GIP: I'm joking!

[sqbr]

Because I have this unfortunate need to make sarcastic jokes in the ljs of strangers, and then they think I'm sincere, and it's all very embarrassing. (It's also sometimes a problem with people I know, but on the whole I think you guys have learned to go "Sophie just said something nonsensical or out of character, so even though it wasn't funny I'll assume she was joking")

Comments

[capnoblivious.livejournal.com]

"Sophie just said something nonsensical or out of character, so even though it wasn't funny I'll assume she was joking")

I've had people take written lj parodies of Miranda Devine - my personal benchmark for insane right-wing drivel - as my honest-to-god opinion. I don't know how this happens, because I'm pretty sure my 'net persona is as much of a lefty as I am in real life, but, you know, it did and does.

I don't know if your sense of humour is more obtuse than mind - it would seem unlikely from what I've seen - but I'm prepared to write off people who, for example, think I share opinions with Miranda Devine as idiots, mostly because I find that sort of thing fairly offensive and fairly *obviously* offensive. Paralleling your comment, it looked to me as if the following thought process was taking place: "Stu's just said something nonsensical or out of character - clearly it's better to assume a complete reversal of opinion, not to mention nature, rather than a joke that's fallen flat."

Much as I hate to give offense myself, I figure I'm allowed to feel offended once in a while. :)

Extreme example, with a point that's vague at best. Sorry about that. :)

Multiple edits, as well. Sorry about that, too. :)

[alias_sqbr]

Well, I don't think it's fair to complain if people misjudge you if they don't know you, which is where this mainly comes up for me. But yes, I would also be pretty offended if people who know me took that sort of sarcasm from me at face value.

Comment editing is both a blessing and curse isn't it? :)

[capnoblivious.livejournal.com]

Yeah, context is important. As a stranger among strangers (eg. forums and discussion groups), it's fair enough. Among friends (a blog among my people), I'd be a bit more annoyed, especially if it recurred. In my space - my own LJ - I'm remarkably intolerant. :)