Gender is just a foreground into what was discussed. The discussion was that, based on how the blogosphere developed, a certain network started out and became dominant and this network has, and still is, male dominant. Now, although it may be protested that the list should be more inclusive, the issue is NOT the list.

Great on you for pointing out that the blogosphere is inclusive. It is, in many ways, We can all do it. But we are not on equal footing for being read or not, regardless of quality. I cited my own experience in learning the blogging ropes and reading blogs. How I skipped from one to the other – starting at the centre of the main network and moving outward. In this experience, I come to realize what others have – that the perspectives are fairly similar to my own, mostly caucasian, and mostly male. So, the issue is that the blogosphere may be open but that we don’t read openly because the links are not network wide but exist in small subset networks. The interconnectedness needed for utopic communications is not there.

Now, I hope to avoid gender commentary here. I am not strongly for or against gender issues. I say again this is about making us realize that the blogosphere is not as connected as we think in terms of opinion, perspective, and with that gender, race, etc. Look at your own list and assess this idea. There are incredibly smart people all over the world you likely miss out on – that is the lesson I think we tried to bring out. To go outside the main network and seek those you enjoy and value – and who are likely top in their own little network.

God, you’ve been brainwashed. You should read blogs because you like them, not based on gender or race. If you go down this path your going to start limiting your options in making a quid as well. Please, please, see past these notions of race and gender because the people pushing this do so mainly to promote the mselves. The politics of division your embracing should have no place in the blogosphere.

Yes, BlogHer was def one of the most unique conference I’ve ever attended. Lisa, Elisa and Jory some how created an environment where it was safe to debate, agree and support. Very rare.