Adria Richards' tweet denouncing as sexist remarks made by a man at a tech conference has brought out a fierce and angry backlash. Two people have been fired (Richards and the man she accused of making inappropriate comments), Richards has faced a torrent of abuse and threats; and both Richards and her former employer have been on the receiving end of denial of service attacks.
But the controversy has had a more constructive outcome as well: Women are speaking up to share their own tales of slights, sexism and discrimination they've experienced the tech world, bringing attention to problems that often go unreported for fear of ill-will and precisely the kind of backlash Richards has faced.
Silicon Valley has clung to its vision of itself as a meritocratic place where everyone has an equal chance at success and everyone receives the same support. The slew of recent blogs from women in the tech world suggest it's anything but.