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I don't know - I sure hope we get better at communicating subtlety through text, but it seems tough. I, as a fairly sarcastic person, have struggled with this issue for years. When I'd like to throw in some light sarcasm to my online communication, my options seem to be:

* Writing it straight and counting on the recipient knowing me well enough to realize that it's sarcasm - can be seriously disastrous if I miscalculated.

* Markers like :P or :) - communicates my intent, but comes off as overly cheery, especially when used multiple times in the same email or post.

* Something obvious like <sarcasm> tags - kind of spoils the art of it all.

* Make my sarcastic claims so over-the-top that the recipient cannot help but realize I'm being facetious - usually works, but it's a broadsword where I usually prefer a shiv.

I have yet to figure out a solution that allows nearly the same range of sarcastic expression as I can achieve face to face.

(And yes, I really have expended a lot of effort trying to be sarcastic online)




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