tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post3293123786096705718..comments2024-03-29T03:51:13.883-05:00Comments on Althouse: One more round of the old question: Why aren't there more female lawprof bloggers?Ann Althousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01630636239933008807noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-15422378418117649332008-10-08T09:56:00.000-05:002008-10-08T09:56:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Sloanasaurushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15787488302564761993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-26210825272506527602008-10-08T01:19:00.000-05:002008-10-08T01:19:00.000-05:00Ann, thanks so much not only for this thoughtful, ...Ann, thanks so much not only for this thoughtful, well-written response to my article -- but also for taking the time to Google me and establish that I have, in fact, two X chromosomes. (Much better than being called "gender ambiguous" by Above the Law.)<BR/><BR/>On a personal level, I do agree with your point about women not claiming time for themselves as easily as men and for handling the additional weight of guilt. Your comments about taking personal responsibility to overcome obstacles, of course, are dead-on.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for reading the story and sharing your insights!<BR/><BR/>Best,<BR/>C.C. HollandAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12857216499335865082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-88200888303171064532008-10-06T13:37:00.000-05:002008-10-06T13:37:00.000-05:00A lot of women academics are probably running Live...A lot of women academics are probably running Livejournals instead of blogs. Heck, almost all of science fiction fandom and media fandom is over there, and so are most of their friends and their friends' friends.<BR/><BR/>In fact, I know there's at least one female law academic over there -- used to be in Harry Potter fandom.<BR/><BR/>Livejournals encourage the use of pseudonyms. There's usually a good amount of transparency -- if you know people, you know who their friends are. But I don't think that searching for "law professor female Livejournal" would get you anywhere. You'd have to get into a circle of law friends.<BR/><BR/>And that's why Livejournal drives me nuts.... Clique-y. But that's exactly why a lot of women love it.Bansheehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12594214770417497135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-31233418842929387832008-10-06T12:40:00.000-05:002008-10-06T12:40:00.000-05:00It's a big, crazy world in here, and you have to s...<I>It's a big, crazy world in here, and you have to stake out your place in it. There are plenty of people who are only too willing to use the techniques that work to exclude women, and you have to decide that you intend to stay. It takes some nerve, and there's a price to pay. <B>It is harder for women.</B></I><BR/><BR/>I don't know that it <B>IS</B> harder for women than for men. Empirically, all we can say with any certainty is that more men than women practice blogging. But Ann's claim ("harder for women") is entirely subjective, and inter-subjective comparisons are tricky at best.<BR/><BR/>Haven't you heard that a casually cutting remark can render a man sexually impotent? What is the blogosphere, if not a weather system where the forecast always calls for a high probability of cutting-remark blizzards?<BR/><BR/>Perhaps it's just that fewer women than men are willing to risk those "slings and arrows" of outrageous readers ... ?Paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00617552481519890045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-52079794646652918932008-10-05T17:27:00.000-05:002008-10-05T17:27:00.000-05:00Exactly. I don't think there's a big audience out ...Exactly. <BR/><BR/>I don't think there's a big audience out there going: "Wow, I could use some trenchant law analysis right about now. So...male law blogger or female law blogger?"<BR/><BR/>My Friend has a book blog where she <A HREF="http://loadedquestions.blogspot.com/" REL="nofollow">interviews authors</A>, but she uses a more periodical approach, like a magazine more than a blog.<BR/><BR/>There's probably a Master's thesis in here somewhere.blakehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05430444326700437630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-54036378138767695372008-10-05T16:41:00.000-05:002008-10-05T16:41:00.000-05:00I think if you only write about law, and you are n...I think if you only write about law, and you are not doing anything unconventional with it, you won't get very far. Law is important, but the material is in the mainstream press. I read How Appealing, SCOTUSblog, and Volokh, but other than that, I mainly read the news, and I'm very interested in law and in blogs. By what logic do the pure law bloggers think they will build traffic?Ann Althousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01630636239933008807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-26722751385705356662008-10-05T16:07:00.000-05:002008-10-05T16:07:00.000-05:00Are law blogs in general all that big?Insty isn't ...Are law blogs in general all that big?