OK, no, I'm just using this as an example.

[jackofallgeeks]

OK, yeah, it's an Article sniping at World of Warcraft, and yeah, maybe there's a lot to complain about. That's not really my point. My point is that I really don't like this kind of snark. taking pot shots at people because they're different, because they like and do things that don't interest you or (worse) you don't understand. And really, it just reminds me of when I was picked on in middle-school. Which puts my smartly in the sights of anyone aiming this kind of snark, but I'd argue most of the people behind the trigger were the same kids. "The abused becomes the abuser," and such like that. And I don't like that because it seems like a metaphysical backslide.

Yeah, I think a lot of the culture around WoW is pretty ridiculous, and I was on the inside for a while (though it seems to me that those who have the most vitriol were once the most ensconced), but I don't think this kind of sardonic lashing out is called for. It's the sort of 'humor' I don't find amusing (which says something).

Update: I do admit that sarcasm has it's uses in assailing things which rightly ought to be assailed. As an example, there was once someone who refused to defend his position because, he 'argued,' if I agreed with him there was no reason to explain and if I disagreed there was no hope of changing my mind, so any discussion would be fruitless. I applauded him for his enlightened view of discussion, and he wasn't sure if I was mocking him or not. I was, but rightly so, I think. It wasn't a petty, "OMFG you like elves!" It was commenting on a very close-minded and faulty belief system. If I'd really wanted to have an effect on him (and I admit, I didn't care enough to expend thatr energy) a better tactic would have been to actually engage him on the issue. The fact that the issue was that he refused to be engaged didn't make that a desirable option.

Comments

[ambereternal.livejournal.com]

Okay, I know that I can be snarky about many things when I get in the right mood. I also vaguely remember standing behind you chanting "Oooh! Pretty Colors!" while watching you play something. That was due more to the fact that I know absolutely nothing about video games than wanting to make fun of you...I know I have been guilty of mocking video games, but I don't think I've ever been quite that mean. Perhaps there is something about seeing it in writing that makes it really different. That article just seemed harsh...

[jackofallgeeks.livejournal.com]

actually, i never thought the "pretty colors," was anything more than you expressing your complete lack of comprehension of videogames. I never took offense at that. and, generally speaking, I don't really 'take offense' at snark. lots of my friends (some of my best) can get really snarky, sometimes at the drop of a hat. And while there is some truth in what they say, I think it's just generally tasteless. We all do and say and think things that can be sniped at, and anything can be derided and ridiculed if you stand up a flimsy styrofoam cut-out of it. Like I said, it just seems petty and tasteless, and hearkens back to when I was (as many of my friends were) picked on in middle school. I didn't like it then, and I simply don't like it now.

I think seeing it in print may make it seem harsher because the reader isn't caught in the moment the way a speaker might be. Of course, if you happen to be haughty and on the writer's side anyways, you may smirk and cheer, "you tell 'em, Steve-Dave." I'm sure there are many (a whole sub-culture, in fact) who find sniping others on webforums is the pinnacle of wit and culture.

[ambereternal.livejournal.com]

The only snark I like to see on webforums comes in the form of

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The only snark I like to see on webforums comes in the form of <a =href"www.televisionwithoutpity.com">Television Without Pity.</a> That's mostly because (I feel) reality television was designed to be made fun of anyways, along with some of the stupid things characters say in my favorite t.v. shows. Besides, it's television.

[ambereternal.livejournal.com]

Dangit! I messed up the html code... :-( TWoP