Take two
Well this has proven to be a pretty pathetic attempt at blogging so far (oops). But now I’m re-motivated again and feeling slightly [over?-]confident having finally dusted off my Twitter account late last week. If I can microblog (does anyone remember that’s how they used to describe it before it became a word/concept/culture unto itself?), I should be able to properblog, right?
Blah blah blah
That said, my excuse for the past 7 months is that [almost] everything’s been written! Matter of fact, I think more people should just shut up and stop talking, rambling and blogging… Why should I contribute to all of the noise, fodder, naval gazing and random thoughts? At first I thought perhaps I could offer some interesting commentary on the world of tech/startups/VC/company building, etc, but let’s be honest — everything under the sun is already being written about 1000 times more than necessary by people much smarter than me such as the team behind askthevc, Fred Wilson, Dave McClure and literally hundreds of other people more prominently in “the scene”, so what could I possibly have to add to the discussion regarding paying to pitch [don't do it], fees [get at least 2 term sheets so you can have a chance at negotiating for respectable terms], ideal term sheets [it's all out there if you Google a bit], how to build great founding teams [ditto], how much VCs need to change [agreed that funds are getting too big], how they’re coming back [Q32009 looks good] or how Europe [UK] is different than the US [where do I start?]
Keep your clothes on
However, I have been thinking about something lately that hasn’t been written about (at all) and that is why women in the London tech ecosystem should not participate in the Nude London Tech Calendar 2010. I know my opinion is going to annoy some people, and I’m sure it will really annoy the organizers (and I know it’s all for charity) and they have much more web presence than I do [none], but still it needs to be said out loud. I know for a fact that there’s a lot of discussion, chatter, snickering and opinions being offered 1:1 and in small group discussions, and while there’s great PR so far in support for the calendars, no one’s coming out publicly to call this out and just say firstly “Come on, get real” and “For god’s sake ladies, take a pass”.
On the first point, let’s be real and brutally honest here. If you want to raise money for charity, there are a million other ways to do it. Organize a 10k, half-marathon, marathon, 3-legged race, whatever. Set up a contribution basket/box at the next TechCrunch event. Organise an event, lunch, drinks and have people contribute there. I mean seriously, is there a business plan around this calendar? How much money is the team seriously expecting to make? How many calendars do you have to sell to make up for the value of the time of all the tech people who will not be working, building companies, investing or consulting while they work on this calendar? (Just take the value of their salaries, options and carry and put that into the charity.)
Not a girl’s girl
Now on the latter point, I do not want to be the “Woman in tech/vc/startups who just writes about women’s issues”, because if you know me, you’ll know I’d rather shoot myself in the head, but no one is saying this in public, so I might as well: Grow up. Do not pose for that calendar, even if it’s for charity, and even if you’re so super secure and confident in your abilities to [run a company, manage people, attain huge success, etc., etc.] that you don’t mind being proud about your physical attributes as well… (Who cares?)
Let’s be clear, my advice that you shouldn’t pose is directed at men too — Girls, guys, everyone, just get real. Keep your egos in check, grow up a bit and even if you’re better looking than the average person-in-tech, it still doesn’t mean people will buy a calendar with your picture in it.
However, more especially for women, and not just for the obvious reasons. Speaking of those, let’s just get those out of the way…
If you’re in this business and want to be taken seriously as a woman, keep your clothes on. If you want to be perceived and judged as clever, quick-witted, with good business acumen, laser-focussed on your work and generally with your shit together, then keep the primary attention and focus on your cerebral achievements and don’t over-flaunt your physical assets.
That was straightforward enough, right? So here’s the other less obvious reason you should not pose nude (even “tastefully”, whatever) for a calendar…
If you’re confident about your appearance and even feel that it might be a bit of an advantage for you (which I will never disagree with), then keep an air of mystery going…! Why the f’k bare the goods for everyone and their brother to see in a calendar? Keep the allure, maintain the mystery, keep the attraction going and the phermones pumping and don’t blow all that future “networking” and deal-making on a calendar.
The more things change..
