A Word On Bora And The Science Blogging Community

I’ve written extensively about sexism in the past and am extremely troubled over the past week’s revelations regarding Bora Zivkovic.

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I've written extensively about sexism in the past and am extremely troubled over the past week's revelations regarding Bora Zivkovic. My read of the situation (some background here) is that he acted inappropriately. However, having been a science blogger since 2006 at Scienceblogs, Discover, Wired, and now SciAm, I must also acknowledge that he has done more to promote women and diversity within the science online community than anyone else. But what's bothering me most right now is observing several individuals now chiding Bora - as bloggers have a penchant to do - who have themselves acted just as, if not more so, inappropriately at meetups and conferences. That is not to say any such behavior is excusable, but I am reminded of the old saying about the pot and kettle. I genuinely feel sad over this entire situation.

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