(Ed. Note: The above girl isn’t super hot, per se, but yes, I would have sex with her while listening to her talk about how different she is for liking Star Wars.)
By Zooey Mae
One of the biggest irritations I face being a female who fancies comics is coming across other ladies of the same persuasion who seem to think it’s some sort of novelty. Let me just state for the record, being a girl and liking comics is no longer taboo. Given the wide variety of comics and how they’ve hit the mainstream, being a “nerd” no longer means you read Green Lantern comics by flashlight under your blankets, suffer from chronic nosebleeds and have a wicked case of Asthma. Although, who knows, I might have just described a small percentage of the population quite accurately. There’s actually a woman who’s paid by the fascists at MTV to write about comics. That’s all well and good, but her blog title is Has Boobs, Reads Comics. Really? I’d like to punch her in her stupid boobs. What I’m getting at is that for all you females who think it’s cute to bat your lashes while feigning embarrassment about your adorable nerdiness, no matter what that might be… just… fuck you. Yep. I said it. And while I’m pissing people off and offending the masses, Buffy The Vampire Slayer fans can suck it easy. Seriously people, I’ve worked at two comic shops now, and at both places, the Joss Whedon disciples were the absolute worst customers.
PS-Zooey now has a response to all these lovely comments here.
Having Tits and Liking Spider-Man Isn't Shocking Anymore,
OMG YES!!! About the whole thing but especially the Whedon fans. I managed a comic shop for 3 years and they are SO annoying. A bunch of girls who think they’re empowered by stories that are in fact some of the most sexist works in geek fiction. Girls who have powers but don’t understand them/are emotionally damaged who need some weak ass guy to help them deal with reality? Eff that s. They’re supporting every chud 12 year old boy wanking in his bedroom to some dream of stumbling on a naked genetically altered female that can save them from the bullies but will be so insecure that they’ll also be able to bang them. Geek please…
I pity you and your tiny penis.
Re: My Boobs
Hey Zooey, I’m sorry to hear you think my boobs are stupid. I think they are quite lovely. But that’s besides the point.
When I started my blog in 2008, geek girls on the web were not as big a presence as they are today, hence my blog title. It was a funny way to wake people up to the fact that yes, women in fact DO read comics. Some say I played a big role in promoting that and thank me for letting them know it’s ok to read comics.
I don’t feign embarrassment about my nerdiness, I write about it proudly. I’m happy to be who I am. But you know what? Some girls still aren’t comfortable in those “shoes,” and I think it’s wrong of you to talk down about them. If you are a woman who talks about her preferences loudly, that’s great but some people aren’t quite there yet.
And one other thing, girls reading comics still is shocking to some people. People liking comics PERIOD is still shocking to some people.
Well said, Jill! What’s far more shocking is someone threatening to punch a total stranger, either in the boobs or anywhere else. Zooey needs some serious help. (And your boobs are quite lovely, and should never be punched, only caressed. Just sayin’.)
Seriously? You threaten someone with violence just because they point out that they have boobs and read comics? Seriously grow up. I’m in my 40′s, have been reading comics since I was 10 and I *still* get asked if the comics I’m buying are for my husband or my son. So yeah I understand why she says she has boobs and reads comics.
Whilst I have empathy for your point of view, I find it hard to have empathy for the suggestion that you go and punch someone in their boobs. The nerd highground is somewhat lost after that point. I also find the somewhat objectifying caption under the picture distinctly antithetical to your point.
You worked at TWO comic book stores? Wow who’s better than you? I read her blog and Jill doesn’t bat her eyes or feign embarrassment. You are exactly the type of bitchy snot that gives female comic book employees a bad name.
Oh look. Someone is trying to stir shit up in order to increase pageviews. Congratulations, it seems to be working. Doesn’t mean you have a valid point.
I feel you may be missing the point. The title of Jill Pantozzi’s blog is meant to poke fun at the long-standing myth about women and comics and how the two are often perceived to be mutually exclusive.
If it’s not so damn taboo any more, why are NYT television reviewers still calling things like game of thrones, “boy fiction,” why do women still have to defend their geek cred? And, regardless of your opinion of MTV, or the title of the blog, have you read it? Because it’s not about being cutesy or batting lashes. Oh, and, who the HELL ever said we were embarrassed about being nerds. We’re celebrating it, and speaking of fascist, if you think there’s only one way to have geek cred while being a girl – who’s being the fascist? *hint: look in the mirror.*
I’m guessing I’ve been a geek girl since before you were born, and guess what – boys didn’t want to play Star Wars with me, or Superman, especially when I always wanted to be the hero. So, please – before you decide to rant about how hard or easy it is being a geek girl, just because you work in a comic shop, please, try actually doing your research and maybe talking to the people who’ve had to slog through the derision, and disbelief, and isolation, of wanting to talk comics, or physics, or science fiction, or anything except frilly skirts and baking, or maybe INCLUDING those things, before you talk about wanting to commit violent acts against people you don’t even know.
A-FREAKIN-MEN!
So, because I didn’t have asthma or any major affliction as a child, I’m not allowed to have read comics and talk about it as an adult? Well, good to know. I be sure to change everything about me so I don’t randomly become the next person you want to punch in the boob.
BTW, most of us don’t “feign embarrassment”… we just know how to be ourselves, which is apparently wrong to be.
I feel compelled to say: I found this blog post to be both hilarious and true to life. Keep up the good work.
I am ashamed of you.
Oh, whatever, Janna!
And to clarify, I don’t have any issue with women bragging about their geek cred or whatever. I find it annoying when anybody anywhere brags about their geek cred, just like I would find it annoying for people to brag about their “jock cred” or their “frat boy” cred or their “young republican” cred or their “sweet Jesus-loving Evangelical Christian cred,” etc.
Also, I have no issue whatsoever with Jill’s blog — I enjoy it quite a bit and think blogs sort of have to label themselves like that so people with similar interests can find said blog. So yeah, more power to her. She cornered a market and cornered it well.
But as fan of comic books, movies, tv, pop culture, your mom, and so forth, I am insanely irked by normal average every-day folk who are all like “hey look at me I’m a geek, what up, what up, dolla dolla bills — GEEK CITY POWER, lolz.” It’s just really transparent. If you are a geek, good, that will be evermore apparent once I’ve read your stuff or hung out with you for more than, say, ten minutes. I don’t need to be slapped in the face with it, really.
In sum, I really don’t think the girl who wrote this had any intention of stirring up shit to increase page views. More over, her jab at Jill — haha, hilarious pun intended — seemed more satirical than anything else. Perhaps it was too direct an insult at a specific person, and she almost definitely should not have done it.
Regardless, I surely can’t imagine it’s more insulting than all the insane comments that have occurred as a result, like “tiny penis” namecalling and “I’m sorry you’re ugly” namecalling and “jealous bitch” namecalling. Jill’s great. No doubt about it. But many of the motherfuckers who have responded here with personal (read: hypocritical) attacks directed at the author are just fucking assholes. Straight up.
You left out that she clearly states that she will NOT marry you… She’s a douche and so are the rest of her “geeky girl” posse. They’re a bunch of clique-y girls that are no better than the bullies that bullied them back when it wasn’t cool to be a geek. Shame on the lot of you.
My “I will not marry you” part of my Twitter profile is also a joke Robbie. Because I get asked for my hand in marriage on a regular basis. Why? Because I’m a girl who reads comics. Weird, huh?
