Why aren't there more women on this site? I am sure plenty of women like Ford trucks. Maybe they don't like us? Maybe the hubby won't "let them"?

What do you think, carlene?

Others?

 

Well, since you asked -

There may be more women that look through the site than you think. I was reading through the forums almost a year before I decided to post anything here and about another year before I decided to join.

The General forum is where most people hit first since it's at the top of the boards. After reading alot of the more controversial threads, it's easy to see that the site is predominately male and that if I come in here voicing an opinion that's different than some of the more outspoken FEW, I'm opening myself up to attack. Look through most any thread and you'll find some kind of comment like "it's those Liberals", "the problems of the world are the Liberals" and all of that kind of stuff. If you're not a "staunch conservative republican", then it's best to keep your mouth shut. Most modern day women are Liberal to some extent.

I've seen many threads that have gotten down right ugly and most women don't want to play that game. Call us smart for not opening ourselves up to attack, chicken or whatever, but other than myself, how many women do you see discussing politics or the like here. I wasn't going to post to the "attack threads" anymore either, but a good friend I've made on these boards changed my mind. He informed me that although he doesn't agree with many of my opinions, he's open-minded enough to debate my views on a friendly, intellegent playing ground.

What the women out there don't realize are that the obnoxious ones on the boards are few and far between. I see many good, considerate, helpful, knowledgeable people on these boards, some of which stay away from this General Forum for the same reasons.

On a lighter note, the boards seem to be calming down thanks to the attentiveness of Ken, Dennis and the other moderators and there do appear to be quite a few women participating these days.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents.

 

EE, I almost forgot, growing up helping in my dad's service stations most of my younger days, hanging out with him in the pits at the dirt tracks and having 7 brothers probably helps with my love of trucks and hands on digging in.

 

Very eloquent Carlene, thanks for speaking up. I'm glad you hang out here.

Guys sometimes need to be reminded that not every issue has to be solved. I think its that communication style thing - guys tend to be linear and gals tend toward relational in problem solving.

For example (IMHO):
Guy 1: I have a problem with _____
Guy 2: Here's the solution ______


Gal 1: I'm having trouble with ________
Gals 2-8: Offer sympathy, share similar situations they've been in and how it came out, discuss resources they've found, offer reassurances, etc. ___________
Gal 1: Decides what she needs to do about her problem.


Both guy and gal arrive at the same conclusion, but by very different paths. My wife taught me that sometimes I need to just shut and listen as she tells me how she feels, without advice on how to solve things.

These boards by their nature tend to be problem/solution oriented. Live chat is more relational. Just my .02

 

Good thread..........EXCELLENT REPLIES!!!

It thrills me to see the ladies take part in our discussions. I do believe as Carlene said that women for the most part will steer clear of the real controversial posts. (They're not alone in this, there are lots of men who do the same). Sometimes it takes more intelligence to keep your own counsel than it does to speak. I've always felt the fairer sex had this attribute cornered. And as Tim (mtflat) points out, we arrive at similar solutions by different paths. One is short and swift and possibly time saving and convienent. The other is patient and long suffering and well thought out. Which is best? Neither. It's all in how we're put together and what works best for us.

We have some very intelligent(not to mention knowledgeable when it comes to turnin wrenches)ladies here and I take great pride in sharing this board with them.

As to why more of them don't speak up.......maybe it's like my mama always said.

They can't get in a word edgewize!!!

Hehe

Ron

 

I've more than accepted the fact that I'll never find a woman with genuine interest in automotive mechanics, or any of my other hobbies. Then again I think that a female with interests in the following would be very scary indeed:

1) Hot Rods, muscle cars, classic trucks, antique restorations

2) Civil Engineering, reinforced concrete, steel construction, Force Protection (anti-terrorism as it relates to the building code), land development

3) Hard Rock/Metal

4) Golf

There are no women with genuine interest in these things, but I'm okay with that. I honestly think the fact that there are women like Carlene and Jen here at all is suprising. No offense to women, but this is really geared towards male interests. I wouldn't expect to see many women participating in a forum about beer, football, or trucks. Then again, I go to an (almost) all-male military academy, so I'm fine with waiting for the weekends to be around females. An all-male environment breeds a very conservative opinion. In contrast, an all-female group encourages excessively liberal opinons. It often times completely shocks me to debate things with College of Charleston students, they are so incredibly liberal.

on liberals: "if your mind is too open, your brain will fall out" -Dennis

Different creatures, different interests.

'77 F100, 302 (the aftermarket Prodigy), C4
Cadet Second Lieutenant John F. Daly III
South Carolina Corps of Cadets, The Citadel
The TorqueKing

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 23-Oct-02 AT 09:11 AM (EST)]>I've more than accepted the fact that I'll never find a
>woman with genuine interest in automotive mechanics, or any
>of my other hobbies. Then again I think that a female with
>interests in the following would be very scary indeed:

Never say never.

>1) Hot Rods, muscle cars, classic trucks, antique
>restorations

You might be suprised at how many women share this interest you just have'nt found one yet.

