As many of you know, I am a member on lots of diverse forums. One of them is a cooking forum. And before you check my testosterone levels, let me inform you that the debates are more blood-thirsty there than here.

Now by 'debate' I do not mean 'attack.' I go after my opponent pretty good, but by refuting their postulates and defending my position with alternative ideas. I'm just steadfast and passionate.

Well, I sign on this morning and find out that I have been referring to one of the better debating members as "he." Both the member and the moderator told me in open posts this morning that this member is a girl.

Now here's the problem. Since I did not know I treated "him" like an equal. I used my best 'A' game. Should I continue, or lighten up despite the fact she didn't ask for decorum?

Yikes, I know lots of really dangerous biker chicks, but I never hit one with a barstool. And she's British, an overseas member. I'll miss the debates, but I doubt I'll handle her the same way now that I know the difference.

Did this ever happen to you on a forum?

I solved the problem.

I tried to be gracious, she accused me of being patronizing. I decided that some people would biitch if they were hung with a new rope.

My last post to that thread was to notify her I had put her on ignore. If you want to be a full partner in any pursuit--on the job, on a bike or in a forum--then you produce like everyone else without whining for your mommie. I lost a ton of respect for her.

I (not proud of it) had to once "protect myself" from a "woman" (she was more man than woman) that came at me with a table leg after I "taught" her "man" (who was more butthole than man) that respect is earned in a local tavern. Well the two of them went home with a new understanding of what happens when you "bother" someone that doesn't want to be "bothered".
As for the Feminazis I do my best to ignore them, cause they just rub me the wrong way. Personally I'd keep the same tone male or female in a debate.