Lunarpages Sits Down with WOW
Author: Tiara Rea
Women always tend to be rare in the technology and web hosting fields, though every year we’re seeing a great number of them literally taking over the world. Or at least, that’s our plan…
So imagine my incredible delight when I was looking for the perfect website to interview for this month’s Lunarpages-Hosted-Site Interview and found Angela Mackintosh, founder and CEO of WOW! Women On Writing! I was in fact elated to find another super-successful woman, hosting on a massive server and running an amazingly-popular ezine for female authors. Not does she run an SEO column on her blog, the Muffin, as well as a successful graphic design company on the side, but she’s also drop-dead gorgeous!
I emailed her instantly, pretty much overwhelmed with adoration for her cause, and she was more than kind in her prompt responses and assistance. I am very proud to see Lunarpages hosting sites like this and was floored to get to chat with her about SEO tips, web hosting, and most importantly, writing!
So, Angela, I know your site has nothing to do with Web Hosting, but I absolutely fell in love with your ezine and its purpose. If you don’t mind, can you tell us a little bit about your website? What do you do and what kinds of things can users expect to find on WOW-WomenOnWriting.com?
Thank you Tiara for having me; I’m honored. And of course, I love to talk about WOW!, so be prepared for an earful!
WOW! Women On Writing is a free online magazine designed to support women’s creativity, blood, sweat and tears, throughout all stages of the writing process. We combine the hard content of a writing website with the glossy graphics of a women’s print magazine, to produce a unique experience for the end user. We feature interviews with authors, editors, literary agents, publishers and readers. We’ve been lucky enough to interview some of the most fascinating women—some memorable interviews include Ann Moore, CEO of Time, Inc. when she first announced her push to digital media only, which is, of course, great news for webmasters, proving that the shift to ezines has arrived—to celebrity interviews.
How long have you been hosting with Lunarpages and how have your experiences been thus far?
Lunarpages has been amazing! We made the switch from another (unnamed) host in July and I couldn’t be happier. My webmaster, Glenn Robnett, recommended you, and I have to say, your customer service rocks! I could get into the nightmare that we experienced with our previous host, but I don’t think that would be too nice…
Did you personally design the look and coding of your site? If so, what tools did you use and can you recommend some for all of our future webmasters out there?
I’ve owned a graphic design business for nearly ten years, but I mostly did work for print magazines, catalogues, and tradeshows—with the occasional website being outsourced through my company, Mackintosh Multimedia. So when I started to focus more on writing, the thought of starting a website came quite organically. I was on the computer all the time anyway, doing artwork or visiting websites that I enjoyed, so I figured, why not design my own?
I first designed the site in Adobe Illustrator because of my love for vector graphics, then converted it to spec in Photoshop. I’d done some flash before and dabbled in Dreamweaver, but I had a friend in my writing critique group I contracted for the initial programming. I honestly didn’t think it would go anywhere. If I did I probably would’ve done things a tad differently. For starters, there’s an incredible amount of artwork that goes into each issue, and there are many aggregators that I would’ve included in the initial design, instead of adding bits and pieces in later. Actually, we have a whole other launch ahead of us, to take WOW! into Web 2.0 and 3.0—there are some great things in store.
Your site has a pretty decent Alexa Ranking and Google PR. Do you utilize special SEO tools and/or techniques, did you rank so high by natural interest, or does Google just love your site because it’s run by women?
I love exploring the world of SEO and have done it by trial and error since the beginning. Honestly Tiara, when we started I hadn’t a clue of what SEO or even meta tags were, so it was a quick learning curve, and I’ve done all of our SEO since. And in less than a year we managed to outrank our competitors who’ve been in our industry for over ten years! Actually, there are some simple techniques I use, and I’m learning all the time. I don’t know if these will be of any help to your experienced readers, but here goes:
• Definitely get the Alexa toolbar installed. This is great for sites that feature hosting, or webmaster tools, etc. because Alexa only counts visitors with the toolbar installed. It’s not great for women’s writing sites like ours because most of the ladies are new to the technology, but there are ways around it. If you get the developer’s corner widget installed on your site, which I just did a month ago, then that will count a unique visitor as if the toolbar was installed in their browser.
• Use relevant titles. Since Google uses titles primarily in their search relevance, adding a descriptive title with the key words contained in the page’s content will help boost your placement.
