I agree with Clare in that despite any good intent you can’t really trust the media, let alone anything to do with “reality” tv style shows. It just seems like they want to present an image that will give them ratings on that show.. whether that image is the distorted “beauty” image they have going or trying to pass off typical geek girls as being akin to Ugly Betty. (As much as the name of that show irks me.. I do love it as a sort of private role model I can relate to given my own issues)

It is TV and they will ham it up either way, whether it is making geek guys look like complete dorks or having a go at geek girls while they’re at it. From what I’ve read in this I’m pretty disappointed, but if anyone wants to exploit the opportunity, feel free

As a trans-girl I’d be way too terrified of having anything to do with tv shows

I also have no idea why this is on my twitter feed.. but hello.

1. the use of the word “reward” as pointed out by Amaya aka “prize”
2. The misleading first email that disclosed nothing of the nature of the request as pointed out by Michelle

The lessons learnt from this also fall into two categories I feel

1. Channel 7 use of words is sexist and offensive
2. The wording of an initial mis-leading email which could of been and should of been worded better

When we collect peoples email addresses for mailing lists we are also taking on a terms and conditions and also respect for those people who provided them. Therefore we take on the responsibility that we should honour those people by fully disclosing the nature of requests.

I do not feel that anyone has been directing there frustration at anyone person they have been directing it and the frustration of the two points mentioned for the two reasons mentioned.

From this we should learn and embrace the lessons and also as many have said many times when sending emails ensure you word them correctly or you may be misunderstood something I am sure has happened to us all in not only our careers but also in personal life?

To finish I would like to say as I stated before If the first email was worded correctly I would not have said I was interested which would of not lead to the second email being sent which would not have lead to me feeling belittled and offended. I for one feel not frustrated but I do hold hope that the above two mentioned lessons will be learn’t and taken on board.

I agree that the show is awful, and that the comments from Katie from the show were offensive, but I don’t agree that the girl geek sydney organisers should not have forwarded this email on. We are all intelligent adults here. Perhaps some women would like to participate, perhaps some would see it as an opportunity to present a good face (even if the producers are trying to go for entertainment and have bollocks ideas about “rewards”, “intelligence” and geek culture generally).

We can’t just disengage with everything we find to offend us. Indeed, if we are to actually make a difference in mainstream society we should take the opportunities, and not let the (mis)perceptions of a few tools get in the way. Unfortuantely mainstream television and media do reinforce (and invent?) the stereotypes which is massively problematic, but by not engaging at all we are making it too easy for them to misrepresent us.

Kinda like democracy, people disengage because they think they don’t like politicians/politics, but there is a whole world of engagement and democratic processes people can participate in and really make a difference

Also, I’m personally disappointed that some people have directed their frustration at the ggsydney organisers. We are all part of this community, and railing against things we *all* agree are a bit off by targetting individuals (let alone ones who contribute a lot to our community) is misdirected and damaging.

FWIW, I’ve brought up with the ggsydney organisers to potentially engage with either a media/tv outfit to present the reality of women geeks, or we could have some fun and make a youtube sketch poking fun at Beauty and the Geek, which could be awesome. After all, humour is often the sharpest sword and no doubt there are plenty of writers, digital arts, video, music, and acting girl geeks amongst us

“Opportunuties multiply as they are seized” Sun Tzu, Art of War

I was very put off by the idea of a girl geek date being offered as a ‘prize’ like we can prostitute ourselves for a reality show… but then I’m the kind of person that shies away from media. I think you did the right thing to offer people the choice but not endorse it.

I for one will not be signing up.