We band together because we like each other, we like the same things, and we stand up for each other because we still get bullied by people like you. Stating upfront, “No, I will not marry you,” is a defense, one we all wish didn’t have to be made, because rather than talking to us, too often, we’re propositioned, and treated as objects. I’ve seen the formspring questions Jill has gotten, and some of them are revolting. Shame on the lot of us? What do you think we’ve been dealing with our whole lives? We’re not girly enough because we like, “Boy,” things, or we’re, “Too girly,” so we’re, “Pandering.” You, of course, think that because we won’t marry you, we’re bitches, I’m sure.
I actually know the girl in question and she’s neither embarrassed nor feigning embarrassment. The blog title is meant as a proud declaration because she, like you, thinks it’s dumb for people to be surprised at the existence of women who like “geeky” things. If you want to be angry at women who act embarrassed or pretend that liking comics is a dirty secret, that’s absolutely valid and understandable, but you’re completely off the mark targeting this girl. She’s the opposite of that attitude in every respect which is why she’s paid by multiple sites and organizations, not just MTV, for her opinions and her hard work. And I think you’d know that if you had taken the time to e-mail or speak with her first instead of immediately advocating violence against her. It just comes off as ignorant and silly.
I had an even tempered and well thought out comment prepared in response to this article, staunchly defending a friend (Jill) while affirming a small portion of the OP that may have validity.
And then I found out Alan already wrote pretty much exactly what I was going to say.
+1, Mr. Kistler. Now get out of my head.
-Jeff Koenig
CEO/Founder
OMFGeek.com
I think as a comic shop worker you would understand that though there are plenty of female comic readers, women are still vastly outnumbered by men in terms of comic book reading. As far as Has Boobs, Reads Comics…I think it’s a clever name. It’s better than lame names like 365daysofcomics or Comic Book Resource. HBRC lets the browser know right away that the opinions will be expressed through the minority in comic book reading. Also, when I leave a comment there I always think there’s a chance that the author will see it, think it’s clever, and then want to sleep with me. I mean…who wouldn’t want to sleep with her? She has boobs and reads comics!
Who said we’re trying to shock anyone, or 12 gods forbid, ‘admitting’ anything? We’re too frakking busy rewatching BSG for the 19th time, writing Secret Six fanfic, and NOT batting our eyelashes. We don’t have to shyly admit a gorram thing. It’s obvious to even casual observers that we’re hardcore geeks. Take your “boob punching” unfounded rage and go do something productive.
Part of me just wants to shake my head at “Zooey Mae”‘s posting. Normally I’d just shake my head and chalk it up to IRLS- Internet Ranting Looney Syndrome. But Zooey, ya didn’t stay broad in your rant- you specifically targeted a friend of mine. I could defend Jill, the woman who runs the highly-read “Has Boobs, Read Comics”. I could mention her vast knowledge of comics and geekdom, the creators who have befriended HER, the people who have become her allies on Newsarama, CBR, MTV and a half dozen geek outlets. It might be interesting to know she has been approached for hosting gigs and productions because of her knowledge and personality alone.
But hey, what would it matter- you didn’t even bother to call her out by name. Why bother doing research if it’s just a juvenile rant, right? Keep it classy and enjoy your 15 seconds of fame.
First up I’m glad to meet another female comics fan we ARE a rarity despite our growing numbers. That’s why it’s unfortunate you choose disrespect a fellow female fan. Have you read JILL’S blog? That’s right HERS I’ve been reading it way before she worked for MTV. I think the name is brilliant since the vast majority of the entertainment industry and many comic shops think Boobs and a Uterus mean comics and nerdy things aren’t your thing. Think what you want about MTV but try to have a little respect for a fellow female fan! Our at least judge her in her writing and not her blog name!!!
The woman whose boobs you want to punch? her name is jill Pantozzi, she has Muscular Dystrophy and is in a wheelchair , you heartless bitch.
You have absolutely no idea in the world in what you are talking about. You do not know the first thing about her and are taking potshots. She does nothing to feign her embarrassment. She is a straight up nerd through and through. She wears it with pride.
You are upholding one of the most hurtful stereotypes about nerds and geeks. That we can’t share with anybody and everybody who wants to enjoy comics. Especially since you work in a shop. You are one of the reasons people shop on the Internet because people don’t want to be talked down to. You are a disgrace to fandom.
Wow. Grouchily misinterpret much? Maybe the comics you’re reading may be a little too violent?
I tend not to respond to these posts but the author has issued a personal attack on my friend Jill. It is clear that Ms. May lacks even a basic understanding of business and marketing. “Has boob, reads comics” is a completely accurate description of Ms. Pantozzi and what she does. It is also a clever ploy to interest certain reader demographics in her blog. Ms. Mae’s jealousy at Ms. Pantozzi’s success and national exposure is clear. Also, until Ms. Mae can boast more on her resume than working at a couple of comic book stores, she and her opinions will remain like the classic tale of Mushroom Man and Spore Girl, insignificant and forgotten.
I realize the standards for what counts as “content” online these days are lowered on an almost-daily basis, but what the fuck is this? Twelve spiteful, poorly written, pointless sentences? Is this technically a “blog post”? It’s too long for a tweet. Do people actually seek this out to “read” on their “computers” via the “internet”?
It’s stunning because I assumed baseline literacy was required to get a job at a comic shop.
You know.. you should probably get to know someone before you assume how they are by the title of their blog, and say you’re going to punch the them in the boobs. You apparently do not know Jill and how AWESOME of a woman she really is. She’s proud of her boobs and that she’s a geek. What the hell is wrong with that?
I’d like to punch you in your ovaries for being such a bitter catty bitch.
You worked at 2 comic shops? OMG you are so much better than everyone else and you know everything about everyone! Get your head out of your ass.
What point are you trying to make here? Because you’re just coming off as bitter.
wow you are angry and mean-spirited. Are you unattractive and unhappy? What’s wrong with feminine women liking both their femininity and comic books?
The girl you have pictured is Jennifer Wenger. She is NOT a nerd fraud. Get your facts straight.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VV8BrMF6Wow
You have an opinion but it seems based on just looking at the title. Try reading deeper before you trash someone you might agree on some she has to say.
I have always known many women who read comics, but it’s not a big deal. The “GIRLS READ COMICS TOO” crowd that dominate blogs and twitter are an embarrassment. They have issues that have nothing to do with the comics.
What did the girl who writes the article say when you asked her why she chose that title?
So you wish to do violence on a woman because you don’t like the title of her blog.
You need to grow up.
So true I respect my female comics fans n have had great talks bout comics with em
You are not alone in your feelings. It is a sad but true thing that as long as sex sells girly girls will flaunt what they got in hopes of getting attention or being found. But have patience when the movies stop being cool and publicity dies down- you will still be the queen of the comic book store.
Clearly, you haven’t read her blog or you would know that “Has Boobs, Reads Comics” is a joke. She is a die-hard fan of comics and she’s extremely knowledgeable. By the way, it’s “fascist” not “facist”. Or are SpellCheck and dictionaries fascists, too?
I guess I don’t see how a one-paragraph rant can be considered “puttin’ in work,” but why let facts get in the way of your hit-count, right?
If you’d even bothered to read HBRC, you would have learned that Jill has been a working writer for a number of years, on top of her work in the radio industry and efforts on behalf of the MDA. In short, she’s an example of the best of geek culture, regardless of gender. Such a pity your blind hatred for MTV blinds you to that – or to spell-check, from the looks of it.
So since I had no comic exposure to comics as a child and the first comics I ever bought was the continuation of Buffy, what does that make me? You wanna punch my boob, too?
You picked the wrong people to piss off. REAL geek girls don’t put other geek girls down.
You realize that Jill not only is a proud Geek Girl, an awesome person but also brings awareness and is a victim of Cystic Fibrosis? Upon more research you would have known that…
So, you STILL want us to punch a wheelchair bound girl in the boobs?
