If you've got this far, then you have probably realised that being on-line is a different experience for women. For one thing, despite all the much-vaunted freedom and relative anonymity, the 'net can still be a frightening place for women. Misogynists, stalkers and men/boys with far too much ego and testosterone have a field day on the 'net. Now, I am very fond of one particular internet magazines, called ".net" but, as a woman, I find it biased, blinkered and narrow. The articles in the magazine tend to deal with business websites, games or the sites of teenage boys and men. Despite having women on their staff, they seem reluctant to write about the woman's experience of the 'net. If you were a woman, just getting into the 'net and reading their magazine, you would think that "pretty" sites, such as this one (!) are not the thing. Well, take no notice! You can build anything you want. Your site can be as pretty, graphics-rich and as personal as you want it to be. And, if you are careful, you can have just as pleasant and enriching an experience on the net as any man. My
advice would be to take a look at the women's on-line groups. Most
of them have a webring, which is a good place to start. If you surf
around a ring or two, you will find all the inspiration, sympathy and understanding
you need.
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