Smilies, Humour and OVF

[robf]

I hope this post isn't too patronising to the experienced forum practitioners, but I wanted to make a quick point.

 

In our admin role we sometimes get replies from users who have been "spoken to" about offensive language who reply to tell us "it was a joke"

 

While some posts cannot be allowed through the excuse of "it was a joke" (i.e. we wouldn't allow homophobic or racist remarks to be posted just because they were "jokes") there is an element of some jokes (especially sarcasm and irony) not coming across well on a forum that replies on the typed word.

 

So, if you're trying to be funny, remember the smilies are there as clear signposts that you are trying to be funny.

 

Here is a simple example:

 

1. Robf doesn't have a clue

 

2. Robf doesn't have a clue ;)

 

Notice the difference between the two. The addition of a couple of smilies makes it clear it's a bit of fun and not serious, wheras the first post may get me somewhat annoyed (blimey, I almost banned myself there!).

 

So, while smilies are not an excuse or a way of getting an offensive post past the admin team, I do think that if you're trying to be sarcastic or saying something that's not entirely meant to be taken seriously, do use the smilies!

 

[fairportnick]

I hope this post isn't too patronising to the experienced forum practitioners, but I wanted to make a quick point.

 

In our admin role we sometimes get replies from users who have been "spoken to" about offensive language who reply to tell us "it was a joke"

 

While some posts cannot be allowed through the excuse of "it was a joke" (i.e. we wouldn't allow homophobic or racist remarks to be posted just because they were "jokes") there is an element of some jokes (especially sarcasm and irony) not coming across well on a forum that replies on the typed word.

 

So, if you're trying to be funny, remember the smilies are there as clear signposts that you are trying to be funny.

 

Here is a simple example:

 

1. Robf doesn't have a clue

 

2. Robf doesn't have a club ;)

 

Notice the difference between the two. The addition of a couple of smilies makes it clear it's a bit of fun and not serious, wheras the first post may get me somewhat annoyed (blimey, I almost banned myself there!).

 

So, while smilies are not an excuse or a way of getting an offensive post past the admin team, I do think that if you're trying to be sarcastic or saying something that's not entirely meant to be taken seriously, do use the smilies!

 

 

Is club a sexual term?;)

[robf]

Damn, my masterpiece, ruined by my own typo.. I've now edited it.

[Caz or caz123]

I hope this post isn't too patronising to the experienced forum practitioners, but I wanted to make a quick point.

 

In our admin role we sometimes get replies from users who have been "spoken to" about offensive language who reply to tell us "it was a joke"

 

While some posts cannot be allowed through the excuse of "it was a joke" (i.e. we wouldn't allow homophobic or racist remarks to be posted just because they were "jokes") there is an element of some jokes (especially sarcasm and irony) not coming across well on a forum that replies on the typed word.

 

So, if you're trying to be funny, remember the smilies are there as clear signposts that you are trying to be funny.

 

Here is a simple example:

 

1. Robf doesn't have a clue

 

2. Robf doesn't have a clue ;)

 

Notice the difference between the two. The addition of a couple of smilies makes it clear it's a bit of fun and not serious, wheras the first post may get me somewhat annoyed (blimey, I almost banned myself there!).

 

So, while smilies are not an excuse or a way of getting an offensive post past the admin team, I do think that if you're trying to be sarcastic or saying something that's not entirely meant to be taken seriously, do use the smilies!

 

 

 

 

 

:D

[Jimmy]

Go **** yourselfs, is that OK if i add this Caz......:D:D:D:D:D...

[robf]

Go **** yourselfs, is that OK if i add this Caz......:D:D:D:D:D...

 

Jimmy, that's appalling, you should know by now that the correct spelling is Go **** yourselves. Tsk! ;)

[Jimmy]

Jimmy, that's appalling, you should know by now that the correct spelling is Go **** yourselves. Tsk! ;)

 

..............................

[melv]

Jimmy, that's appalling, you should know by now that the correct spelling is Go **** yourselves. Tsk! ;)

 

But you only used 1 smilie ;);)

[Birches Head Fred]

I think I need a permanent 'smiley' at the end of any/all of my posts.

 

Especially those about foriegners taking our jobs eh Pensioner?. ;)