I have Muscular Dystrophy Rich, but thank you for your appreciation of my work with MDA.
She actually has MD, but the point is the same. This girl is DISABLED and KICKS ASS.
I think you have a couple of valid points. However, violence is never the answer. How about some nice fondling? I think it would be more widely accepted AND everyone would be more than willing to give a helping hand. Or two.
“I’d like to punch her in her stupid boobs.” Threatening to punch women in their breasts isn’t really helping your argument. I check Jill’s blog daily, mostly because she’s a hell of a writer and wildly educated on all things genre (especially comics and Doctor Who), oh and she’s never tried to punch me in the tit.
OK, I think you have some very valid points. However, singling someone out is not OK.
Also, some of the commentators more like bullies than the original author. If you’re not willing to discuss this in a civil manner, then do not post a reply. You’re not the same as Ms. Mae, you’re far worse because you’re being ignorant in retaliation for something that does not personally concern you.
Newsflash, Zooey: being a jealous bitch isn’t shocking anymore. Obviously you missed one of the major points of being part of nerd culture, acceptance. Your post was nothing but a catty rant and it’s embarrassing to female bloggers attempting to squash that stereotype that all women behave that way towards each other.
You want to punch someone you’ve never met in the boobs over a whimsicle comics blog? Seriously, I think you need a cuddle and an afternoon nap sweetheart. And if you’re still this uptight, maybe try some looser-fitting underwear?
Typically it takes more than one pissy, poorly-written paragraph to sway my opinion.
But what do I know? I’m so easily distracted by boobs it’s a miracle I’m capable of writing this comment.
…You’d punch a girl in a wheelchair? What kind of sicko are you?
That said, as many female comic readers as there are, and have have been for many years, it’s still viewed by many as an oddity. People even accuse geek girls of just feigning interest in order to get guys’ attention. If you haven’t experienced this, then lucky you. Just because someone is proud to be a geek girl doesn’t mean she’s batting her eyelashes to get attention or feigning embarrassment. The title of her blog seems to indicate that she is decidedly not acting embarrassed about her interests. You don’t have to stand alone to stand proud.
Obviously, you’ve never met Jill, one of the kindest, most caring, and knowledgable people I’ve ever met. She’s also incredibly knowledgable, has been doing this for years, and is respected by professionals of all levels in the industry. Oh, and your profile picture suggests that you may be one of the hipster newbies that recently realized how “cool” being “nerdy” is as long as you do it ironically. Who is the real impostor here?
Oops, I listed knowledgable twice…I’m almost as poor at proofreading my own work as the original author.
I have to disagree, except for the part about Buffy fans. I’ve run into that. Trying not to generalize about it too much, though. Thing is, I’ve only ever seen the movie (with Dillon from “90210″).
I’ve never thought it was all that much a novelty if a girl reads comics. And Has Boobs, Reads Comics’ Jill seems legit to me. At least, she’s genuine about what and how she likes and writes about. I don’t know too much about her résumé, but I won’t hold MTV against her.
Even though I hate those bastards.
Boobs. That is all.
Wow, you really are clueless.
Way to tar everyone with the same brush. I’ve read comics since I can remember, I watched Buffy and Angel, I love Joss Whedon. Seems I’m the Antichrist.
I’m sure you could try and punch Jill in the boobs, but her awesomeness has been known to cause blindness in idiots. Get your act together girl.
I’d never heard of Jill Pantozzi before now. I read your little tirade, Googled her, and checked out her blog. I’ll be following her blog and Twitter now.
You know what’s awesome? People who are positive and giving in the face of adversity.
You know what’s not? People who are petty and mean-spirited for no apparent reason. Rude blog posts that attack popular or famous people are a dime a dozen. Be unique; rise above it.
And yes, I see comment moderation is on. I don’t expect this comment to ever see the light of day. This message is just for you
Congratulations, Zooey. You really showed those fascists at MTV by submitting a poorly written article taking potshots at a nationally known journalist! I think my favorite part of this article was when you couldn’t even finish a full thought and instead blindly cursed at your audience. Man, you’re sooooo hardcore. You deserve a congratulatory punch in the boob! Good….just…screw you! (See, I’m edgy and hardcore too!)
I don’t think “Zooey Mae” was being serious about wanting to punch her in her boobs. She was attempting to make a point; albeit in a bad way about the sexification of women and that took away from her rant.
As a podcaster, model and costumer I know so many girls in comics and geek culture. BUT, it was just two weeks ago that one of my twitter followers told me he was playing one of my shows in his comic shop and one male customer said, “Girls read comics?” when he heard my voice. I don’t think flaunting femininity is any different than traditional masculine marketing like hunky athletes promoting their lines of cologne or Danica Patrick being used on commercials when she’s not terribly successful. We can love pink and love comics as you would find in the networks of Pink Raygun, Geek Girls Network or countless others. It’s time you start supporting your fellow geek girls rather than attempt to shove some down to make yourself feel better.
Amen Amber. thank you for saying this –and staying calm and clear-headed while doing so.
@Rich, just to clarify, Jill raises money for MD not CF. She is also instrumental in assisting me raise thousands of dollars each year for our local domestic violence victims during our comic art auction. THAT’S how geek girls roll.
Hi there, Zooey.
I’m the editor of the MTV News website that pays Jill to write about comics. You and I have never met or had any prior communication (as far as I know), so it’s surprising to discover you have such strong opinions about the site and the writing she’s done for me there.
I spend a lot of time chatting with readers, so maybe the reason your name doesn’t ring a bell is that you just haven’t made your presence known in the comment section, Twitter, or any of the other ways available to our readers. I’d hate to think you haven’t actually read the site but still feel it’s appropriate to criticize it. (By the way, Jill’s “Has Boobs, Reads Comics” column isn’t actually on the MTV site. I’m sure you knew that and it was just a typo, though.)
I’m not going to weigh in on your feelings about women who read and/or write comics. The rest of this comment thread has a lot to say about that, it seems. I just wanted to say hello and let you know that I’m pretty sure I’m neither a “facist” nor a fascist… and neither is Jill.
All the best,
Rick
Sorry Rick, but VIacom is almost the very definition of Fascist. While you and many fine people who work there may in fact be lovely individuals, don’t try to defend a vile institution that’s done more to pit woman and against woman and further negative female stereotypes than Ms. Mae could ever hope to do with a trillion little posts.
I agree that Whedon sucks rinocerous balls and their fans are annoying. But the rest of this article is epic fail!
If you’re going to insult someone, darling, please be sure to use spell check so that you may be taken somewhat seriously?
It’s spelled “rhinoceros”.
So because I didn’t have asthma as a child or since I’m good looking that means my “geekiness” isn’t real. Puh-lease. I dont bat my lashes or feign embarrassment or try to use my geeky knowledge to please or surprise boys. But I do get angry w/ girls who think my geekiness is fake and w/ boys who are surprised at the fact that yes I have read watchmen before the movie came out or was even mentioned and yes I do love and watch anime. Right now I can’t decide who is worse you for assuming the stigma is gone or you attacking another female b/c she’s proud of her boobs and her comics
Why do any of you people feel a need to brand yourselves as geeks? What you like does not define who you are. I have read comic books for almost 20 years now and I’ve never once referred to myself as a “geek” or a “nerd”. It sounds like you’re apologizing for your tastes or just looking desperately for some way to self identify in a big scary world.
Just like things. But don’t start a cult because of it.
Agreed. You like what you like. Whatever society wants to call you doesn’t matter. The second a cultural group can be branded and sold its lost its relevency, like punk. Don’t CALL yourself punk. Be who you are, if you get called punk then whatever. Too much labeling.
