When sarcasm is the desired effect, perhaps a disclaimer should be issued along with the written entry. Sorta like a product warning label stating the obvious: Don’t drink bleach.
But if a writer has to state outright that sarcasm is the tone of a message, it detracts from the whole endeavor: kinda like attaching a note to the outside of a birthday present announcing the contents. An accompanying sarcasm disclaimer signifies that the message was ineffective and it is the either the fault of the writer, or it means that the audience is sarcasm-challenged. Maybe a combination of the two Probably the latter.
Regarding the matter of my recent UAPSA titled, Boycott Owl Jones, I believe 99% of the audience picked up on the sarcasm (including Owl Jones himself). Perhaps 1% of the Planet did not. Because of that, and because I take my journalistic responsibilities very seriously, I have issued this official press statement:
The Unaccomplished Angler
wishes to apologizedid not mean any harm toward Mr. Owl Jones. While neon green text on a black background may in fact cause eye strain, visiting Owljones.com is not the cause of my deteriorating eyesight. It happens to men my age.I officially apologize to Mr. Jones forIf there were any web traffic slowdowns caused by what was clearly a sarcastic blog entry, it is merely a regrettable circumstance. So if you’re really boycotting Owljones.com because of what was said on the Unaccomplished Angler, it’s disturbing that you would place that much credence in anything I would say.
I was thinking that there should be some sort of internet technology designed to reduce the chances of a written word being taken out of context without having to resort to the use of cute little smiley faces, which to me are personally troubling (I’ve been told that I’m not in touch with my emoticons). Perhaps someone can develop a Sarcasm Detection Plugin? While we wait for that technology, the matter of Owl’s eye-strain-invoking website has in fact been remedied.
But don’t take my word for it–click on over to Owljones.com and see for yourself. It’s safe to go back in the water.
I’ll be honest….I thought it was sarcasm, then I wasn’t so sure, then I thought it was, then again?, then I was sure it was, then I wasn’t. What puzzled me most was that although my initial reaction was sarcasm, it was SO good….as all sarcasm should be if it’s worth the attempt – that I thought it was almost a little out of character for even the Unaccomplished Angler. So, I waffled. Then I got defensive. I should have known better, since you, Mr. UA have never been anything but kind to me…but as the internet turns, sometimes my particular style isn’t that of the “cool kids” and it does tend to make me a little paranoid. Add that “little paranoid” on top of the “massive paranoid” I already carry around…..and well,…there ya go. There’s your (my) problem right there.
Now about those 20,000 Owl Diffusion Glasses I ordered…..
No worries, Mr. Jones…sarcasm walks a fine line between being barely detectible and barely undetectible. Regarding the goggles you ordered, full payment is due upon receipt. They’re being shipped via a special courier service, so when a black Suburban shows up in your driveway, don’t be paranoid.
I’m glad that I didn’t have to jump the picket line…it’s nice when things end peacefully 🙂
Yes, a peaceful resolution is always preferred. However, the damage sustained by my eyes when previously visiting his site may still require some legal action.
We need a sarcasm punctuation mark. I nominate the backslash, which is only useful for those running MS-DOS and such people have need for sarcasm. Plus you can get to it without using that pesky shift key. Let’s give it a try:
This blog is great\
Yer a funny guy, Mr. Lunker Hunt/
damn, see I can’t even get that right…
My comment was a double layer of sarcasm, kinda like two wrongs making a right. I’m not sure how to punctuate it.