DILEMMA: I’ve been nominated as Blog Babe of the Week, but I’m not sure whether to accept. The guy who runs it claims that it’s not sexist, but I feel a little cheesy. On one hand it seems like I’m just pandering to the very weirdos I resent when they instant message me, but on the other hand, I run a site called “web-goddess”, so who am I to say I’m above exploiting my gender for a few hits? What do you guys think? I’m not going to bother with setting up a poll, so please just leave your thoughts in the comments.
Bill
August 13, 2001 — 5:20 pm
Looks fun to me. Definitely cheesy, but it’s not awfully horrible camgirls in bikinis or anything. I say go for it!
brigita
August 13, 2001 — 5:22 pm
hmm…i’d probably pass. and for what it’s worth, i really don’t think you’re “exploiting” y/our gender by calling yourself a web-goddess. 😉
Kris
August 13, 2001 — 6:39 pm
Oh, I’m not. I mean, when I tell people the name they inevitably laugh and raise an eyebrow, but the real explanation is just that my friend Ben (aka the Ferret) started calling me that last year and pointed out to me that the domain was available. In other words, it’s a bit of a JOKE. At the same time, though, I’m well aware that it’s a “sexy” name (in a marketing sense, meaning that it’s catchy and people will remember it). I saw on kottke’s site once an entry where he showed the top 10 banner ads on a weblog type site. 9 out of the 10 “most clicked on” ads featured a body part of a woman. (Zannah’s eye from usr/bin/girl was the top one, I think.) So does it really matter if I think it’s a joke or not? There are still people coming to my site for the “wrong” reason, so why not just encourage that?
I dunno. I’m just playin’ Devil’s Advocate here. Mostly because in my heart of hearts I wanna turn it down, but I’m torn because A) it’s a stupid thing to get so serious and obsess about, and B) in real life I never won any popularity contests, so my tiny ego is shining right now.
So difficult.
Charles
August 13, 2001 — 11:32 pm
Hi there,
Well for what it’s worth I just wanted to say that I know the “Babe” term is cheezy and kind of a . . .hmmm I wouldn’t say sexist term – but perhaps does imply some value due to looks or feminine sexual virtues – but this is very tounge-in-cheek as used. It’s pretty much based on the Goth Babe of the Week thing, and yeah – maybe it’s a catchy marketing thing in some way (though I’m not selling anything heh.) I really just am focusing on people’s writing and web stuff, and people who happen to be female. I have feminists and I have lesbians and old and young who are going to be up. But it’s shouldn’t be any big dillema – I think you should listen to your heart of hearts and decline, if yu wish 🙂
BTW, I loved your Oxford pics. I spend a Summer there a few years ago and loved it.
Kris
August 13, 2001 — 11:42 pm
Awww, thanks. Actually you should check your e-mail. I just accepted. 🙂
Charles
August 14, 2001 — 12:59 am
That is cool, thank you.
brigita
August 14, 2001 — 2:35 am
…and yet, charles makes a very convincing argument. i’m glad you didn’t listen to me. 🙂