This is classic “how to get a man” or basic “how to stay interesting” logic. High heels, pencil skirts, just a bit of ankle, leg, neck, shoulder, all of it … All much more alluring and interesting than someone who flaunts it (= skank). Maintain a bit of decorum and you’re going to get a lot more interest than if you take it all off.
I know the calendar is great PR (proven by all the mentions in TechCrunch, The Next Web even the Telegraph etc and all the tweets #LDNnudetech, but come on. This is not high school anymore.
We’re in tech. In theory that means we are innovative, intelligent and love a challenge. What happened here (in the name of charity)?
18 October 2009 at 22:09
When you dress everyone in similar colored clothing the bodies all blend and you’re attracted to the faces. Business News
19 October 2009 at 13:42
Couldn’t agree more. What on earth are they thinking? Surely not that they’ll be taken seriously as business people after doing something like this? You’re not at university any more, tech ‘scene’ people, time to grow up a bit.
19 October 2009 at 18:01
God yes. I wonder if any of the models knew it was for charity when they singed up, or if they just wanted to show themselves off.
19 October 2009 at 22:27
Well put.
When you look at the list of names who have been associated with this project it’s the usual mix of self-ordained “entrepreneurs”, opportunists and wannabies who talk a good game on the life of an “entrepreneur”, swan around from event to event lecturing others on how it’s done but yet haven’t got a a pot to piss in between them when it comes to showing something for their success. It’s pathetic. These people need to put as much effort into their businesses and careers as they do into managing their media personas.
Brave call of you to take this stand but I think you’re on to something here and may have tapped into an erstwhile silent zeitgeist.
22 October 2009 at 13:33
I think you are over-analyzing the whole thing.
What’s the big deal if some people just want to do it because it’s fun for them?
And the point about maintaining mystery? That has nothing to do with business (to me, at least).
I don’t do business with people based on their looks.
22 October 2009 at 13:36
I think that people should generally just get more of a sense of humour, take themselves less seriously and have some fun. I am in case you were wondering one of the entrepreneurs in the calendar (photo shoot this Sunday!). I’m not exactly a gym hunk, and I’m not expecting millions of people to buy the calendar – the point is, it’s generated a lot of PR and sponsorship for Take Heart India, a charity run by a good friend of mine and which I’d love to support. It’s taking almost none of my time (the photographer is coming to my flat to take photos on a sunday eve, not really sucking hours of my working life), and as far as I’m concerned if it helps the charity raise just £10 pounds then it’s worth it. In this light, comparing it to doing a 10k run is strange; that would suck a lot more of my time than this. But anyway, the real point is – no, we’re not in uni, but no, we’re only here for a short time and if we can’t have some fun and help some people along the way, then what’s the point anyway. If you don’t like it, don’t buy the calendar!
22 October 2009 at 13:45
What is this, 1920 ? It’s called a stunt and if the women in question are happy to do it, who are you to lecture them ? What bizarre moral rule can be conjured up to condemn this as either bad or good ? They can take chances with their own image and manage it the way they see fit. They can decide that their nudity does not expose them and that their credibility is based on something else than the air of mystery and stilletoes. And I don’t know what intelligence and tech have to do with this.
Steve Logan needs to take a 3-months break from whatever he is doing and relax. Yes, the seed tech scene lives in its own little bubble and seems occasionally self-centered. And so what ? Does it mean it does not also breed the occasional brilliant talent ? What’s your point and what silent zeigeist would this be ? Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
22 October 2009 at 14:24
A thought-provoking piece, and although I don’t agree, concede you approached it in a balanced and interesting way.
I am one of the participants in the calendar, and female, and I am CEO of my company, so clearly I am going to have different views. Let me share my reasons for participating, and where I differ in my views.
Let me first preface this by saying I aim to be seen as cerebral, “clever, quick-witted, with good business acumen, laser-focussed on your work and generally with your shit together”. I have worked incredibly hard to build my company, and take pride in what I have achieved. The fact I’m a woman hasn’t been a big issue for me historically: I have a technical background, and have never felt prejudiced for my gender.
I wanted to participate in this calendar for a few reasons. First and foremost, it sounded fun: like sky-diving, its something scary I haven’t done before, probably won’t again, but its fun-spirited and pushes me out of my comfort zone, which I find challenging and hopefully rewarding when this is over.
