Humor On The Net

By Author: Bob Osgoodby
Total Articles: 34
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Many people who send out promotional email, or have a publication
such as an online newsletter, will ask if they should include
'humor". Well, there is no easy answer to this question. Some will say that "humor" lightens things up a bit, and lets
people know you have another side to your personality. They feel
it is a refreshing break from the serious message you are
delivering. Others say it is distracting and should never be
used. So where do you "draw the line"? Humor can be used in two places. It can be within the body of
the article or as a "stand alone" item. Let's first examine "humor" within the body of the article. This
can be the most risky. Unless you have a good sense of humor and
good writing skills, you should probably avoid its use. Some of
your readers will not have a sense of humor, and could easily
take offense at what you say. Especially avoid sarcasm as people
may think it is directed at them. You should also avoid the use irony, where you use words to
convey the opposite of their literal meaning. Some will not
recognize ...
... it as irony, and will think you are proposing what the
words actually say. This can get you in a lot of trouble. If you use "stand alone" humor, give it a title such as "Joke of
the Day", which clearly separates it from your article. Once
again, you have to be careful. Remember, your online publication
is on the "world-wide web", and will be read by people who may
have far different opinions of what is funny and what is not. Things to avoid in all humor: Never point your humor toward a specific group. What might be
funny in a "one-to-one" situation where you know the person,
could be highly offensive to someone else. Never use vulgarity - especially the seven dirty words that
George Carlin used in his comedy sketch - they are anathema!
While adult jokes may indeed be humorous, they have no place in
an online publication where you have no control over who sees
it. While vulgarity offends good taste or propriety, crudity, which
shows a lack of tact or refinement, runs a close second. A word
or phrase having a double meaning, especially when the second
meaning is risqué, should also be avoided. A double entendre can
actually spell double trouble. So what kind of "humor" can you use? This will, for the most part, be a judgement call on your part.
A good criteria that could be useful, is to make believe your are
talking to your local PTA, and want to tell a joke to put
everyone at ease. The teachers are there as well as the parents
and children of your child's classmates. If you can tell it
there without embarrassing anyone, it is probably a good bet for
you publication. The best advice about the selection of humor, is that if there is
any doubt in your mind at all, don't use it. Bob publishes the free weekly "Your Business" Newsletter
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