On the use of sarcasm and "humor"

[username]

fellow forum enthusiasts,

i've noticed something peculiar lately on a few threads here, (and over on the rounders website, and in corporate email...) people are attempting to use humor and sarcasm, but it just doesn't come across clearly, and then someone gets offended.

i make a lot of sarcastic comments, and i always try to make sure that i over-communicate when i'm being tongue-in-cheek. i'd like to advise others to do the same. (i can already imagine some of the humorous responses to this thread. :D )

some of you may not be old enough to remember, but i do, when silent films were made. actors were advised to OVER emphasize their emotions so it would be obvious to the audience that they were surprised, or scared, or angry. budding actors today are often advised when learning the craft to "pretend you are in a silent movie. over do it a bit." the result is better non-verbal communication.

given that we are a community of people that are alone, it is important for us to strive to over-emphasize the non-verbal aspects of our posts here on the forum. i'd like to encourage people to use the smileys, and to also put things like "just kidding" or "joke" in their posts to make it very clear to everyone that you are goofing.

the most handy way to signal that you are goofing is the ;) smiley. you see, it's winking, like a monty python, "nudge nudge wink wink!" kind of thing.

often at the end of a note that is a completely goofy one, people will add the :D smiley. this one shows that it is all in good fun.

when someone is half-kiddingly confronting someone, you often see the :stick smiley used. this is also used as a prod to get people to fess up. it's kind of like clearing your throat and saying "ahem!" to people.

so when you're posting, and in your mind you think you're saying something funny, imagine it from the perspective of someone not familiar with your sense of humor, and add a smiley or two to make your communication more clear, and hence, more effective.

and if you read something, and you think, "wow, what a JERK!" instead of slamming the person publicly, consider sending them a PM and asking them, "did you mean to sound angry in your post?" people here are all pretty honest, and if they were pissed, they'll tell you so! and if they weren't they'll likely go edit the post and clarify.

thanks for reading.

[lorazepam]

you suck

[Belquar]

you suck

:jawdrop

[Stuff2C]

fellow forum enthusiasts,

i've noticed something peculiar lately on a few threads here, (and over on the rounders website, and in corporate email...) people are attempting to use humor and sarcasm, but it just doesn't come across clearly, and then someone gets offended.

i make a lot of sarcastic comments, and i always try to make sure that i over-communicate when i'm being tongue-in-cheek. i'd like to advise others to do the same. (i can already imagine some of the humorous responses to this thread. :D )

some of you may not be old enough to remember, but i do, when silent films were made. actors were advised to OVER emphasize their emotions so it would be obvious to the audience that they were surprised, or scared, or angry. budding actors today are often advised when learning the craft to "pretend you are in a silent movie. over do it a bit." the result is better non-verbal communication.

given that we are a community of people that are alone, it is important for us to strive to over-emphasize the non-verbal aspects of our posts here on the forum. i'd like to encourage people to use the smileys, and to also put things like "just kidding" or "joke" in their posts to make it very clear to everyone that you are goofing.

the most handy way to signal that you are goofing is the ;) smiley. you see, it's winking, like a monty python, "nudge nudge wink wink!" kind of thing.

often at the end of a note that is a completely goofy one, people will add the :D smiley. this one shows that it is all in good fun.

when someone is half-kiddingly confronting someone, you often see the :stick smiley used. this is also used as a prod to get people to fess up. it's kind of like clearing your throat and saying "ahem!" to people.

so when you're posting, and in your mind you think you're saying something funny, imagine it from the perspective of someone not familiar with your sense of humor, and add a smiley or two to make your communication more clear, and hence, more effective.

and if you read something, and you think, "wow, what a JERK!" instead of slamming the person publicly, consider sending them a PM and asking them, "did you mean to sound angry in your post?" people here are all pretty honest, and if they were pissed, they'll tell you so! and if they weren't they'll likely go edit the post and clarify.

thanks for reading.

:blah :blah WOW What a jerk!!! :blah :blah

[kbasa]

you suck

:ha

both of you guys suck.

