I agree. Unfortunately, in my experience some people just can't or won't infer the sarcastic intent in what most people can see is a clearly sarcastic comment. They tend to get all worked up, and then I feel bad. So the few times I have used "/s" online have been out of an abundance of caution.
Edit: I want to add that I brought up "/s" in my comment above because it is a known alternative to an emoticon, not because I think it's awesome.
There are a lot of people who don't get that the Onion is a parody, either, but the Onion doesn't start each article with "DISCLAIMER: The following is satire and is not intended to be taken seriously. The events described here are fictional and included for comedic purposes." Why? Two reasons: 1) It wouldn't be as funny anymore, and 2) the fact that stupid people are taking it seriously is hilarious.
I agree. Unfortunately, in my experience some people just can't or won't infer the sarcastic intent in what most people can see is a clearly sarcastic comment. They tend to get all worked up, and then I feel bad. So the few times I have used "/s" online have been out of an abundance of caution.
Edit: I want to add that I brought up "/s" in my comment above because it is a known alternative to an emoticon, not because I think it's awesome.
Yeah, I think sarcasm is one of the forms that fares the least well in writing.
There are a lot of people who don't get that the Onion is a parody, either, but the Onion doesn't start each article with "DISCLAIMER: The following is satire and is not intended to be taken seriously. The events described here are fictional and included for comedic purposes." Why? Two reasons: 1) It wouldn't be as funny anymore, and 2) the fact that stupid people are taking it seriously is hilarious.