• Be sure to use Google’s “Webmaster Tools” section and verify your site with a snippet of code. Adding a sitemap with Google’s free generator is highly recommended as well.
• Use website submission services, there are a ton of them, but they all do the same thing—submit your site to all the search engines every 30 days, so you don’t have to worry about it! Before you do this though, make sure all your metatags are relevant and use the words and phrases that you use in your homepage. (20 only!)
One more tip that I personally use, as mentioned in this blog post, that I’ve never heard of anyone else using (to my knowledge): put a Google coop search engine box on your site, then each time you update your site, enter those specific pages into your coop search engine, so Google is forced to search your page.
If your readers are interested, I have a column ‘SEO Sundays’ on our blog, The Muffin.
I’m definitely interested!! Those were amazing tips, Angela!!
Have you ever had another website? If so, can you tell us a little bit about it?
Not of my own, but my graphic design business has done several websites for clients, although I’m not really involved in them. Of course, like many web enthusiasts out there, I own a TON of domain names in hopes that some day I’ll have time to complete that vision!
WOW is now commemorating its First Anniversary!! Congratulations! How do you guys plan to celebrate? Some champagne and fine cheese? Maybe a massage session for all of your loyal readers like myself? 
Thank you Tiara, and yes, free massages for all! We’ve been celebrating, you better believe it. WOW!’s editor Sue Donckels and I have online wine-tasting parties. But seriously, we’re excited because we have a lot of things in store for this year. We’re launching the WOW! virtual classroom and workshops, due to popular demand, and incorporating other kinds of media—such as video, books, and a freelance union for women writers.
All of this couldn’t be possible though without the camaraderie of our staff, which is growing in numbers. We’re truly blessed.
I’ve noticed that you run some contests on your site. What contest is running at the moment and what kinds of responses have you received thus far?
Our writing contests receive amazing responses! Currently, we have an essay contest sponsored by the Globe Pequot Press’ skirt! books. They’re a perfect fit for our ezine. So far we’ve received entries from all over the world!
We also hold one of the biggest flash fiction contests online. We offer over $2,000 in cash & prizes, and have 35 winners total. Every single winner gets a goodie bag of gifts, hand-packed with care. Most of the boxes are well over $100 in value and contain author-signed books as encouragement for contestants to follow their writing dreams. The stories that come from these ladies are incredible. Our last guest judge, literary agent Jennifer DeChiara, just submitted her final decision, and we’re getting ready to announce our Summer Flash Fiction Contest Winners October 1st.
You can find out more by visiting our contest page.
Your columnists often write about technology (blogs, web hosting, creating a niche) and its coexisting relationship with writing. Do you think technology plays an important role in the modern life of a writer?
Most definitely. Now more than ever, writers and authors of print are using blogging, websites, and social networks as promotional tools. Even the big New York publishing houses have admitted that they’re slow to catch on using the internet as a vehicle to drive sales. And they’ve even incorporated the ‘author’s website’ as part of their requirements for taking on the publicity of an author.
Over the last couple years, there has been a grand emergence of women in technology. Even at Lunarpages, we have a bunch of women who do everything from Affiliate Marketing to IT Development and beyond. What do you think about this new trend in what was once considered a strictly-male profession, and how do you see this progressing in the future? Personally, I think women are going to take over the world, but many argue that we already have.
It’s like most avenues of business, women will continue to succeed and reach all aspects. Women business owners are on the rise, and with marketing, hands-down, women are the most sought after market. The power of the purse, sister!
I honestly don’t see it as a trend, but more as something that’s here to stay, and only going to continue to grow. I’ll give you an example: when we first started kicking around the idea of a writing website, my previous partner and I had considered marketing to both men and women, but I suggested that we go with what we know. She thought we’d be missing half the population… and while that’s true, there’s something even more true: women have great communication skills. We handle business differently than men, we talk things out, and feel the need for community and camaraderie. If you look at the purchasing aspects and amount of time that women spend online, it would be silly if business owners and IT Development etc. didn’t acknowledge this.
Many of us here at Lunarpages Web Hosting use blogs to write, both in our free time and while we’re at work. Do you think blogging is an integral part of a writer’s life these days? For me, it’s always been a great tool for daily writing practice, as well as reading and reviewing feedback in an easy-to-control environment.
