Sarcastic answers

[Lindy Loo]

Hi AB Editor, I've been thinking, (yes it does happen now and then), other than 'reporting', is there anything else that can be done stop the posters who seem to find it amusing to post answers that are sarcastic, immature, offensive to the questioner, either in content, the wording or attitude? When a reported answer is checked, is the original question also read, so it can all be seen in context? If not, why not? I'm thinking of an offensive answer that another poster has 'laughed' at. I am getting really peed off seeing such derogatory remarks made to genuine questions/concerns.

[Philtaz]

I'm as guilty as any for posting a little sarcasm form time to time, but then I've got a sense of humour so can take it back. It's not really a problem for me. My most recent was to the poster who asked how to age an alligator. I replied: by counting the candles on his cake. If someone deems that 'offensive' then they really need to get a life.(though no-one appears to have so far!)

[Wraith]

I have to agree with you lindy loo. I find some of the remarks made as answers quite offensive and needless. As the AB Editor has pointed out several times now, if you don't approve of the question or are fed up with the same question being asked again just ignore it or use the Report button.

On the other hand I do find answers such as Philtaz posted above amusing and not in any way offensive. I think a little humour goes a long way, so long as it is not offensive.

[Lindy Loo]

I agree with what you've said as I too have a sense of humour..how to age an alligator? very carefully!! What I meant was this type of thing which has been reported http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/Question65788.h tml

[FP]

Totally agree with you Lindy. A little light hearted banter and humour is great, especially when the question is light hearted such as 'How to Age an Alligator'. I hate to see sarcastic and rude answers and think it is totally childish to pick people up on their grammar, spelling or using the wrong word.

[PaulB]

*Disclaimer* I am Nothing to do with PaluaB.

[Robinia]

Lindi loo I can see that it seems offensive but if you'd read the Q a bit further down titled Sexuality (in the same category) you'll see how, although crude, it was a reference to a Q pompey had asked earlier. Why he then questioned PuluaB's answer I don't know.

[Lindy Loo]

See you're point noddy, but as the post I was refering to is above the sexuality post, as you scroll down the page the last post submitted is the first you see!! That being the case I didn't see the sexuality question till after I had posted here! Hence my reaction. The poster also submitted another question about height, but much earlier. http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/Question65504.h tml The post I refered to is an update of the original!! This is getting very confusing even for me!! I think this example clarifies the need for nickname, date and time of posts to be included on each page of posts. (It has been suggested before in this section. Also if the message boards were set out similar to this: http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=3d66 1ae8f61958b2149339e5f6e84d80&forumid=14 these types of problems may not occur.

[FP]

Good ideas there Lindy. The poster of the questions on height and sexuality is obviously a very mixed up kid. The two questions were not related and PaluaB's posting was unnecessary and insensitive to say the very least. Other postings by PaluaB have been along the same lines.

[Lindy Loo]

Thanks Fakeplastic for the feedback. Just wish the AB Editor thought so too....maybe one day?? I agree with your comments about that post totally. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!!

[Hgrove]

It seems to me that the username PaluaB should be changed as it is too similar to PaulB, whether intentionally or not.

[Greedyfly]

Some people do push it too far but there are also people who cannot take a joke

[AB Editor]

Generally, 'funny' answers are removed if they are the first reply to a question (as this removes the question from the 'Unanswered' list, unfairly. They might be left if there are other, sensible answers by the time the question is moderated. (I can't get there first all the time.)

It would be greatly apreciated if users bore this in mind and didn't try to be 'funny' if there are no other answers.

Sarcastic posts are generally removed wherever they appear - although on occasion if there has been a response to that post, they might be left. We try to be flexible.

It's not a question of expecting other users to have a sense of humour or not. It's not a question of whether 'AB Editor' has a sense of humour. It's a question of answering questions!

[bernardo]

Presumably if the first answer is a joke or a sarcasm, then it would not be removed if the question itself is sarcastic or jokey or surreal or philosophical, e.g. "why is abbreviation such a long word"

[AB Editor]

Hello bernardo - well presumed.

[brawburd]

Well said Lindy Loo, although obviously a bit of respectful humour makes us all tick. My main concern at the moment is PaluaB, who I think is unfairly trying to extract some michael from PaulB. Obviously user names can be similar, however this poster appears to be directing posts towards PaulB. Bit messy and ridiculous.

[BenDToy]

I would like to add my voice to brawburd's comment. I have noticed a couple of rather distasteful posts signed by PaluaB, and at first glance I believed them to be from PaulB and was very surprised. This is a very malicious act which is intended to hurt and offend!

[Lindy Loo]

You could be right there brawburd and BenDToy, and well said. I feel for PaulB, he is genuine AB member, not like this other pr*t. Lets hope that PaluaB and others like it who join us are suitably 'chastised' by AB editor. I have no objection to humourous answers as some questions almost invite it and besides life would be dull without it!! Thanks to everyone for their input.

[FP]

I must admit I was somewhat shocked with what I thought was an answer from PaulB. It did seem rather out of keeping with his usual contributions to say the least! I obviously have realised now that it was PaluaB, that I have looked back on the answer in question.

[FP]

error 'now that I have looked back on the answer in question'.

[IndieSinger]

I thought PaluaB was PaulB at firs too and I was stunned at how PaulB had suddenly become rude. Then I realised the usernames were slightly different, but I don't really think it's fair that someone is impersonating an honest, genuine member of the Bank. Presumably ABEditor is taking action.