>2) Civil Engineering, reinforced concrete, steel
>construction, Force Protection (anti-terrorism as it relates
>to the building code), land development

Yes this one would be scary it's a guy thing.

>3) Hard Rock/Metal

Try again i also know quite a few woman(including my daughters) who love Rock and Metal.

>4) Golf

I don't even understand golf.

>I honestly think the fact that
>there are women like Carlene and Jen here at all is
>suprising.

I don't think this suprising there are more women here than you think just not as vocal as Carlene and Jen.

>No offense to women, but this is really geared
>towards male interests.

Thats *old school* thinking actually there are more women getting involved in the maintenance of their own vehicles these days than ever.


John i've been married three times and every one shared my interest in street rods,music and guns to an extent(they just did'nt like hunting oh well 2 out of 3 aint bad).Like i said *never say never* there are women who share these interests so don't give up you might just find one when you least expect it.


Just my 2 cent's.

Wiz

[link:www.clubfte.com/users/thewiz427/index.html|"Wiz's Place"]

 

I agree...I think that there are move of us out there (or here) than you think. We're just pickier and choosier as to when to participate. ..

Yes, this is an obviously male dominated forum...but hey, when I want a female forum I can always find one on the internet. Has anyone ever checked out Lonelyplanet.com? It's got some really funny female stuff to read and respond to if one should desire.:* :*

I've gotten some really good advice regarding my truck..and I'll always stop here first with any truck questions. Some of the general forum conversations are just crying out for female logic and emotion...I think if more of us jumped in now and then we could really have some fun. Yes, women are more liberal..just by our nature..but it's not a bad thing. You might learn something !! :7 :7 :7

Lisa

 

OK T.K. - Lets See:

>>>1) Hot Rods, muscle cars, classic trucks, antique restorations

You apparently haven't been through my user gallery or several of the other women's galleries. Also, you must not attend many rod or classic car shows.


>>>2) Civil Engineering, reinforced concrete, steel construction, Force Protection (anti-terrorism as it relates to the building code), land development

You got me on this one. Other than helping build stuff around the house, I'm not interested, I like the A/C too much.


>>>3) Hard Rock/Metal

I gave that up when I left puberty. I still pull out those old 78's now and then though. (for you young 'uns, that's a joke)


>>>4) Golf

I honestly don't know if I would like golf or not. It looks boring on TV and I don't have the time to take up another hobby at this point anyway. My mom likes it, does that count.

I can't see you finding any women with any of these interests because that's not what you're looking for. The sad thing is that the "stay at home, barefoot & pregnant" women are getting to be almost nonexistant anymore. There's more and more of Jen & I our there everyday.

I love beer, I'll get into football once the Series and Nascar are through for the year and as for liking trucks, again, check out my gallery. I like cooking, just about any kind of craft stuff, sewing and all that non-guy stuff too.

 

I've learned that although it is fabulously uninteresting to many women, it's nice to take them along to cruise ins. Ever found somebody who isn't very outgoing, but has a nice ride, and you really want to get him to spill the beans about his setup? it takes 10 seconds to brief the girfriend on what to ask him, then tell her to walk up and start asking. Sounds dumb, but guess how many people will not answer questions from a good looking girl? It works on even NHRA Pro-Stockers too.

I get scolded from my girlfriend whenever I talk about trucks, but she's got a mind for politics that keeps me busy, and I usually lose. I'm fine with keeping the hobby to my buddies. Also Carlene, remember that most of the girls at car shows are groupies, and barely know the people they came with, and are simply there because they think it makes them cool to stand next to a cool car. This is most prevalent in the import scene, but I've seen plenty of Muscle care groupies, they're everywhere.

'77 F100, 302 (the aftermarket Prodigy), C4
Cadet Second Lieutenant John F. Daly III
South Carolina Corps of Cadets, The Citadel
The TorqueKing

 

I see it two ways.
For the most part, I think many women partake of the normally male-dominated events, such as hockey and car shows, so they can be with their man. Sporting events aren't so much about the sport anymore, but the party and comraderie. I know lots of women that watch sports, but don't have a clue (men too). Today it is just the "thing to do", kind of like a fad. It's a "keeping up with the Jones's" thing.
The other women indeed have an interest in the events and happenings. They want to have an active part in what's going on. I am trying to coach my 14 y/o daughter along those lines. She is the one that decided her '64 F100 would be orange. She decided on a 351W, instead of a 460. She is helping to pick the parts and will also be doing some of the work.
I would welcome more female input. Even on controversial matters, it's nice to hear varying opinions. What most have to remember, though, is these are "opinions", and everyone has one. It can't be wrong. That is where the name calling and rough threads come in. Someone takes what one person says as a personal attack on their views, then feels the need to defend them irrationally.
I have always believed men think logically, and women think emotionally. For the most part, that seems to be the way it is. Lately, many men have been on the emotional side. Must be the "inner woman" taking over.
Don't be afraid of saying something that others won't like. This is the internet, and we don't know you or where you are, so nothing can come of it. Then, if somebody responds improperly, consider the source.