2007-01-15 05:23:52 · 13 answers · asked by ? 3 in Social Science ➔ Other - Social Science
I think sometimes people suspect a question is a joke but aren't sure; and if the question is one that would be very serious (if, in fact, it were serious) they err on the side of being nice and give a serious answer.
I like to think I can usually figure out what is a joke and what isn't; but I have to say I'd rather give a serious answer to a joke than give a joke answer to someone's serious question.
So, in answer to your question, I don't think its that people "can't see the difference". I think its that they aren't all that sure, and their decent human nature makes them choose to err on the side of kindness.
2007-01-15 07:49:05 · answer #1 · answered by WhiteLilac1 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think the intention of Yahoo Answers is to be a forum for serious inquiries. In the terms and conditions, it is outlined that this is supposed to be a forum for information.
2007-01-15 19:42:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's partly because the range of IQ's in the answerers is pretty broad, for one thing. You're also dealing with a huge range of ages and experiences. It's probably best to try to be as clear as possible. :)
2007-01-15 13:29:51 · answer #3 · answered by Debbie B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Words on a white space on the computer doesn't always represent the right emotion that someones face and voice would in reality.
2007-01-15 13:27:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sarcasm is a lost art on these boards. I believe it's a result of the average age of the respondents here.
2007-01-15 13:27:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless it is posted in a joke category it will not be treated as a joke.
2007-01-15 13:28:15 · answer #6 · answered by Barkley Hound 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe 'cause they can't see the face of the "joker". You can't "pull someone's leg" as easily in print as you can face to face. It just loses something in the translation. Then again, there's times when you just can't win, and always find someone who just doesn't "get" it. Can't please everyone, right? <*)))><
2007-01-15 13:31:54 · answer #7 · answered by Sandylynn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ha Ha Ha
Oh, was that a joke?
2007-01-15 13:28:27 · answer #8 · answered by Crystal W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm completely offended by your question.
LOL - Yeah, what's with that? A lot of defensive people.
2007-01-15 13:27:23 · answer #9 · answered by Big Brother 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's like asking why birds fly.They just want to have fun.
2007-01-15 13:27:56 · answer #10 · answered by headhunter_1991 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