Hello, this is Bonnie Ruberg, author of the editorial in question.
To respond to some of your concerns... Well, let's go down the line.
Famicon - you've never put much thought into the issue because you're a guy, and as such part of the gender majority, therefore there's no reason (except general interest) you would be thinking about it. As a girl, it's good, and interesting, to address these things.
Ian Sane - yup, (almost) every videogame girl's a babe. Maybe that's not a problem if you're guys looking at her, but when you're trying to identity with her, it gets strange. And why can't guys like girls things, but girls can like guy things? That's a whole other social issue.
Terrinigma Freak - if you think no women care about or buy videogames, you're living in a hole. The girl gamer world may be small, but we're growing, no thanks to guys who stereotype women.
Bill Aurion - I think you're awesome.
KDR-11k - yes, weak but quick. Not weak like bad, weak like weak.
To everyone complaining that there ARE good women characters - well, duh, there are always exceptions. And certain characters, like Peach, may be strong in one games and presented as weak in a dozen others. No one, especially not me, is saying there are NO strong female characters. If that's what you're concerned with you're missing the point.
If you have any comments on the editorial or girl gaming in general, to write to me at
bonnie@planetgamecube.com and strike up a constructive chat on the subject. Also, feel free to write to me and let me know about girl gamer issues you'd rather see addressed, if you feel unsatisfied with this one. Otherwise thanks for reading the editorial.