Also, you didn’t read her post to well Brianna because Zooey flat out says she herself does not fit into the nosebleed inhaler crowd either… so I don’t know why you think she’s saying thats a requirement of being a “geek”.
You’re right I don’t like role-playing, comic book reading, anime watching, gamer girls like *YOU* that give *US* a bad name. I’ve been reading comics since I was about 9 (1985) and loved the Power Pack, but that has nothing to do with this. Some of us girls who don’t have asthma, and who have boobs read, watch, play, and enjoy this because we really like it. This isn’t the 1950s anymore and we are a different breed of women. And you’re wrong when *we* started seeing girls like *you* (the ‘punch her in the boobs’ type chick) get interested was back when DC started doing Vertigo and when White Wolf started doing Masquerade. That’s when a lot of girls started getting interested – just Buffy, along with better video game consoles, and mainstream anime, pushed a few more over. So when you start pitching a fit about girls being in the boy’s bathroom, you better remember that the only way you know that is because you’re standing in the boy’s bathroom too. (Yep, I used a metaphor) And no true comic book chick threatens another comic book chick, not even if she looks better in the Slave Princess Leia costume… Get over yourself!
How many of those Slave Leia’s are empowered women and how many are tortured, manipulated girlfriends?
How is she pitching a fit about girls being in the boys bathroom? She said she’s worked in two comics stores. If she was mad about girls in the boys bathroom, she wouldn’t have worked in two (metaphorically speaking). Obviously she doesn’t see it that way. She also said that she did NOT fit into the standard media cliche image of inhalers and nose bleeds, cuz she’s just a normal girl who happens to love comics. Sounds like you two have a lot more in common than you’re skim through reading allowed you to pick up on. She’s standing UP FOR REAL GEEK GIRLS!!! Girls who are into it for the same reason the boys are, because they like. She’s bashing other girls who exploit it. The same way a hard working woman who makes her own money and can take care of herself would be pissed that some ho came up in hoochie gear and flashed some skin to get a man instead of being a woman of substance. Again, sounds like what you’re defending too. Why are you defending the wrong aggressor? Zooey isn’t the aggressor, the hoochie’s and media companies who whore out to make money or gain something personally, that’s the aggressor. That’s who she’s condemning. Seriously, you girls think you’re feminists? You’re part of a sisterhood? How bout you wake up and see that she’s a strong supporter of what you THINK you need to defend. Zooey is the only real feminist on here that I’ve seen. Everyone else sounds like a gaggle of mimicking trolls regurgitating the same rhetoric without any thought as to what Zooey was actually saying. Read. React. Read again to understand and let that first emotional gut response wash over you. It clouds your judgement. Only with a clear and calm mind, can you see, what she is saying.
I have found Jill’s blog at Newsarama to be an enjoyable read. It’s amusing and real. Also, Jill is a beautiful woman, so that doesn’t hurt. You on the otherhand are one of those “elitist” type of “fans” who try to belittle others because they don’t come around to your way of thinking and are ugly inside and most likely outside too. I imagine you’re an adult, so act like one and learn to not threaten someone because they have a different opinion. There was a guy back in WWII that did the same thing if you recall.
Man, Zooey, you’re just getting WORN OUT on this one. You tried to get all aggro and serve it up to a faker but instead came off like a total bitch AND got lambasted by a bunch of people because of it. I have to admit, while I don’t personally know her or froth over her every post, I do read Jill’s blog from time to time and it’s pretty good. She manages to embrace geekdom and entertain the masses at the same time whereas YOU seem to only be able to piss people off whilst fitting your entire foot in your mouth which, I admit, is an awesome feat in its own right but something tells me it was not what you intended when you sat down at the keyboard all full of piss and vinegar with that huge chip on your shoulder. I hope the rest of your day goes well and maybe the NEXT time you try to bully someone you’ll pick a person who ISN’T a well loved internet personality. I also hate to say she’s handicapped because she seems to get along just fine from what I can tell despite her affliction, but what kind of evil jerk even suggests getting violent with a girl in a wheelchair? You’re a real piece of work. Your parents should be ashamed of you and you ought to be embarrassed by your actions. Make sure you check out http://www.neutroncitycomix.com Mahalo!!
22-year-old female geek here. Proud of who I am. No embarrassment feigned here. Joss Whedon also happens to be my favorite screenwriter. Hi!
Jill’s blog strikes me as quite knowledgeable and a solid read. Your article strikes me as a poorly stated cry for attention.
Come on, give my boobs your best shot. Be warned, they may punch back.
Sorry that you’re unattractive. Life’s not fair.
Really upping the level of discourse here. And some mindless sheep actually gave you props for such a mob-ish post. Lovely
Wow, “Zooey”, you really are pathetic. I sense some carryover drama/angst/bed-wetting from high school here (or have you even graduated from your braces yet?). Hate to break it to you sweetie, but being beautiful, boobed, nerdy and female doesn’t give someone as loserish as you the right to rag on someone whose popularity, hard-working spirit and FTW articles you will never achieve. Now be a good little girl and sit behind your comic book countertop, wallowing in your oblivious superiority while the rest of us promptly forget about your insignificant opinions. That’s right honey, go on, sit in your little chair and laugh at the rest of the interwebs laughing at you. Too bad you used a pen name, now you won’t get all the accolades you so richly deserve. Aww, I think I’m crying for you.
I know several honest to goodness geek girls and they are not doing it for attention to get on band wagon.
Geek girls are awesome its a shame you aren’t one.
The fact that this is filed under ‘bullshit’ says a lot for the content.
I adore Jennifer Wenger and Michelle Prenez who you decided to demonize with their photo through this posting. I know them personally and swear to the geek gods that they are both true-hearted geeks who happen to be beautiful and love to interact with fellow nerds.
Shame on this post!!
Going after Jill is just dumb. She is easily one of the kindest, most down-to-earth nerds you will ever meet, and so highly knowledgeable about comics. She’s well-known in the comic community, so this makes me wonder if you’ve ever even been to a comic con and met some of the women trying to better our position in the industry and the culture. I mean, you’ve worked in not one, but two comic shops, so you should be well acquainted with the comic culture, right? Because it doesn’t come across that way.
Don’t worry, we’ll be working on our podcast spreading the geek girl love to balance out your hate. I mean, I know we’re not special or anything, but at least we don’t go around threatening to punch super awesome people in the titties. Now I know why the anime kids were running around giving free hugs at NYCC last year. Nerds are grumpy…
I’ll dispense with commenting on your misplaced antagonism towards Jill. There’s enough of that already. Just want to say that boobs are a precious, wonderful, beautiful gift to the world. There’s no reason to punch them.
Ok, I know this is a lame comment. But boobies are always worth defending.
amen
And people wonder why anybody feels compelled to point out that “geek girls exist.”
Where did this editorial note come from? “Ed. Note: The above girls aren’t super hot, per se, but yes, I would have sex with them while listening to them talk about how different they are for playing Halo.” And HOW is it supposed to help your case?
Anyway, “And while I’m pissing people off and offending the masses” makes it clear that you’re a troll stirring up trouble for the sheer sake of seeking attention. On the one hand, damn it, we’ve given it to you, but on the other hand, the need to vent is more important than you because you’re not the only jerk out there spouting this nonsense.
I dont know. she sounded like she had an opinion to share. It didn’t come out clean or well spoken, but its there.
She is tired of being Ghettoized into a tiny faction of consumers. She’s tired of seeing fanboys marketed to by fake booth girls, she’s tired of female bloggers who have to DRESS UP in various spandex outfits to reach more readers, she’s tired of a blatant double standard that reaches all walks of modern life.
