[net.general] net.women

mts (01/06/83)

	I'd like to create a new newsgroup for men and women to
share experiences and support women.  Whether it aid in solving
problems, or develop into a "New Woman's Network" depends on
the responses.

	For the record, I'm not a man-hater(Ihave one of my own),
nor have I burned my bras(I still use one).  Nevertheless, I
feel strongly about women getting ahead in the world, and about
men being the logical choices to help us.  

	If you have any ideas or feelings for or against such
a newsgroup, please let me know.

                       write --> M. T. Sarantakos
				 houxo!mts

mts (01/07/83)

Dear interested readers,

	As of 11:30 A.M. today, I've received 21 responses to my
broadcast for a new group called net.women.  I greatly appreciate the
support from the 15 men and 3 women.

	Unfortunately, 3 men thought my idea as:
		- "ridiculous ... selfish, bigoted... disgusting...
			[and] vile"
		- not having enough to discuss [paraphrased]
		- "frivolous discussions, arbitrary chat"

[I will ignore such comments, as they were in the minority, and coming
from men who obviously were having a 'bad day', and totally misinter-
preted my intent.]


	Anyway, I think such a newsgroup can greatly aid professional
women at the technical, clerical, and service level, who are interested
in professional and personal growth(thanks Cheryl).

	I also think that making it net.AA instead of net.women, we may
be trying to handle too much(thanks Paul). What are your feelings?

	Here are some topics that I seem to hear most frequently
discussed amongst women today:
		* eliminating sexual harassment
		* promoting women: seems that many women have been
		  trained to fear the responsibilities of supervising
		* day-care of children of working parents to be company
		  or federally supported
		* equal pay for equal worth: I understand women still, on
		  the average, make only 59% of what men make
		* legalizing abortion

	I could go on, but I won't!


NOTE: Please, if you really don't like this group, and since you're
in the minority, don't clutter up the net.general files with your       
destructive criticism and flaming.  The whole intent of this group
is to build a network of supportive human beings who honestly can 
perceive some problems with how the world sometimes works, and to
relieve some of the pain by discussing issues, sharing ideas and
experiences, clearing the air, and providing necessary and vital
contacts across the nation for the advancement of all.

	Finally, if anyone knows what requirements one must meet to 
create this new group, and whom to call, please let me know.

	Thank you.

					Mary T. Sarantakos
					(201) 922-7065

jwb (01/08/83)

I tried to answer by mail but couldn't make it.  I was not annoyed
initially but now am after hearing the rebuttal to the original proposal.
Why should "a network of supportive human beings" be called net.women???
That is reverse sexism of the worst degree!!!
                                         Jack Buchanan
                                         (919) 967-5126