I thought Skinner's answer to Bain in ATA was very good.

[ismnotwasm]

58. I've read his replies

And while he won't take that final step and define sexist language, he himself may not know how insidious it is. Or maybe he is afraid he'd lose income-- but I think he'd actually attract income once some of the trash is taken out. I can't recommend DU to my friends, for instance, although I'd love for them to join our little group. Between the libertarian infestation and the blatant sexism, I don't even tell people the name of the site-- how sad is that?

I've talked to door to door political democracy activists who just shrug when they hear the name. I've met active users of Dailykos who had no respect for a community I've been apart of for ten years.

I just think Skinner does the best he can with what he's got. He's very aware that shining stars like Nancy Greggs found elsewhere to post and consider this an Obama hate site.

I would love to see it held to a higher standard, but we're dealing with a lot of people who think it's what goes on is ok, or not even sexist. In other words Skinner is attempting to keep a big tent, while sacrificing some of the sites integrity. That's why I keep saying DU is falling behind, oh, not at the level of certain redditt sites, but it's certainly less than it could be for a small community site.

The ones with 'other' political priorities tend to be prolific posters, who will toss a bone at gender issues when they feel like it. But they won't support it. And then there's the trolls-- my God. The trolls. They hide until it's time to stir the shit. And the MRA's. I still think it's funny they won't come out and identify themselves as such- Wait, maybe because they're considered a hate group
So I guess I feel a little sorry for Skinner. I was nearly out of here when I found out that 'pro-life' positions are acceptable here, because they are not inimical to Democratic values. I still might leave over that one.

All these words to say I think he means well, he just fucks up on occasion