I think just the fact that most of these discussions really revolve around technology is the reason that we aren't seeing many females- there just aren't that many in our field comparatively.

On the other hand, I think that another contributor is that I sort of assume everyone is male unless there is some indicator otherwise, and I'm sure most women prefer not to put themselves out there with a "Hey everyone, female here!" I wonder if there was an actual poll how many people on HN are actually female?

>sausagefest

Honestly I think the ones who have a problem are the ones who see a difference. Those that just put what they have out there and discuss openly, maturely will generally find (regardless of where they go) some kind of return. Even on PInterest you'll find immaturity and other negative qualities, merely exhibited by men instead of women. Does that make it innately better?

Is sausagefest offensive?

It's juvenile.