Trish

I'm a woman doing online business and because of the Internet I'm basically able to hide my gender and identity. Do you think then that the Internet is the only place where men, women, blacks, whites, etc., are being judged on their quality of work rather than anything else?

Julian

Oh, definately not. Anyone can be successful on the internet, the gender / race / religion doesn't usually effect you in any way if you have something interesting, unique, or promising to give to the users.

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darren

I think that thats a good point and one that I have never thought abought.

The internet is a great level playing field when it comes to business and one that has allowed hundreds of people to start up in business no matter what there age/sex/race etc.

anne

I think that online there is less prejudice, but there is still some there - when people in some areas find out I'm female, their attitudes do change. Of course theres usually no reason for them to know my gender unless they're paying clients that care.

I normally choose ender neutral user names, and nobody really needs to know your age/religion/race online.

Josie

I think it still does matter if you are male or female when doing online business, which is why so many women act gender-neutral or pretend to be male. Unfortunately the Internet is still viewed by most as a men's club, IMHO. Hopefully this attitude will change. Of course there are some businesses that customers do want a woman in charge or at least feel more comfortable with, but I find the majority of users assume you are a man unless you make it clear you aren't.

In a lot of ways, it's a level playing field out there, which is not the case in the brick-and-mortar world where you can't pretend to be something or someone other than you really are. As long as you don't pretend to be someone you aren't for a malicious reason, like trolling for kiddies , I don't see anything wrong in letting people assume you are a male when you're really female or taking the extra step and assuming the role. You may find though that at some point you have to "out" yourself and that can be risky and lose you clients if they feel this is a dishonest thing to have done.

Taking this thread to a slightly different place, since I've rambled on and started talking about it, do people think it's wrong to pretend to be something you're not (e.g., male instead of female, old instead of a teen, etc.) online???? I'm interested in others opinions on this part of the overall issue if anyone else would like to share (thanks to those who have already stated their position) ...

anteater

Nope I dont believe it matters one bit.
Besides the fact that men and women might have different views on certain products or services, when it comes down to the core of doing business, no one cares who you are!

anne

As a female I have had problems with ignorant or old-fashioned clients. Less so than in face-to-face business but the attitude is still there for some people.

Of course online, it is easier to wow people with your skills and get past the prejudice.

kris

It shouldn't matter. People should be "judged" on their talents and abilities and not other factors.

anteater

What did they do to you?
Did they make you feel inferior because you are a woman?

That is a real shame.

Chris Gwynne

I don't think it matters. I'm aware of a lot of online business woman who do extremely well, more so than a lot of men in the same field.

I think sex is less important on the internet, I think it more relies on credentials and skillset.