<BR/><BR/>Insty isn't primarily about law.<BR/><BR/>And Althouse is a law blog like my blog is a tech blog. It's what I do, and occasionally I can go deep, but mostly I just talk about movies 'n' breasts and stuff.blakehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05430444326700437630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-63390870269215457802008-10-05T14:57:00.000-05:002008-10-05T14:57:00.000-05:00Marie Reilly, associate dean of Penn State's law s...Marie Reilly, associate dean of Penn State's law school blogs over at Red Lion Reports. She has also made a place for Prof. Beth Farmer there, in addition to two students: Kelly Bozanic and me, Alison Kilmartin. Trust me, you want to hear the Red Lion roar. <BR/><BR/>http://redlionreports.blogspot.com/Alison M. Kilmartinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09992535815536326753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-54428878950134360172008-10-05T13:17:00.000-05:002008-10-05T13:17:00.000-05:00Carolyn Elefant of http://www.myshingle.com/ is a ...Carolyn Elefant of http://www.myshingle.com/ is a prolific blogger as well as a mother. The most likely reason that she has not yet been mentioned is because she and her many of her readers are probably attending the ABA GP|Solo 2008 Fall Meeting and National Solo & Small Firm Conference in Albuquerque, NMAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01213181101530207450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-61263732072001376262008-10-05T02:18:00.000-05:002008-10-05T02:18:00.000-05:00Maybe somebody could help poor old Bernardine Dorh...Maybe somebody could help poor old Bernardine Dorhn, <A HREF="http://www.law.northwestern.edu/faculty/profiles/BernardineDohrn/" REL="nofollow"> associate professor of law </A> at Northwestern, launch a blog. I'm sure she could use the attention.chickelithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10773887469972534979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-53173213204526324342008-10-05T01:43:00.000-05:002008-10-05T01:43:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.chickelithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10773887469972534979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-39049920682608567792008-10-04T22:15:00.000-05:002008-10-04T22:15:00.000-05:00This is applicable beyond lawblogs. I have plugged...This is applicable beyond lawblogs. I have plugged into the local political blog community here in my state, and aside from being one of about four who are under age 40, I have yet to run into another woman. No, that's not true. I found one. This may be because, like me, I don't blog under my real name or have any pictures or gender-revealing information on my site (other than the occasional post when it is germane), and neither do many others in this same community. The ones who do are all male. I never really noticed or thought about it until I read your post. Now you've got me thinking, and wondering. Thanks.JGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03116405895683599572noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-65097868246425872432008-10-04T21:43:00.000-05:002008-10-04T21:43:00.000-05:00"Why aren't there more female lawprof bloggers?"Uh..."Why aren't there more female lawprof bloggers?"<BR/><BR/>Uh, maybe because Glenn Reynolds doesn't, for some unfathomable reason, link to their every utterance without warning his readers where he's sending them?Jeff Fariahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12311004609431680032noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-76257809529664600592008-10-04T20:58:00.000-05:002008-10-04T20:58:00.000-05:00I don't really know if it's related to gender. I b...I don't really know if it's related to gender. I blog about World of Warcraft. WoW is a videogame and as such, female players are significantly outnumbered by male players.<BR/><BR/>However, in the WoW blog community, there are many more female bloggers than you would expect.<BR/><BR/>Maybe it's an age/generation thing, maybe it's a hobby vs career. Maybe it's easier for gamers to link to people than it is for law professors to link. Maybe it's because WoW bloggers tend to write pseudo-anonymously, and that makes it easier, while the law world demands real names and reputations to stand behind the words.<BR/><BR/>Or maybe male law professors are blowhards and more likely to blog to hear themselves blog than male videogame players. But I'm just pointing WoW out as an example of a male-dominated subculture where the women blog disproportionately *more* than their participation rate.Rohanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09090769681887119989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-37304041404611046172008-10-04T20:43:00.000-05:002008-10-04T20:43:00.000-05:00I agree with Mary Duziak, although I am neither wo...I agree with Mary Duziak, although I am neither woman or law professor, my experience is that it is difficult to break out in the blogosphere. <BR/><BR/>I have been blogging for 4 years and my reader list consists of my mother and people who need something from me at work. <BR/><BR/>I have learned to accept that what I have to say just isn't that interesting to that many people. <BR/><BR/>That doesn't stop me from inflicting my opinions on them though. just like hereChadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15083359852310707247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-50313001455216541922008-10-04T20:19:00.001-05:002008-10-04T20:19:00.001-05:00Ann,I've read your blog for several years.Most of ...Ann,<BR/><BR/>I've read your blog for several years.