You’re exactly right Tiara, blogging is a super tool for daily writing practice. It forces the writer to craft short pieces with great hooks and juicy content, much like a flash fiction piece would, or the first chapter of a novel. I think blogging is a great way to get your words out there, and plus, search engines love blogs! They’re highly SEO friendly. I notice that after a blog post it shows up on Google within minutes! That’s why you see some great numbers for those willing to take their blog to the next level.
If you are in the business of writing, there are many things to consider, but if you’re promoting something such as a book, yourself, or are trying to build traffic or sell your website, then giving out free content is a great way to get attention. Advertisers will take notice, and of course, the world will know if you’re getting the numbers. I guess it all depends on what exactly you’re striving for in your writing… but any buzz is great if you’re trying to get known as a writer or aspiring author.
I have participated several times in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). Have you ever done this and would you recommend it to your readers or ours? (for those of you who don’t know, NaNo is a month-long buckle down time for writers, where the goal is to write an entire novel in one month!)
Isn’t that fun?! How inspiring is that! I’ve never participated, something always seems to come up at the time, but I’d heartily recommend taking part if possible. Not only is it a wonderful month of literary madness, but you learn a lot about the way you write. In fact, Jean Lauzier, WOW’s editor, is dedicating the month of October to plotting NaNo novels (for those who like more structure) with an workshop which will take the author through character development, plotting, creating the story arc, and research just to name a few topics. Her workshop will also include one on one critiquing of your draft to help get started on the road to revision. For more information on that, you can email Jean at jean@wow-womenonwriting.com.
Who is your favorite female author? (For women, mine include George Elliot, Susan Kay, and Elizabeth Cook)
Now you’re really trying to get me in trouble!! Of course, I love every woman author on our website, and I don’t have favorites… but meeting Amy Tan was definitely a monumental interview for me. Also, Diana Abu-Jaber’s books are always fantastic. Most recently, I read Kris Carr’s book, Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips, which was such an inspiration to me…
Finally, what are your future plans for WOW?
We have monumental plans! I think I mentioned the launch of the WOW! Classroom in January 2008, and the integration of forums, as well as services for women writers (AKA: Freelance Union), which would incorporate healthcare for freelancers and other resources. Print media, such as a WOW! Women On Writing series of books. And a social network for women authors, editors, agents, publishers, and readers.
And lastly, a bit of fun: Would you prefer…
Poetry or prose?
Prose
Nonfiction or fiction?
Fiction
Short stories or novels?
Novels
Writing your own work or reading your favorite author’s?
Writing
Pen or pencil?
Pencil (so I can sketch as well)
Hand-writing or typing?
Typing
Thanks so much for setting aside some time for this interview. We really do appreciate it and look forward to seeing the growth of your site in the future!
For those of you who would like to recommend a site, please do let us know by emailing affiliate@lunarpages.com. You are more than welcome to nominate your own website, as well, so get to it!
September 25th, 2007 at 7:16 am
unfortunately, one of the reasons there are so few women techies… is that women are often not taken seriously… seen as the gender that is only interested in fashion, beauty tips and generally superficial issues… instead of simply praising Angela Mackintosh for her intellect, her writing skills, or her entrepreneurial creativity, the line “…but she’s also drop-dead gorgeous” with a link to her site and photo… seemed to make the rest of your compliments recede into the background… as though, her most important feature was her looks…
and “not only does she … but she’s also drop-dead gorgeous” … as though this is an amazing feat in itself… to actually be successful AND to be gorgeous… Wow … How does she do it?
sorry… just disappointed that apparently it still isn’t enough to be successful, or to be helping other women, but apparently I would need to be gorgeous as well to win the admiration (adoration?) of other women in my field.
karen
September 25th, 2007 at 7:56 am
Karen, I think you take yourself too seriously. It is a well known fact that Lunarpages is one of the MOST “women friendly” places to work in IT and they have a larger proportion of women in management and senior positions than any other web host.
Perhaps Tiara was simply complimenting Angela on another of her great assets? It’s not always about sexual discrimination or women’s rights, in fact it is attitudes such as yours that make it MORE difficult for women to be taken seriously in such a male dominated filed.