Or maybe that’s just me. Either way, the freak out on here is totally a result of the clannish little community that is comics fandom on the web.
And that’s what you see at every single con and big release party, models hired to dress up. Like we all haven’t taken jobs for the sake of having a job before. Comics fandom on the web is very odd and surprisingly behind the times. There seems to be one mode of thought and anyone who says anything remotely off from the pre determined script gets flammed. Are we all going to play THAT innocent and oblivious? Are we really going to pretend all of those “sexy” girls hired by huge media company’s to frolic around their booths to get attention are superfans? Do they have to be? No. Do they even have to be fans? No. Because they’re there to do a job and they’re doing their job. If their into the property, cool, if not, I’m not gonna fault a model for taking a modeling job. I will however fault the media company for resorting to the “sex sells” tactic rather than the merit of their work. And I’m definitely going to fault the people who stick up for that behaviour, mainly because they think they’re sticking up for the models right to be models. News flash, supporting that behaviour is only sticking up for huge media companies using sex based sensationalism to move product. Oldest trick in the book. Second oldest trick in the book, getting the very public they want to sell to to accept the gesture as genuine rather than exploitation. Females especially should be insulted. Its the same as throwing women in beer ads or car ads. Its not needed there and its just for exploitation, and the same goes for when they do it for geek marketing too.
@Kristen – I have always thought that girls who won’t marry me were smart and full of common sense.
I am really glad that you only encounter understanding and accepting people. I really wish that I and pretty much every other geek girl had the same life. I really wish that some of that understanding had rubbed off on you before you just attack Jill without ever talking to her or reading her blog.
In what setting do you get attacked for being a girl who likes comics?
I’m 100 percent certain its not a comic con or a comic shop (unless you consider the absurd art that passes for the female form an “attack”, then thats a conversation worth all this effort).
And if you’re getting attacked outside of the culture, guess what, that’s equal opportunity bashing that male and females of the medium all endure.
Yeah, girls being geeks has been accepted for a long time… I don’t know if that’s because I live in LA or what. My Media Manager is a huge geek and beats her man at Black Ops, my editor just regailed me with how she beat Zelda on her DS. Both of these women are in their early 40′s with kids and are attractive smart women. Both of them thought Zooey’s post was hilarious too.
Women still get looked down upon all the time in certain comic shops. Looked at like they are aliens our just plain out of place. They get asked who they are buying comics for because it certainly couldn’t be themselves. You may have not witnessed this type of behavior but it happens all the time.
Wow harsh girl. So a nerd girl can’t also be a “girly girl?” Isn’t that as stereotypical as saying a jock also can’t have a brain? I like shopping, hair salons, kittens, and getting pedicures. I have also beaten the local “undisputed champion” of Star Wars Trivial Pursuit twice in a row one day. Also, I played sports throughout highschool. Its not right to put people into boxes. Beautiful girls can also like Star Trek.
but wot about STAR WARS?
And one of the biggest irritations I face being a female who reads comics and pretty much just embraces all things geeky is coming across another female that claims the same yet bashes my friend. Friend isn’t even right. SISTER. That’s right, there is a sisterhood of us out there that *gasp* have boobs *gasp* are geeky and *gasp* are REAL, awesome people. We don’t stick our boobs in guys faces, bounce up and down and giggle at their every word and then attempt to woo them with our love of comics. And we aren’t some douchey clique like some commenter inferred.
We are just a group of women bonded by common interests that have forged through (and continue to forge through despite what you seem to think) the same type of discriminations and stereotypes and love, respect and appreciate each other as is. We do not sit around pointing fingers or screaming martyrdom. We giggle. We support. We get really pissed off when you decide to not take your midol and come out swinging out of sheer blind ignorance. We are not quiet and meek, especially about that sort of thing.
You are wrong. Yes, you are entitled to an opinion. But, as you clearly don’t know Jill, nor have taken the time to know her, your opinion is wrong. And she deserves an apology.
So, if you wanna tittie punch someone, feel free to have a go at me. I may tittie punch you back, but then I’ll give you a big ole huggle. Why? Cuz you clearly fuckin need one and that’s just how I roll.
this is my favorite so far.
Wow a lot of people are taking this post to the extreme. She’s talking about posers, those who milk & exploit the fad to seem cool. Those who “who think it’s cute to bat your lashes while feigning embarrassment about your adorable nerdiness”. Feign! Those who FAKE it. Those who pretend. Anyone who pretends either to be part of a fad or get attention is lame. People who like what they like and speak their minds, even if its not popular, that’s being real. Whether its a real geek or sports fan or stamp collector. Way to jump all over someone and take the most general perception of what she said instead of actually trying to see her point. Any guy or girl involved in geekdom over the years has seen that happen. Every geek female I know finds that behaviour grose… FEIGNING being the key word. If the blogger she targets isn’t feigning than good for her. But c’mon, do you really think EVERY girl on G4 actually games? They have their real gamer girls and they have some girls that are there for looks, like their old myspace girl of the week bs from years ago. Pandering happens, its exploitive of both women and geeks as a whole. Everyone’s saying she’s an elitist like she said comics are better than D&D which is better than Larping… she didn’t cut up the nerd community into sub groups. She’s saying those who PRETEND to be part of one are an insult to the people who are really involved in something they love. Kudos to her for speaking her mind, even if it didn’t come across perfectly for everyone and insulted a blogger lots of people like.
If the author had an opinion, and gave an example that actually demonstrated an experience of that opinion,(Whedon fans would have been fine, I might disagree, but it’s an opinion,so – whatevs,) rather than outright attacking a PERSON, whom the author clearly DID NOT DO THE RESEARCH on, and being violent about it, to boot, then I’d agree with your assessment. However, what the author did, was actually jump on a human being, who is the opposite of the point you say is being made. Ranting about, “Posers,” is still pretty damn elitist, but it’s an opinion. What the author is saying is that girls who don’t fit a very narrow idea of geek, are posers by definition. Invalid argument is invalid. There’s no right or wrong way to be a geek, there’s just being a geek.
And she’s not talking about actual geeks no matter what kind they are, she said “feigning”. Feigners are bad. In any group.
“But c’mon, do you really think EVERY girl on G4 actually games?”
Why would you assume they wouldn’t? THAT’S the problem everyone is talking about here. That it’s ASSUMED that certain women are posers because of how they look. You’re acting like there’s some sort of shortage of hot girl gamers that G4 would need to cast a net wider and hire posers in order to staff their shows. What if – now, just WHAT IF – every single woman on G4 ACTUALLY GAMED??? *gasp* Would that really be so hard to believe? Would that shatter your entire world view?
LOL some of you are such drama queens. I mean seriously, are you 12? Yes my world view is so shattered. Like every girl I know doesn’t play video games. My gf is the most dangerous SNES Mario Kart driver I’ve ever met. One of my female gamer friend’s sisters was the first MySpace girl of the month on G4. She has nothing to do with gaming or nerdrum of any kind. She was just hot. Only reason they had her on. Media companies are built on ratings. To get the most ratings out of anything, you have to appeal to the widest audience possible. Perhaps it would shatter the world view of some of you to just admit that there are fakers out there, people trying to cash in on fads and exploit the genuine people. Should I throw some GASPS in and ALL CAPS so I can sound as melodramatic as so many here have deemed this honest observation of a post to be? Seriously, everybody is so sensitive and touchy, this post has been unfairly misinterpreted to a flat out ridiculous degree. Not everyone is honest. Not everyone is genuine. Those people suck. And lots of people, geek, male, female, whatever, find the use of a female body part to sensationalize and sell a blog as exploitive and sexist. Obviously the writer of the blurb up top there does too. I think she’s entitled to state observations of things she’s seen. I’ve seen plenty of what she’s talking about from also working in comic shops, PR, graphic design and for a major publishing house. Oh crap, I forgot to throw a GASP in there… now I won’t sound like I matter. Damn.