[SNC1923]

Don't tell me how to communicate! :heart

I have a degree in English! :violin

Who the h**l do you think you are? :bottle

This is the dumbest thread I've seen yet. :stick

Is that the right idea?

I AM just kidding. I think what you present is a good idea. What we think in our heads all too often does not come across at all, let alone in writing. :wave

[CARVERBOATBOY]

Hay don’t blame me I found the solution on the rounder's board .......... I just don't post ........... See no more misunderstandings

Jeff

Ps please note smiles below
:) :buds ;) :brad

[username]

somehow, i knew i'd be seeing replies like these... :hug

[Rob Nye]

If you want to get all progressive about it you will dump internet http://iconhell.com/i/iconhell_violentstarr_gimmehyehcookes.gif explorer and use .Firefox (http://www.mozilla.com/products/download.html?product=firefox-1.5.0.1&os=win&lang=en-US)

Once you do that you can install some plug ins like smiley x tra.

http://forum.batteriehuhn.de/avatar/silke.gifhttp://iconhell.com/i/iconhell_surrealthoughtz_mwahahaa.gifhttp://www.cosgan.de/images/smilie/teufel/a045.gifhttp://img115.exs.cx/img115/1346/m3zskull.gif

[BradfordBenn]

If you want to get all progressive about it you will dump internet http://iconhell.com/i/iconhell_violentstarr_gimmehyehcookes.gif explorer and use .Firefox (http://www.mozilla.com/products/download.html?product=firefox-1.5.0.1&os=win&lang=en-US)

Once you do that you can install some plug ins like smiley x tra.

http://forum.batteriehuhn.de/avatar/silke.gifhttp://iconhell.com/i/iconhell_surrealthoughtz_mwahahaa.gifhttp://www.cosgan.de/images/smilie/teufel/a045.gifhttp://img115.exs.cx/img115/1346/m3zskull.gif
A yup. Great Idea Rob. :buds

Jeff you gotta come back to the Rounders, it is too calm over there now... :thumb

[Holly]

Of course, up here in the not-so-frozen-of-late (our groudhogs predicted an early spring--Take that Phil) north, we have humour not humor. The extra letter makes it impossible for Americans to figure it out. Now where is that promised Canadian flag smilie....

Holly

[Rich]

What a dork. Starts another useless thread just to see his own words in print. :stick :stick :stick :stick

[Rich]

:D

[GregFeeler]

If you want to get all progressive about it you will dump internet http://iconhell.com/i/iconhell_violentstarr_gimmehyehcookes.gif explorer and use .Firefox (http://www.mozilla.com/products/download.html?product=firefox-1.5.0.1&os=win&lang=en-US)

Once you do that you can install some plug ins like smiley x tra.

http://forum.batteriehuhn.de/avatar/silke.gifhttp://iconhell.com/i/iconhell_surrealthoughtz_mwahahaa.gifhttp://www.cosgan.de/images/smilie/teufel/a045.gifhttp://img115.exs.cx/img115/1346/m3zskull.gif


FireFox rocks! Even if you do recommend it. :stick

[BradfordBenn]

For those of you that have FireFox, go get the Bork Bork extension. It will change your view of the world.

[YB in IN]

For those of you that have FireFox, go get the Bork Bork extension. It will change your view of the world.

The Bork Bork is hilarious. It almost makes the ME threads bearable to read!!http://www.schildersmilies.de/schilder/ohmann.gif

[John Brase]

Why do I think username was directing this at me?

