209:4 (was Re: Round 209:Rule 2) -- UNSUCCESSFUL, +0.5

From: Richard S. Holmes (rsholmes_at_MailBox.Syr.Edu)
Date: Thu May 22 2003 - 08:42:55 PDT


Steve Gardner <gardner_at_sng.its.monash.edu.au> writes:

> On Wed, 21 May 2003, Alan Riddell wrote:
> 
> > > Oh sure, and you probably expect that all rules mean the opposite of
> > what
> > > they say.
> > 
> > Sarcasm is the lowest form of humour. But then maybe, just maybe you
> > have managed to break that spell with your brilliantly sarcastic first
> > rule. However, I fear that others will be unable to match your brilliant
> > "wit" in using what you have shown to be a formidable tool of
> > communication. So what to do? I really do believe that others will be
> > able to learn the mysteries of this quirky piece of language only by
> > picking apart its previous usage. As such all future rules shall make
> > comment on the sarcasm in previous rules.
> 
> A typically brilliant insight from the ever-perceptive Alan Riddell. To
> master the art of sarcasm by analysing the sarcastic utterances of
> others! What mind of lesser calibre could have penetrated so deeply? In
> the presence of such genius, it seems sheerest folly to offer my own,
> tiny-brained suggestion: that to understand sarcasm, we must understand
> its sources in the negative emotions: jealousy, hatred, anxiety,
> insecurity, fear, etc. Therefore, in order that we should understand
> the genesis of sarcasm, let each future rule demonstrate a clear
> connection between its use of sarcasm and the basis of that use in the
> negative emotions.
> 
> 
> -- 
> 
> 
> Steve Gardner                   | 
> School of Computer Science      |      I've only just realized
>  and Software Engineering       |      how self-conscious I am.
> gardner_at_sng.its.monash.edu.au   | 
> 
> -- 
> Rule Date: 2003-05-22 03:41:30 GMT
> 

Validity: Fails to quote the previous rule, but given the rule dates,
I am inclined to believe Steve had not seen the previous rule when he
wrote this.  UNSUCCESSFUL.

Style: Quoting the first TWO rules in full is a bit unstylish, and the
sarcastic edge could be sharper.  +0.5.

-- 
- Rich Holmes
  Syracuse, NY
                  "We're waist deep in the Big Muddy
                   And the big fool says to push on." -- Pete Seeger

-- 
Rule Date: 2003-05-22 15:43:16 GMT


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