Secondly, I personally (and I know others may not agree with me) think the cause for women is progressed when you push boundaries gently but insistently. I would like women to be considered respectable and with integrity, despite participating in a fun cheeky calendar, so I’ll put myself forward, and hope that the people that know me, and respect me, know that I haven’t compromised anything.
And I have long wanted to attract more girls into IT as a career, but it has been historically tarnished by the perception it is very male, unattractive, nerdy and not fun. I would hope this calendar goes some way to suggest the opposite.
Healthy diverse debate is fantastic, but I would be heartened to see some more support for this endeavour, particularly from other women. I am not doing this because I want to flash my wares, entirely the opposite, it was scary and I’m nervous. But I will hold my head up high and hope that the goals I have aspired to with my participation in this calendar are achieved in some part.
22 October 2009 at 15:01
“keep your clothes on… then keep the primary attention and focus on your cerebral achievements and don’t over-flaunt your physical assets.”
I am extremely offended by the above statement. I am a business woman and I support whole heartedly women in business especially those who have founded or co-founded a business – it takes sheer courage and determination.
And have to read this SEXIST 18th CENTURY BULLSHIT, is so disappointing.
Good luck to the women and men who have volunteered to be naked in the Calendar – hope it’s a great success and raises much needed awareness and funds.
22 October 2009 at 15:10
[...] over. All this palaver about why women should keep their clothes on made me come out of my blogging retirement. Here are [...]
22 October 2009 at 15:17
Thought-provoking post. It got me so wound up and ended up blogging for the first time in months. You can read my 10 reason for doing the calendar on http://blog.girlaboutweb.com. It comes down to one thing: it’s all about me, me, me.
22 October 2009 at 15:48
First of all, this idea was made famous by the ‘Calendar Girls’ of the Women’s Institute ten years ago. ‘Middle England’ fell in love with them because it was fun, cheeky and shot in a tasteful and entertaining manner. Above all, it was for a good and personal cause. I don’t remember the models being described as ‘skanks’. So I don’t see this calendar idea as being quite as ‘high risk’ as is being portrayed here.
Secondly, the effect on the reputations of the ‘models’ will have a great deal to do with whether the calendar looks any good (no pressure then
).
Finally, lots will depend on what the entrepreneurs have to say about their involvement. Personally, I find Alicia’s messages above sensible, fun and inspiring. I think that the idea of attracting women into tech is credible, provided she can secure some interviews off the back of the calendar, which I’m sure she will.
The idea of posing for this calendar is neither ‘good’ nor ‘bad’. Time alone will tell, and I think the verdict will rest on the quality of the product and the stories the entrepreneurs tell the world about their involvement.
22 October 2009 at 16:18
Well said Fred.
I don’t think your response could have proved my point any better.
Having a tough day at the office?
22 October 2009 at 17:52
I am always concerned about people who think they know what is right / wrong and feel entitled to criticise or tell others how to lead their lives. I try hard not to do that.
22 October 2009 at 18:46
Wow, great discussion here, and a massive relief to me to read there are some people, and I’m not going to be completely ridiculed when this calendar comes out.
It may also be worth pointing out that when we say ‘nude’, its not completely nude. You won’t see anything that you wouldn’t see on the beach. The styling of the photos are also not very sexual – they are fun, sweet, cheeky. In all, nothing that will make it harder for me in a business meeting.
22 October 2009 at 19:17
Signal to noise ratio Fred? Maybe it should be investment returns / noise? We can all see your denominator but I hear your numerator doesn’t exit…
22 October 2009 at 19:38
Steve (whoever you may be), I have clearly offended you and I am sorry I did. As for my portfolio, it’s got a bunch of strong (and profitable) companies and I am quite happy with it, but thanks for the concern. Back to work for now, it was real.
22 October 2009 at 20:02
I won’t try to tell people whether they should take their clothes of or not. It’s not my place.
It is unfortunate however, that women do in *fact* need to work harder in order to be taken seriously and taking their clothes off, is not going to do them any favours. Some will like it, some won’t. But again, it’s fact that some people will not take them seriously in business – as unfortunate as it may be.
