Question for the tongue in cheek people who are saying things just for fun????

Question

I'm wondering if you would be willing to come up with some sort of a symbol or something that you could use in your posts. That way, we can tell you don't mean anything offensive, but are simply joking?

It gets hard to tell the difference between those who are saying something in jest, vs those who are truly saying something in hatred or to stir up a controversy.

What if you did that, (develop a symbol) would it help ease up some of the nasty comments and make this a more pleasant place to be.

Most of us realize that the WSIDR is just a person meaning no harm. But unless you spend a LOT of time here, it's not always easy to tell who is serious and who is not.

Just like the Pascal's Wager Drinking Game, a symbol might help us tell it's just in fun.
:~}

What's your opinion on this idea?

I've been here since last May and it's not always possible to determine irony versus outright nastiness.

Pagan Earthgirl,

The difference is that in a TV program, you can see the nonverbals (facial expressions, etc). In written form, it's not so easy. That's why it would be easier if you had an easy way to tell when someone is serious or joking. Because not everyone comes in at the same time and there are a high volume of messages on this site, it may not always be possible to see the conversations from the beginning to know someone is joking.

All I know is that there are a lot of people who make comments that are misunderstood as merely jokes and as a result, people get hurt.

Or does that not matter to you?

Answer 1

I don't think there's anything wrong with your idea; please ignore the rude answers. After all, there are very young (and perhaps somewhat naive) people who come to this forum. I don't know that it would work in practice, though, due to the constant deletions and to new people joining, but it's a nice idea nonetheless.

Answer 2

My opinion is that this is a ridiculous idea. Do you expect your television programs to flash a sign before each show telling you whether you are about to watch comedy or a drama? I'll bet you'd be offended if someone threw you a surprise party.

Answer 3

After passionately kissing your woman, slowly proceed kissing round her neck,in the back of her ear, nibble and passionately kiss there additionally jointly as slowly rubbing your arms down her backbone from her neck down. A relaxing element may be whispering candy stupid gestures to make her smile and vulnerable-kneed.

Answer 4

I am sorry but if you need a symbol for irony or sarcasm then I disagree with you on principle. And that is as mildly worded as I could think of.

Answer 5

if you had a symbol meaning: [this post is legitimate] it could be used by people who were speaking insincerely to make folk believe that what they were saying was true.

i think it is a wonderful idea.

Answer 6

I like that idea. Could be fun.

Could we base something off of the crocoduck?

Answer 7

i dunno. i can generally tell when people are joking and when they aren't.

i tend to just include a "lol" or a smiley when i am though. since most of my questions are actually serious, i figure some people will think my flippant questions are serious too.

Answer 8

If you can't read between the lines, then you'll never understand the message.

Answer 9

most of us realize that they are joking. If you are hear long enough you just know.

Answer 10

You like listening to yourself, don't you.