wow,Thanks Psulli. There were 531 comments to this article on Metafilter, many of them pointing out issues and problems with the article and others discussing good and bad explaining. I'm not fond of gendery generalizations. I am fond of looking at communication problems, however perceived - hence my posting this article. I agree with mk's point that people who "hold forth" and do not perceive the legitimacy of other people (who might be female) rather than communicate should not be deferred to. b_b talks about the confidence it requires to call people out. Confidence, often perceived as rudeness, might make it possible to let an explainer know. What we need is a (non-sarcastic) cheat sheet at the tip of our fingers to use to interrupt holders-forth. Maybe I'll write one. Sarcasm: "Excuse me, I think you're mistaking me for someone who doesn't know about that topic." Not Sarcastic: Jim - Jim (get his attention). Jim!!! Just a minute. Before you talk further about that topic, you might want to learn a little about what I already know. For example...

(sigh) so so hard... esp. getting his attention. Anyway, I like the voices at Hubski!

- Lil