<BR/><BR/>Most of the comments before I don't understand, literally yes, but constructively no.<BR/><BR/>I'll continue to read it because you strike a core in me (a guy) that gives me an insight into beauty (your photos), you're insight's (you're photos and words)<BR/><BR/>You, to my read, slightly on the righe. I'm mostly on the right. Irespect you and will continue to read your blog because I learn every day.tomthesubmarinerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07799798140818555425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-4020297036599231942008-10-04T20:19:00.000-05:002008-10-04T20:19:00.000-05:00Wow, Many excellent recommendations. Almost all ve...Wow, Many excellent recommendations. Almost all very good.<BR/><BR/>My wife and I have been traveling for 40 years, thank the Navy for part of that. In recent years here are the favorites.<BR/><BR/>Northern Ireland, County Antrim, and Wales, Aberystwth, Devil's Bridge.<BR/><BR/>Banff National Park, Alberta. But go after Labor Day.<BR/><BR/>South Africa. Fly to Joberg, don't stay unless you have a reason, such as relatives. Then thake the Blue Train to Cape Town. Then drive the Garden Route to Port Elizabeth. Then back to Joberg.<BR/><BR/>Singapore. Stay on Orchard Road. Enjoy. Take a side trip to Malacca.<BR/><BR/>Bali, Wonderful. But go with several friends, few Americans visit here. We had a group of five and it was wonderful. Water is a problem. Beer is not.<BR/><BR/>New Zealand. Spend two weeks on the South Island. Fly to Christchurch, visit Queenstown, the West Coast, Fox Glacier, Hokitito. Take two weeks. Except for the Aukland airport, We've no experience with the North Island.<BR/><BR/>Make sure you have a reasonable supply of Cipro. Imodium as a last resort.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Read the travel blogs, they're usually good, but, as always, need some reflection.<BR/><BR/>Water is safe everyplace except Bali (or Korea for that matter). Get a water purifier from REI or some other reputable store.tomthesubmarinerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07799798140818555425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-68780068369696433302008-10-04T16:53:00.000-05:002008-10-04T16:53:00.000-05:00One explanation for the apparent lack of female vo...<I>One explanation for the apparent lack of female voices is that while they're out there, they're not as well-promoted as the male bloggers.</I><BR/><BR/>Instapundit and Ann Althouse are strikingly similar in terms of tone, and mindset. Since Instapundit is an internet juggernaut, we can say he's the "senior" of the two and has done his part in at least helping out Ann as a female law blogger, by linking to shared interests in posts.<BR/><BR/>The question is, has Ann taken it upon herselt to increase visibility to a female law blogger?<BR/><BR/>I am not being flippant. My record on blogs is spotty. I check this blog first, and read only a handful of others.<BR/><BR/>E.G.: Is Amba a lawyer? Nina Camic?<BR/><BR/>Cheers,<BR/>Victoriavbspurshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00992013640447117624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-59151191761001581342008-10-04T15:11:00.000-05:002008-10-04T15:11:00.000-05:00You have "disproportionate child care responsibili...<I>You have "disproportionate child care responsibilities" and you're a law professor and that's not your choice? Do something about it! Don't use it as an excuse and complain that the whole structure of society needs to change first.</I><BR/><BR/>That and the unspoken implication that mens "disproportionate money earning responsibilities" don't make demands on their blogging time. That professor is a sexist.SGT Tedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00184808889760136366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-27075480944265276622008-10-04T14:35:00.000-05:002008-10-04T14:35:00.000-05:00Good looking women have an advantage here, as ever...Good looking women have an advantage here, as everywhere. <BR/><BR/>Not that you can just rest on your [kaff] laurels. You either gotta make with the cheesecake or make with the interest. Preferably both.<BR/><BR/><I>write a novel... </I><BR/><BR/>I've decided to the NaNoWriMo this year in blog form. So, blogging and writing a novel don't have to be exclusive.