Bruins Nation Pick 'Em: Week 5

but here are a few thoughts.

It’s inherently awkward and probably not so effective to put out a general “call for women.” Better, I think, to proffer invitations to specific individuals. I can think of several, right off the bat. Come to think, I don’t know of a single female BN contributor whose writing I wouldn’t want to read.

Similarly, it’s probably better to offer specific roles or tasks than a general invitation intended to increase female participation. For example, as with Bellerophon’s Bruin Bites, perhaps a regular “column” to be penned by women? You could poll the women, privately or otherwise, on what kinds of posts they would like to see regularly.

And, in recognition of peoples’ busy lives, men and women alike, the invitation might be less daunting if responsibilities were shared. Maybe, one or more regular “columns” could be job-shared by several women, such that no one of them had to put in burdensome amounts of time.

Of course, all of this glosses over the tireless and prolific contributions of the current BN front pagers, of whatever gender. Worse, in thinking about how to attract women contributors, I may well be guilty of stereotyping and unintentional condescension. I should shut up now.

I don’t gamble, so I’m not very good when picking against a spread.

I’m more interested in wins than covering a number the handicapers pick to split the bet.

[/excuses]

That you used “Mr. F” in everyday conversation.