3 replies to this topic

[Jill]

Do you believe that female speakers are under-represented at SEO conferences? And if so, why do you think that is?

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[Mikl]

Jill, I must say I was surprised to see this question in the newsletter - especially coming from such an eminent authority as yourself.

 

When you go to a conference, you expect the speakers to be expert in their field, and skilled at imparting their knowledge before an audience of their peers. That's what matters. Why on earth should the sex of the speaker have anything to do with it? And why should females - or males - be "represented" by the speaker? The speaker is chosen for his or her skills, not to "represent" a particular group of people.

 

Will you next be asking if speakers should be chosen according to their religion or the colour of their skin?

 

Mike

[Jill]

I was only asking because there have been a number of articles about this topic lately and I wanted to see what others thought about it. Overall I agree with your sentiment, but that doesn't mean the question shouldn't be asked. My apology if it offended you. 

[Mikl]

It didn't offend me, Jill. I was just surprised. But I take your point that you were simply asking the question.

 

Mike