Your wide eyed optimism betrays a serious ignorance as to how the Media world actually functions.
These women are spokesmodels/hostesses. They literally train to read lines off a teleprompter, which is a lot harder than it sounds, but its that skill plus their looks they are being hired for. The producers write their scripts, give them their interview questions and prep them on everything else.
What is this… I don’t even…
So much trolling over nothing, some of you are really sensitive about your boobs.
Let’s read the article slowly, I do believe her annoyance is with the title of the blog, why must you take internet seriously, I mean punching boobs? That’s comedy gold right there.
You’re all obviously are jumping on whatever the fuck this weird wagon is.
Here’s what I think:
Oh, but Jill’s my friend, I like Jill, she’s my hero, I wanna have her babies, you obviously don’t know her~ waaa waaa waaa
FUCK JILL.
AND LONG LIVE JOSS WHEDON!
Right. Her annoyance is with the title of the blog, but people are calling her on the fact that her annoyance with the blog is based in the very stuff that she purports to oppose. She assumes a lot from the title of Jill’s blog and uses it to rant about something completely unrelated. If she just wanted to complain about “posers”, she couldn’t have done so without mentioning one of the best known Geek Girls in the comics industry – one whom everyone knows is about as geeky as they come.
And also – as I mentioned to someone else above, ASSUMING that a woman is a poser just because she’s attractive is part of the damn problem!
How do you know the writer of this post is not also attractive? Seems to me she was stating that she’s in fact a fairly normal girl who didn’t grow up the cliche media depiction of nerds as Milhouse types with inhalers and tapped glasses. For all we know she’s a super model. And a title can be sexist even if the content isn’t. Personally, if I were a female blogger wanting to parade my femininity as part of the title (as if the blog needed to state gender to be well written and effective?) I would call it Bags and Boards with a cool little logo of a cool purse and a stack of comics… maybe a short box thrown in somewhere. But hey, I don’t know, that’s just me. My mom raised me not to think of women in terms of their parts but who they were as people. But what does she know, she was only the first girl in her school to wear pants and get suspended for it to boot. Honestly, from what I’ve read of Wonder Woman, particularly Frank Miller’s version, she’s be pretty pissed at having a zoomed in pic of her tits on public display. She’s curb stomped Batman for less…
Hey, Alan! This is fun. I’m gonna troll her twitter next. I mean seriously, if what you say is true, I gotta see what Jill said…
sigh… I have boobs… AND make comics. Unfortunately, I’m a guy.
Hey, I know Rick over at MTV, and he’s no fascist! Matter of fact, I wanna say he punched Hitler in the face one time.
So then shouldn’t he find an employer that does something, anything positive for the world?
Although I’ve never met Jill, she is the Kevin Bacon of our industry! You can not meet anyone that was not touched by her kindness or friendship – Several fellow retailers and many industry creators LOVE her!
I take OUR mutual friends at their word that you will never meet a more genuine woman in your life in SPITE of what you may think about her, without even knowing her.
Jill is not tossing her ‘boobs’ out there, the title of her ongoing blog and reporting was to say “Yes! I’m a fan and PROUD of it!”
My shop as several female customers, and they can all tell you the same thing – too many old-school shops and ignorant customers think comics are just for guys, never giving the woman the time of day… Jill has attempted; through humor, knowledge, and just being a kick-ass person, to BREAK that misconception of the female comics fan.
Again, I’ve not met her – but she’s impacted MY business by teaching me the PROPER way to work WITH my female customers through her blog; which, by the by, is NOT a ‘new thing’ – she’s been writing it for YEARS.
It’s amazing how much violence and ugliness could be within you where you wish to harm a woman who has never, ever, done anything to you at all…
…just… sad.
Robert
Owner, New Moon Comics, LLC
Dude, if you interpret this blog post as “wishing harm” you are the biggest drama queen on a comment section FILLED with over reacting Drama Queens.
Additionally, do a quick Google image Search for Jill. Then tell me again how she’s NOT throwing her boobs out there. I’d say for a WRITER she’s got a pretty public image.
Not that I’m judging. But lets be honest. She’s using her looks to her advantage, just like i would do if I could
lol! Yeah, that was hardly a Taliban death threat video…
There’s a lot of inter-industry fluffing and mutually beneficial trolling going on here. That’s what I’m finding the most fascinating at this point. There are many forms, large and small, of ideological fascism.
How is my picture being on the internet (like 90% of the people I know) “throwing my boobs out there?” I’m a writer and a host so yes, I have a public image. I’d rather present myself as who I am than sit behind an anonymous avatar image. I can’t help the way I look more than anyone else can. It’s only your perception of my attractiveness that leads you to say I’m using what I look like to my advantage.
Because the second you make reference to boobs in the title of anything but a medical journal, you’re using female body parts for attention. I get that when you started it was rare and all that jazz. But that was what? 5 years ago? And honestly, it wasn’t that shocking then, despite what some are convinced by. Nearly all of my female friends are geeks. And I grew up with many of them. Nobody ever gave them any more crap than I got for the geekdom. And now that young girls are growing up with the idea that that comics aren’t just for boys in the 21st century, then they see one of (as everyone here says) most popular geek girls out there using a sexy sensationalist title to get seen and they’re going to think they have to do the same thing to be popular. There’s nothing wrong with being hot and a geek. But looks shouldn’t enter into it, good or bad. Both of the women in my office, a media manager and editor, who game and read comics and are in their early 40′s with daughters gave a big eye roll when they heard your blog title after I said apparently she’s a celebrated geek girl who stands up for girls who like comics. They both said the same thing, then why does she have to make a reference like that and went into a thing about how that’s exactly what they teach their daughters not to do.
Bad form.
You did nothing but embarrass yourself. Both Joss Whedon and the mentioned blog by the talented Jill Pantozzi do nothing but good for the whole of comic book culture.
Swing and a miss.
Check yo’self.
I hope the point trying to be made here (because if its not my face will be red) is that it’s no longer necessary to be amazed that girls like stuff once thought as being geek. Obviously some people still are amazed, but things are changing. For the first time in my D&D group I have more women than men. Just sayin’.
I think the most telling evidence that there is remains an enormous disparity between male and female geeks is the fact that the ‘editor’ felt an overwhelming need to clarify that the woman in the photo isn’t really ‘hot’ (according to whose standards, exacty?) but he’d still bang her. So, a woman who contributes in a smart and awesome and active way is still being judged entirely on her looks and whether or not she’s ‘fuckable’. And you think we have equality? Fucking gross.
As for the hostility, resentment, elitism and pretentiousness by the author of this ‘article’ – it smacks of nothing more than sour grapes, tearing another down to elevate oneself. Gawd, don’t you know that doesn’t work? It just brings you further down. Pointless and pathetic.
Please enlighten me to how your response to the offending article is anything less then two wrongs making a right.
You’re completely dismissive, you’re entirely elitist and you give her thoughts zero credit.
And if Jill is so innocent of the charges, why does she need to include photos of herself dressed up in, lets face it, sexy outfits? I’d think that would make it a little harder to “get at the story” so to speak.
So you’re saying if Jill weren’t “attractive” it wouldn’t be a problem? A lot of people cosplay and post pics online regardless of how others may perceive them. I do think Jill is a beautiful woman, but I don’t recall ever having trouble getting “at the story” as you put it.