22 October 2009 at 20:38
I will definitely pay to see Joshua March ‘tastefully naked’.
22 October 2009 at 20:54
I’ve jumped in on the debate here:
http://www.sianyland.com/2009/10/why-london-nude-tech-is-good-thing.html
But the thing that’s getting to me is that no one is talking about the charity (Take Heart India for those of you who have forgotten). This blog post doesn’t even mention it. That’s pretty depressing.
22 October 2009 at 21:29
Perhaps that’s because those involved have hardly mentioned the charity itself, only that it’s ‘for a good cause’. Maybe they’re not that bothered about wich charity it is, maybe they’re just using the fact that it’s for a good cause as an excuse to indulge themselves. Maybe.
22 October 2009 at 22:20
Jen, good point, I guess I didn’t mention the charity because that isn’t what is being called into question. There is no doubt that the fact we are helping a worthy charity (that a very good friend of mine has championed for years, and who has told me stories about the impact donations make to the individuals in India that he has met) is a big part of why so many people have agreed to be part of it, not just the ‘models’ but the huge number of people involved in the background: the photographers, the people donating their offices for shoots, the camera crew, the organisers… its a mammoth effort, and we wouldn’t be doing this if it wasn’t a Xmas charity initiative.
But the reason I am getting involved in this discussion is that people actually are saying that “women do in *fact* need to work harder in order to be taken seriously”. Wow. Read that carefully again. Wow. The fact that I’m a woman means people are pre-disposed to not take me seriously?
22 October 2009 at 22:38
“The fact that I’m a woman means people are pre-disposed to not take me seriously?”
@Alicia: Er yes [relative to a man in business or tech]…
Are you truly suggesting that this has never occurred to you ever before today? I know you are *very* successfully running your business, but with all due respect your question seems a tad naive.
I’m not saying it [negative pre-disposition] can not be overcome nor that it necessarily lasts more than a nano-second (first impression etc), but the answer is absolutely yes.
That said (part of the implication of my post) was that one can quite easily and handily use this to one’s great advantage. Just citing from my own personal experience, there’s nothing better than someone who accurately appraises your value on first sight, however, a close second is pretty satisfying when you over-exceed someone’s expectations — especially if they foolishly underestimated you in the first place because of something as non-relevant as gender, etc. (ie, when you crush it).
22 October 2009 at 23:20
In response to ‘me’ above:
Of course it has occurred to me that there are people who naively assume that a woman can’t be strong in business or tech. I have studied an IT degree and worked in IT for 14 years. I’m aware there are challenges and pre-conceptions to overcome, in the same way that short men, large people, and gay people sometimes unfairly suffer from misconceptions and prejudice. It doesn’t mean it is right, or that we should pander to these opinions… I also don’t want to moan about it either, I hate women complaining about discrimination, and have long been an advocate of just proving them wrong with talent rather than asking for the world to instantly change their preconceptions, however silly I think they are.
I find myself, however, spurred into debate here because it isn’t my professional talent that is being discussed – the author of this blog has never met me or the other participating women in the calendar (who are all really smart, warm, ambitious women), yet thinks that a charitable participation in a tongue-in-cheek project where I am showing a little bit of skin (and not that much either!) will suddenly render all these prejudices correct, and that all hopes I had of being judged for my talents will be permanently erased.
I can’t change the world, and I am very pragmatic about accepting the fact that there are some views that need time to evolve. But I can’t sit here silent and be told that I should be demure and quiet lest judgemental people will not want to do business with me. I personally don’t think that is correct, and I have to put that belief strongly forward.
The gay movement would never have advanced if gay men accepted they shouldn’t kiss or hold hands in public if they wanted to be taken seriously; women would not have progressed as much as we have if we accepted that we should only wear skirts and dresses (no smart trouser suits) to job interviews (which I was told categorically was *fact* when I was 18); etc. Sometimes you have to push the boundaries a little if we are to effect change.
