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TS is very female dominated

Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
edited January 2023 in Help Desk
So, this isn't a problem at all, but I was thinking of ways we could try and attract more guys to TS. Don't get me wrong, the members on here are amazing for answering posts and to chat to. But it'd be wicked to see a few more guys around. :) Are there any stats for the gender split of members?
Post edited by JustV on

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    Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Don't think there are, but it's probably much less equally split than it was when I joined. All the best ones disappeared :(
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    Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    You're right Mike, it's pretty female dominated and we're also keen to attract more guys. What were your ideas? We'd love to hear them!
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    Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Its also... i think its because like boys have problems i know! but sometimes boys can get embarrassed to talk about they problems because they feel they need to be the 'man' like on other sites its mainly GIRLS.... and also many people dont think boys have problems like certain things because dont think it happens to boy but it does they just dont speak out because its like they feel like they weak..it could be that? maybe people could show that its not just GIRL who get problems? and maybe show that its not embarrassing? or something.. sorry if what i said is alot off rubbish >.<
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    Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    I mostly agree with SaraBob. I think females are much more likely to come somewhere like this and open up, whereas guys might not even consider it (possibly because of the stigma). But maybe if some guys made the initial trip here to get some advice they might realise that it's a great place to come. There's also no getting away from the fact that females are going to have a lot more in their pool of potential problems/talking points than males (for obvious reasons), so it might just be that.

    As for suggestions Jo - I was racking my brain but couldn't think of anything realistic! It might be worth making a more central thread about it though to see what people think. :)
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    Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    MikeS wrote: »
    I mostly agree with SaraBob. I think females are much more likely to come somewhere like this and open up, whereas guys might not even consider it (possibly because of the stigma). But maybe if some guys made the initial trip here to get some advice they might realise that it's a great place to come. There's also no getting away from the fact that females are going to have a lot more in their pool of potential problems/talking points than males (for obvious reasons), so it might just be that.

    As for suggestions Jo - I was racking my brain but couldn't think of anything realistic! It might be worth making a more central thread about it though to see what people think. :)


    Yes could do something like showing boys and men that its not JUST girls...Like maybe get some boys/men who have had problems in life and be able to tell other boys and men they story? :)
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    **helen****helen** Deactivated Posts: 9,235 Supreme Poster
    SaraBob wrote: »
    Yes could do something like showing boys and men that its not JUST girls...Like maybe get some boys/men who have had problems in life and be able to tell other boys and men they story? :)

    I think this is a good idea - actually 'showing' rather than just asking the community is really good. The main forum space isn't really for consulting on how TS should run, it's more for getting on with the conversations and support :)). Feel free to start some threads that you think might bring more guys into the conversation though...

    Interesting that Skive said in the 'how did you find TheSite' thread that the drugs forum was his draw, but these days it's a little bit tumbleweed... We also no longer have the sport forum - bit clichéd I know, but there used to be quite a bit of footie banter. It's also true that traditionally more guys have posted in politics and debate as well, but a lot of the old regulars grew up and moved on, and we didn't have newbies coming in... Part of it is FB/Twitter and other social networks filling the space - when people used to connect with TS they didn't necessarily come for emo support, but would be drawn into a debate or funny thread - and then realise they could get support if they wanted to. That seems less likely to happen these days because there's so much other funny stuff/entertaining content elsewhere to compete with... Tricky :chin:

    In terms of wider work around this, YN the charity behind TS is really committed to engaging more young men, so we're looking to get a project group together to help us address it and come up with ideas in more detail over on our volunteer network. If this is something any of you lads reading would like to help with then do give me a shout :)

    In the meantime, do carry on sharing your thoughts here! :thumb:
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    Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    **helen** wrote: »
    In terms of wider work around this, YN the charity behind TS is really committed to engaging more young men, so we're looking to get a project group together to help us address it and come up with ideas in more detail over on our volunteer network. If this is something any of you lads reading would like to help with then do give me a shout :)

    I like the sound of that - I'd love to help if I can. :)

    Hmmm, I see what Helen's saying. Realisation that guys could get support could be more of a secondary thing, having already been drawn to something else. Also love the idea of guys showing off their stories and support a little more, maybe drawing a bit more attention amongst the influx of females here.

    I was thinking maybe you could have a section on TS somewhere specialised to males and females? Like have a "For guys" and "For girls" section - BUT, I was also thinking that might just show the lack of males and discourage them to come here, and might cut out some potentially valuable support that could be given by someone of the other gender. However, maybe this idea could be applied to the info sections? :) Saaaaying that, it's quite good the way the info sections cover both sexes pretty well anyway. Maybe that idea's a dud!
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    Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Let some helplines know and ask weather they could put it on there websites :)
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    Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    We here*

    Its for anyone really cont say who can and how cont :)
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    JamesJames Deactivated Posts: 1,706 Extreme Poster
    MikeS wrote: »
    I like the sound of that - I'd love to help if I can. :)

    Hmmm, I see what Helen's saying. Realisation that guys could get support could be more of a secondary thing, having already been drawn to something else. Also love the idea of guys showing off their stories and support a little more, maybe drawing a bit more attention amongst the influx of females here.


    Great that you're up for helping Mike!
    Feel free to start some 'male-friendly' (for want of a better term!) threads around the place. Let's get the ball rolling (as it were)!
    MikeS wrote: »
    I was thinking maybe you could have a section on TS somewhere specialised to males and females? Like have a "For guys" and "For girls" section - BUT, I was also thinking that might just show the lack of males and discourage them to come here, and might cut out some potentially valuable support that could be given by someone of the other gender. However, maybe this idea could be applied to the info sections? :) Saaaaying that, it's quite good the way the info sections cover both sexes pretty well anyway. Maybe that idea's a dud!

    Totally agree with the bits in bold :)
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    Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Haha! Thanks James, will do. :)
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    Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    The guys around here may be very few and far between but we treasure the ones we have and love having you around!! Just Sayin' ;)
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