Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

My children’s book on technology raised 100k within 24 hours – here’s how

lindaliukas.tumblr.com

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

61–70 of 118 posts

Re: My children’s book on technology raised 100k within 24 hours – here’s how

#61

Post by Pxtl »

kyberias wrote: post #38
adamman wrote: post #36

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You're also a dick.

He might be a dick but it's still a valid argument.

What, that the dominant/only reason men want more women in tech is to have sex with them? Really? Do people really think the bulk of the men in tech are that cynical?

We can be brutally honest and say that yes, having women who share our passions (and workplaces) would be good for the personal lives of many developers. But I don't think there's any advocate for more women in the industry who would see that as anything but a fringe benefit.

Re: My children’s book on technology raised 100k within 24 hours – here’s how

#62

Post by nivla »

goldenkey wrote: post #18

I'm pretty sure the only reason this is getting so much funding is because the majority of computer science folk are horny men who are glossing over the dreamhouse attire / makeup / presentation put on in the video. "Hi I'm little Ruby and I wear polka-dots and pink lipstick, let me be your fantasy" That said, I did fund it, because I'm a horny coder and Linda is very sexy.

Although you have a point, it does lie within the mix of others. There are horny men in every sector/industry but yes it is much noticeable in the IT and gaming sector. However this has a lot to do with the social settings, stereotypes and minority/majority issue. I remember once setting up an Xbox account for my gf and making her play a round of some game (she is not into gaming). I was amazed at how many friend request and messages she received in such a short period of time.

There are three types of people who funded this project:

1) People who were really interested in the book.

2) People who saw a woman and thought funding it would be right thing to encourage and lessen the gender divide.

3) People who saw a pretty girl and wanted to please.

I honestly don't believe the third type of people were responsible for the majority of funding. Why? Simple, most of them would have tried to get in touch with her by now and since its not a pleasant experience getting creepy messages from strangers, had it happened, it would have been mentioned on her blogpost.

The reasons why I din't fund?

I was turned off by the marketing video. She was being unnecessarily flirtatious/kiddish with the camera. Not even once did they show an actual kid in the whole video, let alone trying to get them to learn from it.

I din't have a need for the product, or it wasn't appealing enough to have it for my nephew and niece.

Re: My children’s book on technology raised 100k within 24 hours – here’s how

#63

Post by sergiotapia »

MartinCron wrote: post #26
goldenkey wrote: post #18

I'm pretty sure the only reason this is getting so much funding is because the majority of computer science folk are horny men who are glossing over the dreamhouse attire / makeup / presentation put on in the video. "Hi I'm little Ruby and I wear polka-dots and pink lipstick, let me be your fantasy" That said, I did fund it, because I'm a horny coder and Linda is very sexy.

I won't even try to convince you not to be such a terrible sexist monster, but I will politely request that you: 1) Keep that shit to yourself 2) Don't attribute your perverse motives to others

I personally know 3 other people who contributed for the exact same reason. Not friends, but people I know personally.

Re: My children’s book on technology raised 100k within 24 hours – here’s how

#64

Post by sitkack »

eliteraspberrie wrote: post #37
j2kun wrote: post #19

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think you're downplaying the fact that many people still view computer science with mystery, fear, and antagonism. Improving pointlessly negative cultural attitudes from a young age is a worthwhile venture, and I wish someone would do it with mathematics as well.

An educational app for children's mathematics has been on my mind for years. But I always thought the market was too small. The success of this story is making me think about finally writing one, maybe less technical and more adventurous.

The funding level validates the kickstarter and the video not necessarily the topic. I totally support thoughtful, engaging intellectual children's apps. Build something small and see how well it sticks, iterate.

Re: My children’s book on technology raised 100k within 24 hours – here’s how

#65

Post by sitkack »

Pxtl wrote: post #61
kyberias wrote: post #38

Earlier quoted context omitted.

He might be a dick but it's still a valid argument.

What, that the dominant/only reason men want more women in tech is to have sex with them? Really? Do people really think the bulk of the men in tech are that cynical? We can be brutally honest and say that yes, having women who share our passions (and workplaces) would be good for the personal lives of many developers. But I don't think there's any advocate for more women in the industry who would see that as anythin…

That isn't what was said. The video was extremely flirtatious. It had the same sexualized energy of a Disney movie about Tank Girl starring Bjork with the sound track by Blonde Redhead. It was way to over the top.

Re: My children’s book on technology raised 100k within 24 hours – here’s how

#66

Post by lifeisstillgood »

It took me a while to work this out - but I think its a great and brave choice.

Yes, totally agree software is "literacy 2.0". And yes, of course, we need pre-school books on software. I had weird books teaching me BASIC without putting it into context - and context not ability has been where I have missed opportunities or regreted actions.

So I applaud Linda for her insights, hope her world view is one I want my daughter to take into the 21 C, and look forward to seeing my copy at the end of the year.

Re: My children’s book on technology raised 100k within 24 hours – here’s how

#67

Post by king_jester »

goldenkey wrote: post #18

I'm pretty sure the only reason this is getting so much funding is because the majority of computer science folk are horny men who are glossing over the dreamhouse attire / makeup / presentation put on in the video. "Hi I'm little Ruby and I wear polka-dots and pink lipstick, let me be your fantasy" That said, I did fund it, because I'm a horny coder and Linda is very sexy.

Ugh. This video wasn't made for your male gaze. I can't believe you are sexualizing a video featuring a woman because its whimsical (well I can believe it, you sound like a tremendous asshole).

Re: My children’s book on technology raised 100k within 24 hours – here’s how

#68

Post by Pxtl »

sitkack wrote: post #65
Pxtl wrote: post #61

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What, that the dominant/only reason men want more women in tech is to have sex with them? Really? Do people really think the bulk of the men in tech are that cynical? We can be brutally honest and say that yes, having women who share our passions (and workplaces) would be good for the personal lives of many developers. But I don't think there's any advocate for more women in the industry who would see that as anythin…

That isn't what was said. The video was extremely flirtatious. It had the same sexualized energy of a Disney movie about Tank Girl starring Bjork with the sound track by Blonde Redhead. It was way to over the top.

> sexualized

I am so not seeing this.

Re: My children’s book on technology raised 100k within 24 hours – here’s how

#69

Post by king_jester »

sergiotapia wrote: post #63
MartinCron wrote: post #26

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I won't even try to convince you not to be such a terrible sexist monster, but I will politely request that you: 1) Keep that shit to yourself 2) Don't attribute your perverse motives to others

I personally know 3 other people who contributed for the exact same reason. Not friends, but people I know personally.

I would distance myself from people who are that misogynist.

Re: My children’s book on technology raised 100k within 24 hours – here’s how

#70

Post by king_jester »

sitkack wrote: post #65
Pxtl wrote: post #61

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What, that the dominant/only reason men want more women in tech is to have sex with them? Really? Do people really think the bulk of the men in tech are that cynical? We can be brutally honest and say that yes, having women who share our passions (and workplaces) would be good for the personal lives of many developers. But I don't think there's any advocate for more women in the industry who would see that as anythin…

That isn't what was said. The video was extremely flirtatious. It had the same sexualized energy of a Disney movie about Tank Girl starring Bjork with the sound track by Blonde Redhead. It was way to over the top.

> The video was extremely flirtatious.

No it wasn't. It is whimsical and youthful, which fits with the theme of making a book for children. Attributing that personality type with flirtation is disturbing and misogynistic.

> It had the same sexualized energy of a Disney movie about Tank Girl starring Bjork with the sound track by Blonde Redhead.

Projecting much?

> It was way to over the top.

I find your sexist crap over the top.

Post reply on HN