They were simply the first words that came to mind while filling out the response box. Although I know full well you’re an educated, professional woman who has made inroads in a predominately male industry, one could refer to you as a pretty young thing too. I’ve seen your picture. The label applies.

As an active admin, I have to stick my neck out at the risk of being decapitated. This is a very public place, with the eyes of an industry, peers and friends watching. I certainly don’t want to make waves, but from time-to-time, I’m liable to stick my foot in my mouth. After all, I’m a guy. That’s what we do.

It has been difficult at best to build momentum with YF. Yachts are not exactly an everyday topic. The majority of our readers remain lurkers and I have tried to find subtle ways to draw them into our discussions and make them feel comfortable sharing their experience, no matter how vast or limited.

While there are many experienced and knowledgeable women in yachting, YF parallels the industry with a mostly male membership. I honestly don’t believe you need a “babe in a bikini” to sell a product, but sadly… history has proven otherwise. Quite simply, we have too many lurkers (probably male mind you), and I thought Teena might help stir things up.

In the end… what count’s around here is the quality of information and insight that results from the collective knowledge of experienced people. The Internet… (specifically forums)… are one of the great equalizers. It’s a platform that gives everyone a voice, no matter his or her gender, belief or avatar.

There will always be members that are recognized by their name and predictably… their words will carry greater impact. On the flip side, there may be names we have never heard before, yet we come to respect their opinions and thoughts more than those of traditional medias.

And in some extreme cases, we might find ourselves curiously drawn to the ramblings of some exotic looking girl possessing the knowledge of an Italian design firm (or boat builder) and wondering just exactly who she, or he, really is. Net result? We wouldn’t be discussing Teenna if her perspective & opinion wasn't acknowledged. Still, her avatar remains a Pretty Young Thing. And although you don’t use an avatar Judy, you remain a PYT as well. Slap me later, or hug me. Woman’s prerogative.