Msg: 272 *Conference*

07-26-91 11:19:09

From: RICHARD HANSON

To : JIM SCHEEF

Subj: REPLY TO MSG #269 (LD ADDICTION)

Yes, the problem--or should I say situation--is similar for all online systems,
i.e., more men than women by a factor of 1000 to 1.  Whether it be the
maga-system, Compuserve, or little, old--and yes, commercial--Club 100 BBS, it
makes no difference.  The ratio remains constant.
 
The idea of the Model 100 being a hobby computer, coupled with the fact that
computing as a hobby does not attract women, is a valid statement.  However,
making computers "simple" to use as the basis for attracting more women into
personal computing just does not seem correct.  My gut feeling is that the
dynamics are much more complex.  And, I don't see solutions from a technical
point of view.  Other countries, like France, use computers for their mail
system, i.e., every person has a computer mail box.  Men and women alike use
the French national e-mail system equally.
 
Perhaps, if we thought more about "personal information" as the basis for home
computer development, vs. personal computing, or home computing--a stupid term
from my point of view--the use of such devices would be more widly accepted.  I
don't know.  Just a thought.  -Rick-