John

[SKS46LT05]

Hay don’t blame me I found the solution on the rounder's board .......... I just don't post ........... See no more misunderstandings

Jeff

Ps please note smiles below
:) :buds ;) :brad

Jeff's got the right idea--i've used this technique at other sites where i felt the discussion went way off the point of motorcycling and into realms of social stuff that i come to these sites to AVOID!!! At one site i simply canceled my membership and told em to use my cash to improve the quality of their dialogue.
That whole situation left a rotten taste in my mouth about these forums and i'm still trying to overcome it.
The MOA forum is usually fun and lighthearted, although sometimes i feel like i'm trying to gain entrance into an elite club at times. Frankly, I bought my Beemer because i wanted excellence in my motorcycle and i was riding long before i was sitting in front of my computer reading about others riding, so it ain't hard to get up from this and go do da othah..... :bikes

[tessler]

I do a considerable amount of communication via email and IM in both business and personal capacities. In the 14 years I've been doing this, sometimes the distinction gets a little blurred, as certain business messages evoke the casual tone of personal ones -- which can be a little dicey -- and personal messages loose their familiarity and good humor to pettiness. All of the above can (and has) lead to misinterpretation and all round bad vibes.

I've learned a lot about communicating from mistakes I've made in the past. One of the most powerful tools of expression is the ability to take a moment to think before darting off my responses. To realize who my audience is and try to make the right decisions (which includes using that little "Preview Post" button just to the right of the "Submit Reply" one!).

Often, it's just a matter of walking away... :blah

That said,... youse all can bite my shiny metal... :D

[Hodag]

Like I give a rats arse what others think of me. I got my own issues here.



Screw off, go bugger a sheep or something.










I'm on day #2 smoke free, anybody got any gum or candy?

[SHUNK]

Screw off, go bugger a sheep or something.

I'm on day #2 smoke free, anybody got any gum or candy?

Just reverse the order of those two and you've got a solution to your nicotine craving... :stick

:lol

[Hodag]

Just reverse the order of those two and you've got a solution to your nicotine craving... :stick

:lol


I don't think thats funny.

[GregFeeler]

I don't think thats funny.


I doubt if the sheep would, either. :bolt

[The_Veg]

I have a degree in English!
So how's that waiter gig working out for you? :D

[Hodag]

I doubt if the sheep would, either. :bolt

now thats funny

[Belquar]

[QUOTE=marK11LT
I'm on day #2 smoke free, anybody got any gum or candy?[/QUOTE]

Keep up the good work. I used all the money I saved to buy a motorcycle.
My two year smoke-free anniversary is in July. Best thing I ever did. Our (wife and I) primary motivation was two miscarriages. Now we have a baby girl. I will take her over a smoke any day of the week.

Good Job.

[tessler]

[QUOTE=Belquar]Keep up the good work. I used all the money I saved to buy a motorcycle. My two year smoke-free anniversary is in July. Best thing I ever did. Our (wife and I) primary motivation was two miscarriages. Now we have a baby girl. I will take her over a smoke any day of the week.Good Job.

Cheers to you both! I'm 5 years out!

.

[Bigrider]

fellow forum enthusiasts,

i've noticed something peculiar lately on a few threads here, (and over on the rounders website, and in corporate email...) people are attempting to use humor and sarcasm, but it just doesn't come across clearly, and then someone gets offended..

We've got a pretty computer/forum savvy group. Just putting a smiley on it doesn't mean we don't mean it.

Dave H
Colorado Springs, Co

[chasman]

Bork Bork by a Dork Dork! Bork Bork by a Dork Dork! You're right ...having fun already!!!


THANKS!

[YB in IN]

I doubt if the sheep would, either. :bolt

I doubt that the sheep would even feel a thing.










:hide

[BubbaZanetti]

I don't think thats funny.



Mark,

you forgot the :) or the :stick or whatever username suggested to relieve tension


:D , that's it, right?

[lorazepam]

I doubt that the sheep would even feel a thing.










:hide


Yeah, but this will leave a mark

[kbasa]

Ya know, every once in a while, I'll be afraid that this site is just taking itself too seriously and a thread like this will come along.


:ha

[Hodag]

I doubt that the sheep would even feel a thing.










:hide

where is the fyyff emiticon?

