This is something I have extremely mixed feelings about.
On the one hand, HN has enabled so many of us to learn about startups, and has leveled us up in our careers in so many ways.
On the other hand, HN is a bastion of toxicity, is extremely uninclusive, and so all this learning is only available to people willing to lurk in the cesspool.
Inclusivity could certainly be worked on. However, I feel like it is being worked on and I don't actually find it a bastion of toxicity. (I know of a forum I see that way. It isn't HN.)
I appear to be the highest ranked woman here. My old handle, Mz, was briefly on the leaderboard.
Posting as openly female here has always been challenging. It's better than it used to be. Among other things, I see more women with more than 2k karma than I used to.
There is still room for improvement. My feeling is that YC is remarkably inclusive without really making a big deal out of it. My feeling is the HN mods are interested in making HN more inclusive.
I do realize there are significant challenges. I don't think it is due to HN being a bastion of toxicity.
I’m fascinated that you think this. HN has been the only community I’ve ever been a part of that consistently smacks down uncivil commentary—sometimes my own, usually rightly.
Where are you finding a less “toxic” community? I’d love to check it out.