23 October 2009 at 07:56
“…and have long been an advocate of just proving them wrong with talent…”
Absolutely agreed (was thesis of my post)
“the author … thinks that a charitable participation in a tongue-in-cheek project where I am showing a little bit of skin … will suddenly render all these prejudices correct, and that all hopes I had of being judged for my talents will be permanently erased…”
Well no that’s not actually what I think nor what I was saying (although some others might), just didn’t think it would necessarily help… Rebecca F said it very well (and much more succinctly than I) in comments to Rebecca T’s post here: http://www.computerweekly.com/blogs/witsend/2009/10/is-the-nude-london-tech-calendar-a-good-idea.html#comment-1912099
And finally it’s true we’ve not met formally, although you were recently in my office, so next time I’ll be sure to introduce myself and we can chat properly — about business-!
23 October 2009 at 15:15
Hang on! Someone is posting here and using my name. I did the original Steve Logan post, and the second, but not the third about “signal to noise ratio”. Someone is using my name to throw insults at Fred Destin and it ain’t me.
However, to Fred I will say that your post about trying hard not to tell others how to live their lives is ironic given that you openly criticised people here for having what you called (I’m paraphrasing) “1920s values” and told me I need to take a 3 month holiday. Eh, isn’t that telling us how to live our lives? Must try harder, methinks.
It also sounds to me like you are one of the “people who think they know what is right / wrong” when you imply to me that my views on this calendar are incorrect yet you too insist on telling me of my ill-doings. Again, it’s all richly ironic, don’t you think? As we’re talking about planks in our eyes, you might want to check your own first!
You see my point, Fred?
Judge not, lest ye be judged
23 October 2009 at 15:22
Hell, Steve I am not going to apologise a second time here, am I. Presenting personal judgement as *fact* (see paulwalsh above) and imposing one’s morality or preconceptions on others is what I do not like. I am not forcing you to pose in the calendar, but I don’t think we should pass judgment those who choose to do so. Live and let live. You are entitled to your views but you should also apply them to your own life only.
23 October 2009 at 18:13
[...] Both men and women can, and like to, look good naked. And, we like looking at them. Recently, Eileen Burbridge (@eileentso) ranted, second-guessed herself (a lot!) and raved about why it was so bad for this [...]
23 October 2009 at 18:28
It’s a calendar girl style fundraiser for an amazing charity. MUCH more exciting than raising money by running or sponsoring another marathon.
And…this is not just any charity. Take Heart India stands out in that all the money donated to the them goes straight to the education and improvement of young people’s lives in India. Nobody inside the charity gets paid a pence, all volunteers.
Have a look, and spread the word: http://www.takeheartindia.org/main.htm
As to how the funds are being raised and people getting their clothes off, this is exactly the type of thing we need to be doing more of as a generation. As long as it is done tactfully and respectfully (which it is) the calendar is a much more effective way to raise the profile and some money for Take Heart India.
So get involved when the calendar comes out in November. Buy one or two. Mention it to your friends/colleagues/moms/dads/grand parents. It’s chatworthy and word will slowly spread about Take Heart.
To the critics, respect as ever, but let’s come together and get more people having a laugh while raising money for things that matter.
Let’s all put some creativity (and maybe even a bit of cheek from time to time) into how we make a difference.
Again that link:
http://www.takeheartindia.org/main.htm
PS full disclosure i am one of the many volunteer organisers helping to support the project.
23 October 2009 at 21:18
I’m hearing an awful lot of defensiveness. You don’t need our permission, naked people.
25 October 2009 at 16:49
What’s insulting is the arrogance of all those taking part to describe what they are doing as charity. For Navarro, this is business. She has a track record. She’s used charities before to promote her business in national newspapers and so far donated approx zero to charity. If I’m wrong, prove it. She benefitted from tens of thousands of pounds of exposure in the press earlier this year talking on behalf of charities. Declare the tens of thousands paid to which charities.
If we are heading for class warfare the self serving pin ups in this calendar are the reason why.
Charity from Matthew 6:2 is “So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.”
25 October 2009 at 16:56
delphi – what complete utter crap. You obviously don’t know any of the people involved personally whatsoever.
