Why do some people on YA misunderstand the concept of Words & Wordplay?

Question

It appears from my observation that those who answer the Wordplay questions from writers such as Sunshine and even the Pun question writers (too many names to quote) in a negative or cynical way do not understand the concept of Wordplay challenges. Do you (those just described) not have a playful and imaginative mind? If you do not then don't anwer those questions. Wordplay questions are just as valid as any "I want to know" questions. I anticipate a negative response to this question by several of you. I am sure the regular Wordplayers themselves will have some thoughtful and positive answers to this question. Thanks in advance to all who can contribute positively to my question. I will be giving BA to the person who can give a positive, intelligent and encouraging response.

OK folks seems it is time for me to select BA but it is nigh on impossible! Thank you all for your amazing gifts you bring to YA. I am going to NOT select and put it to the vote. Is that ok with you all? Email me if you want to object or comment or even edit your message below....I'll give it another 12 hours cheers love Jel

Answer 1

For every negative and or nasty answer I receive, there are at least two people that will take the time to put their creativity into action. THAT is what my beloved paragraph / story questions are all about...... People allowing their imaginations to take flight...... And the fact that they allow the rest of us to come along on the journey is a gift...... I applaud all of those who write their wonderful tales of wonder.
Thank you.
Love, ☼

Answer 2

Writing is a skill that not all have mastered. It takes me hours to compose a story, while I suspect those with a vivid imagination and good language skills can probably do one in a less timely manner. For me, it's hard work but when the story comes together it's well worth the effort. It's a creative outlet and I enjoy it a lot. It seems to me that it's easy to vent and spew anger at someone, but over what? Is it the story line they don't like? I don't happen to like all story lines that appear, but why not skip over them without making a hurtful comment? Is it the fact that they were not chosen for the Best Answer? What's the big deal here, it's 10 useless points that get you NOTHING. It's not easy to decide who should get the 10 points and it takes a lot of time and consideration on the Askers part to make the call. Maybe they liked the funny story as it had a lot of quirky moments over the sad story that made them cry. It's a personal decision that no one has the right to question it. I personally think if someone can't be nice that they should go play elsewhere. People certainly don't have the right to send nasty emails to other here. Grow up and get on with your life. It's only a question. Instead of being nasty, why not use the anger to write a story? Who knows, maybe it will net you ten points. LOL Love and peace be with you all.

Answer 3

I think they understand the concept but really don't want to play because they haven't the interest or the talent and are simply going for the 2 points for their 2 cents.
In other categories people write "Just for the ladies or Just for you men", but they'll get answers from everyone.
You can't keep someone from giving an answer in that case or in this one.
The best thing I can see happening is that the non-answerers or the non-targeted folk, at least, read some of the other answers and become educated and entertained.
If I can't think of a way to use the phrases or words, I don't answer. I try. I like to make up the short stories and I never ran into that kind of play before. I do think it has a place in a creative writing course. There is no writer's block, because some else has given you the bricks to build your house.
They can huff and they can puff, but they won't be able to blow your house down. We can weather the weather whether or not it is Sunshine or cloudy.
C. :)!!

Answer 4

I thoroughly enjoy answering wordplay questions that allow me to use my imagination. In general, I think Y/A should be a forum where people can come to get information and inspiration. Why do some people have to be so anal about pidgeonholing contributions into their own narrowly defined categories? Who made them the rule makers, anyway?

I am always surprised by the responses that show up here. Often, what is most apparent is the answerer's personal mindset and attitude. Y/A can be a wonderful source of information as well as a creative outlet. Unfortunately, it can also be a soapbox for those who need to be derogatory or negative.

Mostly, I choose to participate in areas that interest and challenge me. I love to see the creativity that goes on here...especially in this section. Perhaps people need to lighten up and enjoy themselves a bit more, while worrying less about what is "correct". If you don't like a question, move on to another one!

Answer 5

I am always amazed that almost all of the "story" questions get at least 2 negative replies. I don't know why those responders don't just pass the question by if they have no interest in answering. Are they annoyed because it's not an "informational" question or just that they just that badly in need of receiving points for an answer, even one that isn't an answer.