The reason I read Jill’s articles is because they are well written and add to discussions. If Jill weren’t a good writer I would ignore the articles she posts just as I intend to do with the articles this author posts. Jill posted an excellent piece today in which she discussed the issues trudged up by this and other articles without dragging anyone through the mud and keeping her dignity.
Yes, not everyone who claims to be a “geek” may be saying so honestly, but regardless this is no cause to treat anyone with disrespect or challenge them because they may not fit our own views of everything. The issue of tolerance reaches far beyond issues like this. Most of them far more important, but despite that why can’t we start here and work our way to bigger issues? Besides, isn’t it more fun to argue about who would win in a fight between this character and another anyways?
Jill may have muscular dystrophy, but she never uses it as an excuse for anything. No one has the right to treat anyone with the disrespect shown above no matter who they are, what difficulties they face, or how they view the world in a different way than yourself. That is all the more I’m going to say regarding this matter.
Cosplay is an art form and something that, on the whole, women don’t do just to “dress sexy.” They, myself included, do it because we love the character. That’s the way they are depicted in the comics, so that’s the way the costume looks. Again, this is your perception of attractiveness getting in the way of your argument. I’ve dressed up as Alice in Wonderland too. Classic Disney costume, not some ultra-sexified version. Why? Because I like the character and cosplay is a fun hobby.
You seem to be trying to defend something that doesn’t need defending. My writing stands for itself, if I didn’t have talent, my “sexy costumes” wouldn’t keep people around forever.
I find your article to be, frankly, a jealousy-fueled attempt to smear the good that Jill has done for females and comics over the past few years. She has been a stalwart leader in propelling female credibility in the comic world and her reputation as such has taken years to build. You seem to think that by writing one disgustingly insulting and awfully composed few lines of high-school era dribble that you can propel yourself above her as the Joan of Arc of women & comics. Well guess what, Zooey, you failed. YOU FAILED BIG TIME. The fact that all of your “criticisms” are solely founded upon the analysis of Jill Pantozzi’s breasts proves just how discredible any argument you foster truly is.
And for one who so adamently stated that Jill is “not super hot”, you sure do like talking about her breasts. A LOT.
You know what the tragic irony is here Zooey? You wouldn’t even HAVE A JOB in this industry if it wasn’t for the sacrifices Jill made or framework she laid down for ALL WOMEN who enjoy comics to have their voices heard. So instead of being a jealousy-ridden barwench who has nothing better to do than write horsecrap like this, you might be more respectful of those who ACTUALLY PUT IN THE OVERTIME AND ELBOW GREASE to make sure even sniveling little brats such as yourself are respected in a male-dominated culture.
I hope your publisher takes a good hard look at what you’ve done here and how NEGATIVELY it reflects upon them as well.
All Zoey did was prove that Jill as more friends than her on the internet.
This all reminds me of a girl-fight in the hallways of any high school in america. Just sad. Neither side making any valid points, Jill’s camp leaning on numbers and righteous indignation to declare their own silly “victory”
What a waste. We could’ve been discussing the reasons WHY each party feels the way they do, but just like our political process, you’ve faked outraged and shamed Zoey into backing down.
Well Job well done. I hope you’re all proud.
EXACTLY! Well said. The entire focus is on, hey, you made a joke about someone I like! BLARG!!! Instead of going, yeah okay, this chick is doing the venting thing, but what’s she SAYING? Because what’s she’s saying is a relevant issue that, as you said, could have been discussed. Just because one blogger has an army of friends she can stir up on twitter to come over here and troll for her does not mean that this girl is wrong as far as her observations go. Zooey wasn’t bashing all geek girls, she wasn’t stereotyping geeks and she wasn’t in any way being an elitist. However many of the girls here promoting this so called sisterhood are in fact displaying the traits of an angry mob who are chasing Zooey back the dark castle they envision her emerging from simply because she made a joke they didn’t like.
But that’s just the thing, Zooey didn’t give reasons as to why she feels the way she does, she ranted for a paragraph and left it at that. I think people would have been perfectly open to discussing what she was trying to say had she expressed herself in a more calm, explanatory way.
Zooey probably didnt give specifics because she expected people to be more aware and honest about the fact that exploitation, both from people and the media, happens a lot. From my own personal experience, I got where she was coming from right away. Yes, its hardly the hard hitting piece of journalism it could have been (at this point I wish they’d just let me write a companion piece that is states the case in a much clearer way). But whether she using the fun rant vibe or not, I hardly think that joke was a threat. It was a joke. i’m far more concerned with the responses she’s garnered. Just because one person states their case in the venting voice doesn’t mean everyone has to be as condescending and vicious as they have been in return. Sinking to what they view as her childish level makes them just as bad if not worse. Worse because they claim she should know better while they all do the same thing.
So much anti-boob rhetoric, falling into the typical “can’t beat men, must look like them” trap.
Grow up, Zooey Mae.
This blog is ridiculous. There’s a big difference between Zooey Mae and Jill: One of them is a respected, very talented and well-liked writer who is neither a poser nor a hypocrite–and the other one is Zooey. What’s more, the hack editor should be fired for that sexist and horrific editor’s note at the top. How either Zoey or the editor are managing to find work in this business is beyond, as you’re both inept ass-hats.
A handfull of internet geeks does not make some one a “well respected” writer. It makes them marginally employed.
Totally. I’ve never heard of her until yesterday. I’m pretty embedded in this subculture and I, nor any of my friends, many of whom stomp my nerd cred, had EVER heard of here. All I know was, I read this Zooey’s post, I saw exactly what she was talking about because we’ve all seen it at cons and just around in general, and after hearing the title of Jill’s blog, I said, yeah, that’s pretty exploitive. Whatever the content is or quality of it, that title perpetuates the image to young geek girls that they need to bring up a body part along with their geek knowledge to be noticed. Further perpetuating the very stereotype she claims to dispel.
*punches Jill in boobs* Sorry Jill – I just had to.
PS: Everyone’s pretty much said it – now I’m amusing myself with this thread. Also, Tom, you’re brilliant.
It is because of articles like this that legit bloggers don’t get the same rights as print journalists. Nice investigative work, gumshoe. You offend a couple girls who dressed up for a convention and threatened a beloved writer who deserves none of this. Next time use google for some research, but not just for a photo of cosplayer. I bet the girl in the new photo would be offended if she read this too.
I just clicked over here from my Bleeding Cool readings. I see the point that Zooey was trying to get at only because Kate Kotler did such a better job at explaining it.
This article feels more like a longer twitter post or something I would read on the wall of a bathroom stall. I would like to submit a request to Zooey to do a follow up article that states a thesis, provides evidence and has a conclusion.
Yes,nice boobs. People stop hating on people who dont agree with you. Trust me,there are worst things,taboo and not,that people do in this world. Dont agree? Just walk away.
Well, that was an entirely pointless comment.
So what purpose did this one serve?
Are all of the articles on this site as poorly written, ill-conceived, mean-spirited and pointless as this one? If so, I’m going to skip it entirely, and keep reading Jill’s blog, which is the exact opposite.
You know what else isn’t shocking? Women dissing other women, especially intelligent women dissing other intelligent women. All too effing common. Also, disappointing and booooorrriiiinggg…
But you know what is never boring? Sticking up for what you believe in, even if its not popular. Trolling Zooey to oblivion just tells young girls, sure, you can be an empowered free thinking female, and long as you’re free thinking with the masses.
I love how this whole atricle seems to be more about attacking MTV then anything else. Plus given some the return comments about MTV. The person almost sounds like a angry ex employee or just a sad lonely loney person. It is sad and pathatic to hate on someone who works for a company you don’t like. Why don’t you grow up and mature a little “Zooey Mae”
They’re observations from a girl who loves comics and worked in two comic stores, how on earth do you make the leap to her being a potential ex-MTV employee with a grudge? Everyone I know mocks MTV’s complete lack of relevancy to anyone over 15 and so has a HUGE percentage of stand up comics… are they all ex employees with a grudge too?