September 25th, 2007 at 8:26 am
wow … as a customer of lunar pages i wasn’t expecting to be insulted for making a comment… (I take myself too seriously?) I certainly applaud Lunarpages for being a women friendly place to work and for promoting many women to senior positions. I was not attacking lunarpages… nor did i mention anything about sexual discrimination or women’s rights… the only point I was making was that in an article about a woman CEO of an entrepreneurial internet site, a comment about her looks seemed to me to be somewhat out of place… The article made Angela’s looks sound as though they were just as important an asset as her writing skills or leadership skills…
when you said “…Tiara was simply complimenting Angela on another of her great assets” … aren’t you implying again that a woman’s looks are an important asset? doesn’t that in some small way mean if she is not attractive, she is less valuable (fewer assets == less value)?
I don’t understand how my attitude that a womans’ looks should have little to do with her success, and comments about how good or not good she looks really don’t belong in an article about her strengths as a CEO and Entrepreneur … makes it MORE difficult for women to be taken seriously?
September 25th, 2007 at 9:11 am
I have to agree with Karen. In fact, I almost didn’t read the article because of the beginning comments.
Why go off the subject and state that she is drop-dead gorgeous and make ‘drop-dead gorgeous’ a link to her photo? What does her looks have to do with anything? I guess someone who is beautiful cannot be smart? Someone who is unnatractive will never have enough ‘assets’ to be taken seriously?
And Sarah’s comment that “it is attitudes such as yours that make it more difficult for women to be taken seriously in such a male dominated field” doesn’t make any sense. Why attack someone and blame them when they are pointing out the obvious?
Angela Mackintosh is a successful woman and a role model for others and it doesn’t have a thing to do with her looks. The ‘drop-dead gorgeous ‘ link has no place in this article.
September 25th, 2007 at 9:43 am
Tonnie and Karen I can appreciate why women don’t dominate IT after reading the drama you have created off this entertaining and informative interview. You make women look bad. I read it and found it refreshing and fun. Tiara is in total support of Angela and I am assuming she approved the interview, yet you have turned this into some type of feminist war zone.
It is what it is. A good article about an exceptional woman. Why try to bring everyone down and turn it into something it obviously is not?
September 25th, 2007 at 10:25 am
I too am always glad to hear that women and the elderly are getting more into computers and technology, but I cringe every time I hear “but she’s also pretty!” Is it so clear that an intelligent woman isn’t often pretty? I don’t think so. I think people are pretty based upon their presentation of their nature and personality. Physical attraction is very limiting for anyone, male or female.
And, “drop dead gorgeous”? No, I don’t think so. Trendy and sublime, possibly, but I’d say she’s got more of a home-spun 70s appeal.
I still wait for the day when sexism is dead, but as long as women themselves perpetuate the beauty myths, and promote the average as astonishing just because a woman did it, I don’t see it yet.
September 25th, 2007 at 11:31 am
Drama? What in tarnation does “drama” have to do with the rebuttle to what is so obviously a Neanderthal expression — “drop dead gorgeous”?! It never ceases to amaze me how “some” men will find a way to diminsh and mistake the passion women feel for an issue near and dear to their hearts — acceptance for what they represent, rather than their cup size!
September 25th, 2007 at 12:46 pm
While I don’t have time for this complicated issue just now, I must weigh in not only for Karen but my own kind who if not careful will lose the ground gained by their forefathers. See, you don’t get far before you run into female suppression: from the dictionary, foremother is a “female ancestor” while forefather is “a person who is from an earlier time and has originated or contributed to a common tradition shared by a particular group.” Keep drop-dead gorgeous links in the postscripts for another generation or so.
Lane
IT since 1969
September 25th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
Deb – I am a woman
September 25th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
Hi guys,
Just wanted to comment and offer my apologies to anyone I might have offended by the simple compliment I put in there to keep the tone light and fun. I honestly mean no disrespect — being a woman, I definitely understand the frustration of feeling attacked by the assumption that you must be “drop dead gorgeous” to be successful. Obviously, I don’t agree with that.
Angela was simply kind enough to send her picture along with the interview and I thought it would be a cute addition to add it. I’ve confirmed with her that she doesn’t mind and was flattered by my compliment.
While I don’t agree with many of the comments above, I’d rather simply offer my apologies and hope you guys can get past a single line and read the rest of the interview — Angela is an incredible woman with a great mission and it would be a shame to dwell on the negative while her amazing story goes unnoticed.