I have seen one responder say these are not valid entries because they are not "questions," but that would be the same as saying to a teacher I won't write an essay, because that is not a "question." These are valid questions.

The other type of questions asked in this category are word play questions. I have asked several and others, notably brainlady have asked many more. Again, these are questions designed to test the creative sections of your brain, and are just as valid as any "informational" questions.

I don't see any difference between these types of questions and those you find in polls and surveys. Those also generally are not seeking information, just opinions, which is a valid use of this forum.

Word and wordplay denizens, keep offering up and responding to "questions" that challlenge your ability to use the English language in creative and fun ways. There are many of us out here looking every day for such challenges. Ignore the naysayers as they seem uninterested in trying to improve their usage of the language and would prefer not knowing that others are very talented and enjoy a good challenge.

I am happy to see new folks participating in these challenges. I have seen some who were not as talented at the beginning as they are now, and it is fun to see their writing improvement. It is also interesting to see them make their first efforts at creating a word play question and then seeing their later, more refined, efforts. It shows me that many people are willing to give learning a try.

OK, I overstayed my welcome here, but I wanted to ensure I made a statement in support of these types of "question."

Answer 6

Is it really that they misunderstand the concept or are there other factors at play here? I wonder!
I am guessing that you will NOT get too many negative responses to this one.
My own feelings about the users who contribute pseudo "answers" to the wordplay questions with wordy disgruntled diatribes about how they are "annoyed" or "disturbed" , is that they are are just upset with themselves for not being able to creatively participate in a meaningful way with these types of questions, and that their lack of ability leaves them frustrated and angry...hence their "annoyance"!
I agree that these questions are as valid as any other, as you have said, but in a different and non conventional way.
Incidentally, I often see numerous questions that I have absolutely no interest whatsoever in. Guess what I do when I encounter them?
I pass them by!! I never consider chastising or denigrating the asker...I just go on my merry way...onto something that I DO like!!
I do not suspect that this answer will win any awards...but these are my honest uncensored first thoughts at seeing this question. If I thought further I would likely come up with a sappy butt smooching counter point but that would not be the REAL me...haha!!!

Answer 7

I love the words and wordplay puns, and they are valid questions in this category, but not everyone recognises them as a tease on language because some of them are so clever (or confusing!) I think it`s mainly the UK that recognises them as many people were brought up on the `Carry On` films that contained some really funny one liners, especially Kenneth Williams` line in `Carry on Cleo` `Infamy, infamy...they've all got it in fer me! and Sid James` line in `Carry On Cowboy` `I once smoked a peace pipe with a Sioux, but one minute it was peace on, the next it was peace off! It`s typical British humour although I did find Cheers to be very close to British humour. I do find thinking of questions to be more of a challenge than an answer to one, although if you`re one of the later answerer's it`s more difficult as you don`t want to duplicate words others have used. Maybe it`s one of those things you either enjoy or you don`t, depending upon your sense of humour, or you`ve got a knack for or you havn`t like so many other things.

Answer 8

There are some who just want points, but can't think creatively. OR They may simply be giving the same type of answer to questions in "all categories" as they come down the line since they usually are the first ones who provide "answers". AND Perhaps a few will see the fun in playing with the language as they poke around answering questions, and in time, give it a try themselves.

Answer 9

I came across WORD/WORDPLAY about a year ago but didn't try to participate at first. I just read and got the idea of it down before I started answering. The people who give negative answers are just a lazy answerer. They don't want to take the time to fully enjoy and participate. They want the points. That's my 2 cents worth.

(Psst! Good to see you back, Silva.)

Answer 10

You need to be "in" in order to understand an "in joke." Given the difficulty that "I want to know" subscribers have with our language, I am not at all surprised that some are baffled to the point of being frustrated and petulant.
This site merges the Faculty Club with Playdough 101. No Lingua Franca is possible. We must carefully make our way across the meadow, looking for the blossoms and ignoring the weeds.

Answer 11

Well, I'm just envious, and I wish you would do my homework for me! For the next story question Sunshine asks, would you please write a story about my 2013 future self, Flight Lieutenant James Tamer, aboard the U.N. Spaceforce flagship Alice? Bonus if I get to kiss Captain Lisa Hayes again, it being near New Years and all.