And if you want to get religious about it, the old testament makes clear that if you’re doing good work, that’s what matters – not the intention behind it. Personally, if it gives an ego boost to a few people, or even a business benefit (highly unlikely) – who cares? It’s still helping people who need help.
Obviously you’d prefer them to suffer to ensure no-one can feel good about themselves for helping others out. How charitable of you. What I find insulting is the utter arrogance of you to come on here and insult people hiding behind a layer of online anonymity.
25 October 2009 at 18:24
What I’ve said is mainly based on fact which you haven’t disputed apart from your reference to the old testament. The Bible teaches if it is charity wait until you get to heaven for your reward. Tell your fellow man and you are acting in your own interests. You’re right in saying I don’t know the people involved. I read comments by the organiser on another post. His exchanges were nasty. Are you honestly saying this is a character whose motivation in life is charity, who leads a charitable life in a religious sense?
25 October 2009 at 18:56
Hi Delphi,
I don’t know what I have done to make you dislike me so much, or to presume I’m such a nasty person. Please, for what its worth, perhap assume innocent until proven guilty. I’d be more than happy to answer any questions you had about my business, rather than leap to assumptions.
I presume you are talking about good.ly, the charity URL shortening service we launched? For the record: I invested a huge amount of development time and budget building something I genuinely believed would serve the dual purpose of being good for business and good for charity. There is a strong trend towards social business, one doesn’t have to be 100% altruistic and a penniless monk to try and do good. Of course I want my business to be successful, I work very hard in a high risk business where I have invested everything I have, and now employ a few people… its not much, but its what a growing economy is about. Its not by default evil just because its business.
And I built this strand of my business because I thought it would be nice to try and build something that benefited charity as well.
However, although good.ly is used by many as a URL shortener, it hasn’t yet generated the revenues I had hoped. This is disappointing after so much effort, cost and hope, but that is business, you try a few things, some work some don’t.
When we realised we didn’t make as much money as we hoped for the charities, we made the decision to give 100% of it to charity rather than keep any ourselves (the arrangement originally had been that we’d keep 45%). They will be paid as all recipients of our affiliate income will be. If you had asked me, I would more than happily have told you. Its disappointing you felt the need to leap to very negative and slanderous assumptions – in a public sphere – about me and my business. I urge you to come and have a coffee with me, so you can decide for yourself if I deserve the judgement you have cast so quickly on me. Contact me via my website.
25 October 2009 at 19:58
Thank you for your honest reply. The fact you have created a product from nothing in a recession, that you employ people, export a UK product, of course you should be proud of this.
However….. I remain ultra senstive about commercial involvement with charity.
26 October 2009 at 15:01
Someone posted a comment from my article above, which wasn’t actually me.
But, here is my article about it in full: http://www.zath.co.uk/shut-up-and-take-off-all-your-clothes-ldnnudetech-calendar/
People should simply start being a little more proud of themselves and their achievements.
26 October 2009 at 19:03
Largely in response to http://tinyurl.com/yfos2e4
This is getting ridiculous. Think it’s time I waded in the debate. I haven’t done so yet because, quite frankly, I have more important things to do with my time and energy, like working on the relaunch of my company, than trying to justifying actions that clearly don’t need justifying.
Hell, If I’d listened to all the people that had told me ‘no’ or ‘you can’t do that’ or paid attention to people ‘bitching’ then I wouldn’t have achieved half the things I’ve achieved. Part of being an entrepreneur is about taking risks and as Alicia quite rightly says pushing boundaries. I understand from experience If you do something differently people will react- it’s human nature, people are adverse to change. Constructive debate is good, but the debate surrounding the calender is becoming a personal attack on all involved.
Get a grip: We don’t live in the 18th Century- You’d see more sexual suggestiveness in Madonna’s latest music video or in a copy of the latest Cosmopolitan magazine. These are people/publications that a vast majority of young females aspire to be like/read as standard media. If you’ve got beef with us going nude in a tasteful and dignified manor for charity then maybe you should be directing you’re beef at our explicit society as a whole.
