I am saying that I think it is unnecessary to add a tag if what you are seeking is a male perspective. Male is considered the unspoken norm. The pronoun "he" is used when talking about an example/theoretical person, for example. Generally, especially on the internet, one is assumed male until disclosed otherwise. This isn't about Hubski demographics although the demographics here certain demonstrate that (I think). I understand that Yossarian is probably just trying to be inclusive and equal with his proposal (and see? I don't know for sure Yossarian is a dude, I'm just assuming because it's the given ) but, due to both demographics and expectations/assumptions, I find the proposal unnecessary. The girls' tag is set up, in part, in order to seek out a female perspective because male is the norm. If male is the norm, why specially mark articles for it? You already know most of the comments on most of the article are by boys anyway. It would end up being tag clutter, ultimately.
I've had the impression that there is lots more female here than in most forums. I would guess something like a 30/70 or maybe even 40/60 ratio. Is it because it is a women-friendly place or because women don't really hide their gender here? Or maybe it's because a couple a women here are amongst the most active users... I'm honestly getting curious about hubski's demographics, we should do another survey this year.This isn't about Hubski demographics although the demographics here certain demonstrate that (I think)
Somebody did a survey a year ago and at the time, at least, it was a crushingly, depressingly male place. Like, 93/7. I am heartened to see a lot more outspoken, demonstrably female posters. Not only are women generally more interesting, the notable presence of women tends to make men more polite. Perhaps we hit a tipping point. I sure hope so. I know all the chicks are on Pinterest but I just cannot figure that place out.
Yes, but there is a difference. If the tag is used to say, "hey, I want an informed, gender specific response to this post" then it may be a valid tag. Not all posts beg such types of responses. For example, you could post this: http://hubski.com/pub?id=131056 and tag it #byyski and ask in the text "Fathers of Hubski do you help inform your children's diets or does this fall largely to the mother?" -Bad example, but you get the point.
I don't see myself ever using either tag, but far be it for me to care one way or the other about how people use tags. I think it's always cool to see things like tags being used in ways I'd not considered. Go to town byy's and grrl's :)
I see your point about clutter. But I think, because of the above-average parsing ability of the denizens of hubski, it would be a value add. Also, from the philosophical perspective, where a binary exists it should be recognized, so even though it happens, it doesn't happen unconsciously.