<BR/><BR/>Having solicited suggestions from my few blog readers, I'm now committed to writing a <A HREF="http://bitmaelstrom.blogspot.com/2008/10/talon-doon.html" REL="nofollow">barbarian cowboy sex unicorn yogurt</A> novel.blakehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05430444326700437630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-13364019492827843132008-10-04T13:12:00.000-05:002008-10-04T13:12:00.000-05:00You have "disproportionate child care responsibili...<I>You have "disproportionate child care responsibilities" and you're a law professor and that's not your choice? Do something about it! Don't use it as an excuse and complain that the whole structure of society needs to change first.</I><BR/><BR/>Agreed, though not necessarily with the "do something about it" part. Life is choices. Pick your priorities. If it's a big priority for you to be a prominent blogger, then certainly do something about it. But if after giving it some thought you think, "You know, maybe my family time and other hobbies really are more important to me than blogging right now," then don't change anything. You may not be prominent, but you can write now and then when you have time, and you'll still pick up a small audience.<BR/><BR/>For everything there is a season. Having young children may be a season for some things and not for others. With time the season changes.<BR/><BR/>Oh, and I completely reject the idea that getting people to link you is harder for females. Not so, not so.Freeman Hunthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16202310075717963694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-59584478963896230192008-10-04T12:46:00.000-05:002008-10-04T12:46:00.000-05:00Ann says:"You have "disproportionate child care re...Ann says:<BR/><BR/>"You have "disproportionate child care responsibilities" and you're a law professor and that's not your choice? Do something about it! Don't use it as an excuse and complain that the whole structure of society needs to change first."<BR/><BR/>Whoopee! Yaay! Wow! Right on! You go, girl! Etc, etc.<BR/><BR/>This is pretty much what I tried to teach my children, daughters and sons. You can achieve so much more if you focus on the opportunity, not the obstacle. My three daughters climb mountains, ride horses, have babies, teach school, consult for Microsoft, take fabulous photographs, cook great meals, love their men, write beautifully, laugh loud, ski like demons, and generally kick ass (more or less politely) in everything they do. They aren't the best at everything, but they always rank with the gutsiest. <BR/><BR/>No whining! It's the family motto and it worked well with my fabulous girls (and their brothers).<BR/><BR/>My females are generally political liberals but they like Sarah Palin because they see a kindred spirit.<BR/><BR/>Once feminism gets out of the clutches of the oppression obsessed, it will really start cooking.Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17424384180201600935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-81421949027485929512008-10-04T12:20:00.000-05:002008-10-04T12:20:00.000-05:00It's a matter of proportion. The market seems com...It's a matter of proportion. The market seems comfortable with the number of female lawprof bloggers. If a market shortage existed, female lawprof bloggers would rush in until the market was in balance.<BR/><BR/>Why is this discussion limited to blogging? I'd bet that there are precious few female lawprof car customizers. Or female lawprof twin-engine rated private pilots. Or female lawprof spelunkers. Or female lawprof dogsled mushers.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Female lawprofs, like all other people, do what interests them. Stop fretting about the number of female lawprof bloggers and recognize that happiness is found in millions of different ways by millions of different people each following her (or his) own path.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-80696224849985553492008-10-04T11:44:00.000-05:002008-10-04T11:44:00.000-05:00There are many, many women blogging. If you don't...There are many, many women blogging. If you don't know they are there, you aren't looking. Just checked my bookmarks -- five of nine I visit almost daily are women's blogs. Why aren't there more "female lawprof bloggers"? Same reason there aren't many <I>male</I> lawprof bloggers. It's a rarified field.Oligonicellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17656818633822942314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329595.post-84075535765447075022008-10-04T11:28:00.000-05:002008-10-04T11:28:00.000-05:00Not that I know all that much about it because I h...Not that I know all that much about it because I have only been married a relatively short time, but I think the secret to a great marriage is to keep it fresh. Have a date night once a week or at least once a month. Do different stuff together. Even if it is just a quiet dinner away from the kids. Run away for a one night cruise. Take a day to go to the museum and have lunch at a little bistro. Surprise you wife and cook her a meal. But most of all your spouse should be your best friend. Someone you want to spend time with, not someone you want to get away from even if it is only to go on the computer.Trooper Yorkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01978703998566102194noreply@blogger.com