I also want to add that I love that you are ignoring the people who make good points. You really are sticking up for what you say Zooey.
Jill on twitter: “So, for those who have seen Thor, about what percentage of the film does Chris Hemsworth spend shirtless?”
Now what would happen if a guy said that about Kat Dennings? Would it be cute and funny then? Or would they be met with eye rolls and “pig”?
What’s popular isn’t always right, and what’s right isn’t always popular.
Keep your head up Zooey. But its probably hard while you’re coubled over with laughter hearing so many on here repeat your own points back to you.
For anyone interested, I focused my column on Newsarama this week on the Geek Girl culture. Long overdue for me since this was just the most recent experience of issues within the community. I hope you’ll all give it a read, I covered a lot.
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/hey-thats-my-cape-geek-girl-definitive-110504.html
You certainly can see though that the jibe at your title had nothing to do with you personally but the sort of image that title immediately conveys? The rest of her point is valid. She’s not pitting geek against geek. She’s not saying some geeks are better than others. She’s saying that anyone who exploits it sucks. That means non geeks. She’s standing up FOR the geek community. I don’t get how everyone here got worked up into such a frenzy saying she’s and elitist, she must be ugly, she’s saying who can be nerdy… and its none of those things at all. For someone who is apparently an acclaimed blogger, I would assume you’re smart enough to figure that out and I’m sure you have. Perhaps you should promote community by not alienating this girl too and MAYBE suggesting to your fans they not just dive on, flame and attack everyone who says something they don’t understand/like?
Yes, its funny and clever. But its walking a very fine line, so as a professional, you really can’t be so shocked if some people do think it actually crosses a line. If I were a female comic blogger, I’d call it Bags and Boards (the logo possibilities alone! lol), but maybe I’ve just watched too many of my girl’s Sex & the City dvds.
Perhaps I’m reading too much into Zooey’s post, maybe i’m just seeing shards of actual problems with the whole “geek” branding situation in something meant to be totally innocuous, but it occurs to me that her outrage at your title may have more to do with the fact that you are, by choice or by accident, a pillar and leader in the geek community. When you command legions of fans and those fans look to your opinion either to help them form their own or simply to go along with you (not that you control that), you have a responsibility as a journalist and a geek to be at the forefront of positive change. I understand that when you named your blog, it was a different time (not where I grew up, but apparently it was elsewhere) and changing it now would be a stupid decision from a brand identity stand point, but if we want the hang up about geek girls to go away, so that there is only GEEKDOM as a whole, male and female, Romulan and Vulcan, then its the leaders of the community who have to stop treating it like its a stigma. Once the mouthpieces of geekdom stop making it an issue, the community will follow suit. They will only see a fellow geek. Not a fellow geek with boobies. I think everyone here has the same goal on that front: equality. Though I don’t think Zooey was segregating the actual community, I’m fairly certain she was speaking of non geeks exploiting true geeks (ie, everyone who cared enough to comment here). But since the issue of female geek infighting has come up, that’s what I took from her post and what I see in the community as a whole. Growing up with plenty of geek girls, having a mom who was a geek and a strong female, working for women older than myself who have kids and still retain their geek status proudly, its all painted the community as already united for the most part. The only place I hear the issue of geek “girls” being brought up at all is on the net. I don’t hear it in the shops I frequent (which all have a good amount of equality represented) and NONE of my geek girl friends have ever discussed it. We’re all just geeks together and a lot of us are tired of seeing it brought up because it does, even if by accident, perpetuate the stigma.
Basically what you have here is an honest geek girl, just like the rest of you, who does not like when NON geek girls, posers, pretend to be geeks to get attention.
If you know in your heart you love comics/gaming/etc because you love it, then guess what, she’s not attacking you. She’s sticking up for you. YOU are not who she is insulting today.
Its very simple. Zooey is attacking faker geeks.
Are you a geek?
Yes?
Then she’s not grouping you in there. Calm the Force down.
Are you a non geek?
Yes?
Do you abuse geek culture popularity to get attention?
No? Then she’s not insulting you either.
Its very simple. Now everyone slow down, read carefully, and stop proving that the average reading level has dropped to the 4th grade… seriously.
I see that people haven’t learned a thing. No Jill has *NOT* put her boobs out there, any more than guy who cosplays Spider-Man is putting his dick out there. If that’s all you see, then I expect the promblem lies more with yourself and your view of the world than it does with the cosplayers.
Jill is an amazing, generous, brilliant person and she’s inspired a lot of people, myself included. Seems to me that is worthy of praise, not ridicule.
I’m tired of this “geekier-than-thou” attitude that seems to be springing up. I wasn’t aware that we had to pass a certification exam to be considered a geek.
That had little to do with the actual post. The Has Boobs reference was a joke and an example. It was not the whole point of her article at all. Way to read one sentence and get overly defensive.
You all speak of togetherness and sisterhood, why attack her back? If you were raised on Star Wars, Yoda taught you all better. Why not have a discussion instead of a meltdown? More insults equal more negativity and pushes everyone FURTHER from togetherness. Join our community or get flamed, the Dark Side that is.
And remember kiddies, when did Luke get Vader to turn from the Dark Side? When he STOPPED hacking away at him.
Compassion. Get some. And compassion does not mean trying to understand those just like you, that’s easy. Its trying to understand those you disagree with. You all preach community, well compassion and understanding is how you build one. Not by flaming everything you don’t like to the ground.
Sure this article was poorly written, bias, and reeks of personal attack… but are we seriously going to pretend this doesn’t happen? I mean… really? Really?
Gender is a gimmick in the comic and gaming industry. Don’t get me wrong, there are a ton of talent women working in or reporting on those fields, but sometimes it feels like there are just as many that are only working because they’re women.
Thanks you!
Though I’m less than impressed with this article – well, more a brief explosion of bitchiness aimed in part at one of the most well-respected geek girls there is – what I’m actually more pissed off about here is the editor’s note. You, sir, are a douchebag. And if you’re getting paid to pick pictures off of Google images and insult the people in them, I really hope you get canned for your comment here.
Wow this is one of the most unprofessional rants i’ve ever seen on a public website.
Isn’t this the sort of thing that should sort of be reserved for a personal blog?
I also know Jenn Wenger, Michelle Prenez, as well as team unicorn’s Clare Grant and Michelle Boyd ( geek and gamer girls) adn April Wahlin (the next Elvira) and they are all hot AND the real deal when it comes to anything geeky. Jenn is a wonder woman super fan…she can tell you anything about diana and was really upset that the upcoming tv show took too many liberties with the character. Same for Michelle and Supergirl. April is an avid comics reader and works for SAn diego comic con. The team unicorn girls have borrowed several trade paperbacks from me and can kick anyones ass at halo, world of warcraft, and arkham asylum. are they posers? far from it. this is what they actually love. Why not relish in the fact that the medium is finally being recognized as cool rather than be jealous that its not only you anymore?
Good god. She’s criticizing non geeks who put on a geek mask for personal gain and/or attention. Learn how to read.
I think it is fairly obvious that the author isn’t saying that any specific fan is a poseur, but rather that saying she is a “female fan” as opposed to a “normal fan” is absurd. If it is so common, then it isn’t worth quantifying what gender she is.
She was referencing other females who do, so she had to point out that she was in fact female to give her argument credibility. If a guy said that, no one would care, as evidenced by Jill’s twitter fan reaction alllllll day long when this was posted.
LOL yes! Joss blows too!