-Tiara
September 25th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
OMG, Everyone! Karen made a great point, initially, but it’s taking the whole interview off course.
Let’s applaud Angela’s success and forget the commentary about her looks. Let’s take this back to the issue at hand. Angela’s brainchild, WOW! Women On Writing, has not only survived and thrived on the web through its first year, but it’s blossoming into the second one with new parts and extensions on the horizon. To manage to take an ezine to WOW’s current level, with such a great Alexa rating, and so many devoted readers, that’s simply amazing! What about her visual work–the graphic design. The hidden work–the SEO success? I don’t think the woman sleeps!
With the superficial comments aside, Angela’s blood, sweat, and tears have paid off in a big way for her ezine. Of course, this doesn’t even mention all the freelancers and others with whom she’s created working relationships. She provides jobs for freelancers. That is a huge asset to the Internet community right there. Let’s focus on the business story, and the result of all her labors for WOW!
Congratulations, Angela!!
September 25th, 2007 at 1:47 pm
Hey all…
The lesson we can all take from this is the power of words:–) Power to stir the emotions and either bring people together or tear them apart.
It also should remind us that when we comment online it’s darn hard to be exactly sure what a person means since we only get the written word not the body language and visual clues we usually have when dealing face to face with people.
But…back to the article. Angela has done a great thing in the online world. She has taken an idea that touched her soul and given the women of the writing and reading world a place to call home.
September 25th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
I’m impressed with the WOW site. The interview tells a wonderful story of how Angela started the site and how she developes it. It is so packed full of information that it takes me a month to read it all.
I’m glad I got to read the interview with Angela. Her personality and energy came through beautifully.
Thanks for the interview and thanks to Angela for WOW-women on writing. I know it takes a lot of work and a lot of dedication to maintain such a vast website.
Cher’ley
September 25th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Thank you Tiara for your comment… I did read your article, and it was a very good interview… I also support the work Angela has done. I looked at the wow website and forwarded the link to two women writers that I know. Thanks for bringing this website to our attention.
We don’t all have to agree, but I especially appreciated your respectful response.
Cheers,
Karen
September 25th, 2007 at 3:15 pm
I was excited to read this article when Jean sent me the link for it. Being an author, and the total technotard that I am, I thought Angela provided incredible information about SEO–info which I plan to copy and save for use on my book website when it’s finally up and running. And though I already knew the story about WOW!, reading about how hard she worked and how much thought she put into developing such an amazing resource for women still makes me proud to say that I know her. She’s a creative genius. I also think Tiara did a great job interviewing Angela.
I was really disappointed when I read the comments posted here–a ton of comments from women with their panties in a bunch about one, single, random comment about beauty. As far as I’m concerned, that’s pathetic. Let’s focus on the important thing here, ladies. Instead, we should be cyber-celebrating a great woman who has used her intellect, vision, design skills, and heart to create an amazing online community for women writers and in doing so, has forged ground in a male-dominated technical field.
As for Angela’s beauty, take a look at her picture again and I’ll tell you what you missed seeing the first time. The smile is completely genuine, just like she is. Her eyes are kind, another of her amazing traits. Her posture is unassuming because she is totally self-less and humble. She’s a woman who would give her “trendy, homespun 70′s” shirt right off her back to help any of you if you asked because that’s just the way she is. Is she beautiful? Absolutely. Because everything from her inside shines through to the outside. That’s true beauty, and it’s about more than aesthetics.
Check your ugly at the door and go read the interview again.
September 25th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
Awww Annette that was so lovely!! I know Angela will love to hear your compliments — she is definitely one of the kindest and most hardworking women I am privileged to know
September 25th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
I saw a very informative and positve article. It seems to have brought out the editor in a lot of readers. Now, a single comment is being given treatment similar to tabloid press. Shame on us, aren’t we better than that? Congrats to Wow on their first birthday and thanks for the nice article.
September 25th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
Hi Ladies,
Boy, a lot of ‘interesting’ conversation has been sparked here! I always love it when something provokes discussion. And thanks ladies for the sweet compliments.
I just wanted to say that Tiara did a wonderful job interviewing me – I had a blast! It’s my favorite interview yet! Not only did she ask though-provoking questions, but she did a super job of editing my rambling words (I’m a writer, ya know). And editing an interview to make it flow together and bring out a theme, or focus is half the interview. Well done.
