Male domination

I agree. However, given that this forum is a largely male domain, most of the time it's males bashing other males, and not always on the subject of hi-fi. Compared with other online communities, the What Hi-Fi forum is a relatively amicable and respectful place, even is some of us (myself included) cross the line from time to time. 

Out of interest, Charlotte, as one of the few female contributors to the What Hi-Fi forum, have you ever felt mocked or derided on the basis of gender here? Perhaps just as pertinently, have you read certain comments that, if not responses to your posts, take a rather patronising view of women?

You seem to pop in briefly from time to time, so a more visible presence would go a small way toward correcting the gender imbalance.

I joined this forum because it is run by a professional organisation and that should go some way to providing good moderation, which it does. So answering your question, I have never been berated here but I have been on another. I pop in periodically to look at the music thread to pick up new names and remind myself of older ones.

Not sure what you mean by a more visible presence.

[quote=char_lotte]I will tell you what it is from my perspective. I love music , have done for as long as I can remember due to my parents. The seriousness some people will go to in order to prove that their box of wires is so much better than all the other boxes of wires is a total turn off. I like reading about peoples experiences in something that I have an interest in regardless of whether they are "deluding " themselves. Cnoevil has it spot on with the "pontificating" point. It's a hobby meant to be enjoyed. For some the enjoyment seems to be belittling others. Its simply not on.[/quote]

You know how they say a car is an extension of ones manhood, it's pretty much a similar scenario with hi-fi IMO --, and it riles me too. On occasions I'm convinced people's egoes are so precious. This can be just a large oneupmanship/point scoring platform.

I think he means you should post more frequently. 

That's precisely what I meant, though thinking about it, my comment could be interpreted in all sorts of ways, some of which have misogynistic overtones.

My intentions were entirely innocent and respectful, honest...

I post in the hifi section if I need some ideas or if I need to indulge in "creepy flirting" or as it is known in grown up circles "having a laugh".

Most of my interest lies in the music section. However , I take your point.