[boomyr]

I'm on day #2 smoke free, anybody got any gum or candy?

uh oh, did your wife see the pic I posted the other day for Woodnsteel's Bday with you smoking a cig at Soltace?
:stick

[Hodag]

uh oh, did your wife see the pic I posted the other day for Woodnsteel's Bday with you smoking a cig at Soltace?
:stick


she has seen worse

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y276/kraus/499301-R1-33-2A.jpg

[wanderer]

In her stand up special, she does a bit I've always been fond of.

Someone makes a hurtful and/or sarcastic remark and ends it with "just kidding" She responds "then you don't know how to kid properly. If you did, we would BOTH be laughing" I realize it losing something in the telling but I think it is an excellent point.

OK back to the attacks!!!!

[YB in IN]

she has seen worse

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y276/kraus/499301-R1-33-2A.jpg


Dude hook me up, I'm a single man on the prowl!! And frankly after my 60 plus dollar bar tab tonight I have little or no idea of what is going on!!! :twirl The Midwest Clan rocks everyones frickin' (censored for a family board) world. Hoosiers Rock!!!! :rocker :rocker

[BubbaZanetti]

Dude hook me up, I'm a single man on the prowl!! And frankly after my 60 plus dollar bar tab tonight I have little or no idea of what is going on!!! :twirl The Midwest Clan rocks everyones frickin' (censored for a family board) world. Hoosiers Rock!!!! :rocker :rocker



you're typing too well for a man with a 60 dollar bar tab...............

[username]

you're typing too well for a man with a 60 dollar bar tab...............

he was probably in one of those chic indiana champagne bars where a half-filled flute costs $12. :D

[YB in IN]

he was probably in one of those chic indiana champagne bars where a half-filled flute costs $12. :D

Maker's Mark Manhattans at the Crazy Horse Saloon thank you very much.

[YB in IN]

you're typing too well for a man with a 60 dollar bar tab...............


Well it took me about 10/15 minutes to type it out. The first draft looked like I had just pounded randomly on the keyboard. Seriously, it was a fun night.

[tessler]

Maker's Mark Manhattans at the Crazy Horse Saloon thank you very much.Exaclty what i was drinking at 11 pm last nite at Vynl in Hell's Kitchen!

The bar tab was nowhere near 60 bucks tho!

[BubbaZanetti]

Exaclty what i was drinking at 11 pm last nite at Vynl in Hell's Kitchen!

The bar tab was nowhere near 60 bucks tho!



yummy, haven't been there in a while.............

[The_Veg]

I was drinking cheep beer at home and watching Battlestar Galactica! :nyah

[tessler]

LOL! :laugh

[SNC1923]

So how's that waiter gig working out for you? :D

Huh. Shows how much you know.









Uh, so, you want fries with that?
:doh

[The_Veg]

Just kidding. I also know English majors who are book-store clerks and such.

But then I also know one who got so sick of stoopid low-rent jobs that she decided to go to law school. Last I heard she was doing well with her studies.

[SNC1923]

Just kidding. I also know English majors who are book-store clerks and such.

But then I also know one who got so sick of stoopid low-rent jobs that she decided to go to law school. Last I heard she was doing well with her studies.

Ouch! :ha

It's interesting: 70% of people who earn a college degree wind up working in fields that have nothing to do with their major. That is the case with me, although I started out as an English teacher. WAY too much work.

Still, if I ever lose my job, I know that I can go work at Border's or Barnes and Noble. Then I can hide all day in the motorcycle book section!

[The_Veg]

Yep, I'm proud to be among that 70%. I think it's a real shame that higher education is nowadays just seen as a career-prep thing. The original idea was to learn to think creatively, critically, and independently. Developing those abilities just happened to make people better citizens, more able to function in the world, and more capable of getting things done. And this coincidentally made a person more attractive to employers.
Now the Bachelor's degree is what a high school diploma used to be- a minimum standard that you can handle the regular workforce. Undergrad school seems to have lost what once made it great, and now seems to be just another intellectual regurgitorium.
I was lucky to be able to attend a New College. You won't do well at a New College unless you can think, and think well.

Of course ever since then I've had nothing but rotten luck in the work department. :doh