Thanks Tiara and lunarpages for having me. I sincerely enjoyed it!
Warmest,
Angela
September 26th, 2007 at 9:00 am
Great interview Tiara and grats to Angela for making her successful 1st year into an ongoing and on-growing endeavor.
Why does it have to be about female/male at all? Not to dismiss the fact that IT is male-dominated, but wouldn’t there be less sexism if we focused on “Angela is a great success and a hard worker” more than “Angela has succeeded in the male-dominated world of IT”? After all, that comment itself is sexist – not untrue about the field, but it does differentiate between the sexes.
Just as saying “Joe is my African-American friend” could be commended for the pc term “African-American” it is racist in itself because “Joe is my friend.” His skin color is irrelevant unless you are describing him to someone so they can recognize him in a crowd.
September 26th, 2007 at 10:25 am
Dear Tiara,
Thanks for this terrific interview. I, too, appreciate the discussion here about beauty and feminism. Of course, Angela is “drop-dead gorgeous”! Would you have said that of a man? Maybe. Hey, you should interview George Clooney . . .
Anyway, what astounded me here was the intelligence of the interview. I’m one of those technophobes, but here I can begin to learn how to access the power of the web. Angela gives excellent tips, and you elicit those tips beautifully.
September 26th, 2007 at 11:18 am
Hey, you should interview George Clooney..
Ummm… OK I guess I’ll put my hand up for that one
September 26th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
lol I’ll leave that to you, Amy — I’d rather interview Dan Radcliffe or Christopher Meloni personally, and if I did happen to interview either of them, I’d probably have said they were drop-dead gorgeous too.
Laura, great point — one thing I was so pleased with was the fact that her SEO tips were so newbie-friendly. I’m glad they can inspire even technophobes to go out and try something new!
September 26th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Thanks so much for such a well-done piece! So thought provoking as to stir emotions, so informative as to edge even those of us interested and intimidated by both technology, and writing on to test ourselves! I found the diversity and debate to be both revealing and enriching!
September 26th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
Tiara,
I’m a regular reader of WOW! and your interview is a great article and an excellent summary with many useful links. And yes, Angela is very pretty!
September 27th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
Two questions to ponder: 1)How extensive is the negative effect of one objectifying comment when it is blended into an interview which otherwise lifts up for admiration a hard working and acomplished professional colleague? My answer to this question is that the effect, while seemingly subtle, is pernicious. Sexism and its close cousin “looks-ism” drain off immense amounts of energy and confidence for those who don’t meet or fear they don’t meet beauty standards. Men as well as women are affected by this, but women much more so than men risk their health and spend $$$$$ to maintain a level of visual acceptibility, claiming that perfecting their make-up or altering their body gives them confidence. This is, of course, a false confidence. a house built on sand. Ironically, through the miracles of Photoshop, we all can, if we feel it is essential to success in cyberspace, post a “photo” of ourselves wherein we are “drop dead gorgeous.” (I am not implying this is the case with Angela.)
2) Is proffering a critique of such a blend an invitation to dialogue with a dollop of consciousness-raising or is it simply the creation of drama? My answer – It is speaking truth, and not everyone is ready to hear truth. Sexism persists in many forms in the U.S. today. Perhaps the most malignant form is internalized sexism. Check out Full Frontal Feminism: A Young Woman’s Guide to Why Feminism Matters by Jessica Valenti and Feminism Is for Everybody: Passionate Politics by bell hooks. Then we’ll talk. Civilly. Recognizing we may not agree on everything
October 2nd, 2007 at 10:50 am
How anyone can be offended by a sincere and truthful compliment to another is sad, sad, sad. Sounds like someone is insecure and unhappy. Feminism is chauvinism with different anatomical equipment. And I am a woman who came of age in the era of Gloria Steinem and Helen Gurley Brown, et al. Reality check: beauty is an asset, hello! But Angela’s accomplishments came about because of her business savvy, diligence, and persistence. The fact that she’s a pretty woman is a fact that does not need to be excluded from the interview; it does not undermine any of her credibility. Get real, people! Have you read any interviews of powerful men by male interviewers? They’ll mention his looks and grooming–maybe even his sex appeal–and nobody’s offended. Please, get a life. Angela’s the real deal. In fact, so are Sue and Jean and everyone I’ve ever had the privilege of corresponding with at WOW.