Secondly, Eileen and Rebecca you’ve set yourselves double standards in focusing on the women in the calender, hello? has everyone forgot, there are 12 men doing the calender as well -So let me get this straight – If you had it your way you’d just have 12 men posing nude and not the women as ‘it could be detrimental to their business reputation’ and not the mens’? If the answer is yes then you yourselves are discriminating against women – according to your view women might as well not even start a business because being a woman means people are pre-disposed to not take us seriously and therefore we might as well not even try or alternatively dress in a burkha?
Faisel in saying there are ‘other ways to raise money for charity’ you are also scrutinizing all the money raised for by the original Calander Girls for Cancer research and also the many ‘copy’ nude calenders who have collectively raised thousands for charities all over the world- are you saying they’d have raised more money doing a walk? I don’t think so. Eileen, Faisel- If you think being in tech we could have come up with something more ‘innovative’ -then why don’t you come up with something ‘original’ yourself and organise the whole thing? Go on, do it, I double dare you.
I believe the Internet is a catalyst for changing the way people are doing business; The stuffy, corporate mindset is shifting to a more personal one; social media is a prime example of people wanting to connect on a human level- The views of those opposing the calender seem to be stuck in the old corporate mindset, I envisage (and hope) in the future they will be lost with the decline of old media and people wanting to write their own rules in business will be able to do so without having to waste time dealing with unfounded prejudice.
Take Heart is a brill charity- If you think western entrepreneurs are something – you should see India’s entrepreneurs- they are the most resourceful and really can turn nothing into something- Even though a waste of time, i hope this debate, if anything, draws more attention to the cause and in turn raises more money for Take Heart India.
26 October 2009 at 19:25
Eileen, it must be said that your return to blogging is one to be savoured
Well done, I never managed to get such a comment thread to flourish. Note to self: post about naked VCs next.
26 October 2009 at 23:39
In the haste I published the pre-final post!
here: http://techfluff.tv/2009/10/26/wading-in-on-the-nude-debate/
31 October 2009 at 01:27
Self-congratulatory, sickening promo video and a tired concept. The calendar worked for the WI because they were lovable and old.
The fun and humility is lost when the self-proclaimed “Entreprenural Elite” blow their own trumpet in public like this. The whole thing is distasteful, egotistic and typical of Milo’s attention seeking that puts himself first and charity a dim afterthought.
4 November 2009 at 23:06
[...] charity, Take Heart India. As with most things that Milo gets involved in there has been a bit of controversy, but I have to say in this instance I just think it’s a case of some feminists getting their [...]
5 November 2009 at 15:18
[...] I'm still pretty indifferent, and mention the calendar on this blog long after I heard about it, mainly because of a blog shared by Techcrunch Europe editor Mike Butcher on Twitter this week by Eileen Burbridge. [...]
17 November 2009 at 19:48
Wowzers, this blog is quite sexist!
“This is classic “how to get a man” or basic “how to stay interesting” logic. High heels, pencil skirts, just a bit of ankle, leg, neck, shoulder, all of it … All much more alluring and interesting than someone who flaunts it (= skank). ”
–whoever wrote this makes me want to throw up, did you grow up in India or Iran?
I agree about being judged based on first impression though and prejudice against females in computer science field, I experienced plenty of that myself. Yes, this 1st impression and projecting the right image is very important… that’s why I have some biiig muscles to show off, so yep they get that first impression just rite, and there’re no mistakes who *really* wear pants and “who’s got the bigger balls”.
17 November 2009 at 19:51
ps: it’s not the “pencil skirts and a little bit of ankle” that gets u their respekt… it’s when they see you and they know u could use them as a gym weight. In my case, it’s also when they see the junk packed in my pants and wonder what my gender is…. discriminate against this… and ya going Down with LGBT rights lawsuit.
14 April 2010 at 11:35
That’s Too nice, when it comes in india hope it can make a Rocking place for youngster.. hope that arrive true.
1 May 2010 at 20:40
[...] Fred knows (despite and also because of his energetic comments on an earlier post of mine), I have the utmost respect for him and his years’ of investment [...]
17 May 2010 at 02:46
Excellent post. Hope to read a lot more good posts in the future.
30 November 2011 at 16:34
Great post. Hope to read a lot more good posts from you soon.