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LinuxChix FAQ
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LinuxChix FAQ
Jennifer Vesperman
Deb Richardson
Converted to Docbook XML: Mary Gardiner
Copyright (c) Jennifer Vesperman and Deb Richardson. All rights reserved.
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| Revision History |
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| Revision 1.0 | January 4 2002 |
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| Mary Gardiner converts to Docbook XML |
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This is the general LinuxChix FAQ. You can find the latest version online
at http://www.linuxchix.org/content/docs/faqs/.
This FAQ is posted once a month to every public LinuxChix list.
Discussion of this FAQ is welcome on <issues at linuxchix.org>.
1. Why did Deb start LinuxChix?
2. Is LinuxChix solely for women? Are the lists solely for women? How
about the chapters?
3. If men are welcome, why call it LinuxChix?
4. What's a linuxchix chapter and how do I find one?
5. How do I start a LinuxChix chapter in my region?
6. Who drew the LinuxChix logo?
7. Who hosts the LinuxChix site and mailing lists?
8. Who is running LinuxChix?
1. Why did Deb start LinuxChix?
This was Deb's answer in the original FAQ:
There are two answers to this question. First, I started LinuxChix
because I thought it would be fun. Happily, I can report that my
suspicions were correct. The second answer is a bit longer.
I started LinuxChix because I got tired of seeing new users being
browbeaten for asking "stupid" questions. I got tired of seeing people
respond to perfectly valid questions with "RTFM", or "we're not a Linux
help channel", and other such not-terribly-useful things. I got tired
of the locker-room mentality of the more popular online Linux forums.
I started LinuxChix as an attempt to create a more hospitable community
in which people can discuss Linux, a community that encourages
participation, that doesn't allow the quieter among us to be drowned
out by the vocal minority.
There is a growing misconception that this vocal minority is
representative of the Linux community in general, and I wanted to do my
part in making sure that new Linux users realize that this is not the
case. The vast majority of the people in the Linux community are good,
friendly, helpful, generous people. These people don't have time to sit
and post on a web-based Linux forum, however, because they're too busy
out there trying to get real work done. The result is that the popular
web-based forums tend to be populated largely by people who have little
better to do with their time.
And that vocal minority has a strong tendency to be brash, harsh, and
intolerant of people who know less than they. This scares new users
off, and reflects badly on the Linux community as a whole. LinuxChix is
one attempt to offset the damage done.
I'm also happy to report that it's working. One very telling quote:
"The large egos are what turned me away from seriously running linux
for years. It's only once linuxchix came along that I felt comfortable
enough to really dive into it."
And that's exactly why I started LinuxChix. To give women who use Linux
a comfortable environment in which to discuss the OS they love; to
create a community that encourages and helps new users; to make others
realize that the vocal minority does not necessarily represent the
Linux community in general.
2. Is LinuxChix solely for women? Are the lists solely for women? How
about the chapters?
LinuxChix is intended to be an inclusive group where everyone is and
feels welcome. We do ask, however, that everyone keep in mind that it
is primarily inteded as a womens' group. What this means is: sexist
remarks are unwelcome. In fact, Deb originally asked that everyone
avoid all sweeping generalizations: sexism can be targetted at men as
well, which is also significantly uncool. All the silly -isms are
discouraged and will not be tolerated: sexism, ageism, racism, etc.
Lists:
No, the lists are for everyone, with the exception of the
<grrls-only at linuxchix.org> list, which is women-only.
As long as people are generally polite and helpful, anyone is
welcome on the other lists. The LinuxChix co-ordinator reserves the
right to change this policy at any time. Please try to remember that
these are lists primarily meant for women. Act as if your
mom/sister/daughter were subscribed, and everything should be fine
:).
"This is a list for respectful and supportive discussion of
issues regarding women, linux, and their intersection.
Discussion of gender issues is encouraged, however we're
striving for an environment free of the same old patriarchal
influence we face at work and from the other high-tech boy's
clubs."
--Taken from discussion on the list.
Remember the posting guidelines: 1) be polite, 2) be helpful. That's
all we ask.
Chapters:
Some of the chapters have found it necessary to restrict their
membership to women. Check the chapter's individual guidelines on
the website, or ask the chapter's membership.
3. If men are welcome, why call it LinuxChix?
LinuxChix is intended to be primarily for women. The name is an
accurate reflection of that fact. Men are welcome because we do not
want this group to be exclusive. Also, not everyone who considers
themselves female is necessarily biologically female. "Sex" and
"gender" are very different things.
4. What's a linuxchix chapter and how do I find one?
The LinuxChix regional chapters exist in several places around the
world. These chapters have been formed to give women who use or are
interested in learning about Linux a way to meet other women with
similar interests. These chapters are loosely organized, informal, and
they don't require (or imply) any form of membership or fees. Mostly
it's just women hanging out with women, talking tech over coffee
(and/or cheesecake :). You can find the list of chapters at
http://www.linuxchix.org/content/chapters/
5. How do I start a LinuxChix chapter in my region?
Starting a chapter is quite simple. Find people on our lists or
elsewhere who live in your area and might be interested in joining.
Once you have some people who are interested, you should arrange
semi-regular meetings. Holding "official" meetings once per month is
usually standard, with "unofficial" meetings happening more
spontaneously as people decide they want or need them.
Email <lcx.chapters at linuxchix.org> and give them contact details for
your chapter (your email at a minimum, or a chapter website if there is
one) so that they can link to you from the chapters webpage.
There are more suggestions for starting a chapter at
http://www.linuxchix.org/content/chapters/founding_a_chapter.
6. Who drew the LinuxChix logo?
The original LinuxChix logo was done for Deb by her immensely talented
friend Tom B. You can view his online portfolio at
http://www.tom-b.com/. A million thanks to Tom for doing up such a
great logo.
The other logos have been done by a variety of people. (If you made a
logo and would like to be credited by name, email
<lcx.faqs at linuxchix.org>.)
7. Who hosts the LinuxChix site and mailing lists?
For the first year of its life, LinuxChix was hosted by the very
friendly and helpful people at Hub.org Networking Services.
Between March 2000 and June 2001, LinuxChix was hosted at
http://www.linux.org.uk/, who generously donated space for the project.
Linuxchix is currently (since June 2001) hosted by Jenn and Dancer
Vesperman.
Thanks to everyone. Your generosity is astounding.
8. Who is running LinuxChix?
LinuxChix was imagined and started by Deb Richardson. She ran it until
June 2001, when she handed it over to Dancer and I (Jenn Vesperman).
We're now running it, with the subsections handed over to various
volunteers. We're incredibly grateful to the volunteers - they protect
us from burnout!
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