A reader writes:
This post on how hot Ryan Gosling has become arrives so shortly after your video about the dearth of female Dish readers … perhaps you've realized that attractive men are the common ground you and straight ladies can gather on?
Another writes:
One aspect of your personality that likely appeals to women (at the risk of feeding a stereotype) is your willingness to put your thoughts out there and fearlessly post the sometimes-scathing reader/blogger/pundit replies and takedowns. As you've said, we're watching your thoughts evolve in realtime. We're not stuck in a car with a man who won't ask for directions.
Another:
I think you connect very well with women (um, metaphorically speaking) because you are completely unafraid to criticize a woman and – please don't take this the wrong way – you let things get emotional on the Dish sometimes. Women love that.
For me personally, I have no clue as to why I have, for years now, felt very comfortable emailing you things that I probably would not email to anyone else. I suppose I trust you, and I suppose that is because you respect your readership whether men or women. Beyond little ol' me, I'd refer folks to your extraordinary It's So Personal series in which both women and men share ultra-personal stories of their experiences with abortion. No one would've written you those emails without trusting in your respect for women.
More thoughts from female readers here. Unfiltered feedback on our Facebook page. A dissent that stands out:
I have always been displeased with the way the Dish has co-opted certain topics like genital mutilation, for example. You write about it only in terms of how men are affected. In a way, I get your rhetorical point but you also are making the point that how women are affected is of no priority for you. That might have something to with why the Dish lags behind in female readership.
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