Kirsten,

I hope you will get to know Mudcat men before you make so free with your aspersions. This can be a soft place to land and a place full of friends, if you let it be. If your goal, on the other hand, is to stir upset-- we call that trolling.

What you called "intimidated," I would be more likely to call "cultural differences" .... beyond mere gender difference.

This is an international, multicultural community made up of fiercely independent individuals. People here tend to lead to the commonalities and to bond on mutual support for positive efforts in the world.

It's up to you how you conduct ourself in this or any environment, but at the moment you look to be making a fast start at missing the best of this community. Sisterly advice from one who has "fought the good fight" for many years? Slow down, fly a little lower, and eat the roses. :~)

Some say that the best of Mudcat (the heart) is portrayed here: WHY WE SING

Others might say it's here: RICK FIELDING'S INFLUENCE

Or maybe here:

ABOUT CATSPAW

~Susan