Comments on: Snarky Doesn’t Sell

By: Rob

Rob — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:16:38 +0000

I think the “misunderstandings” people are having with the post stem from little explanation of what “business blogging” or “communication” is. I am not really sure what that encompasses and many times giving a personal flavor to a business makes it attractive, unique. I sometimes get annoyed with “communication” and “feedback,” even a bit of it on here, that stays so generalized, so common denominator-seeking, very little actually gets said. In terms of information exchange, a little snarky questioning offers more to the discussion than, “oh, wow, this is great. I like it. I will do this,” even if it is less feel-good.

By: Phil Buckley

Phil Buckley — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:22:37 +0000

The big idea I see in Brian’s post is “don’t be snarky just because it seems like that’s how you should be in the blogosphere”, just be who you are, not everyone is a sarcastic pain-in-the-neck.

The other big idea is that this is about business use of a blog. Sarcasm and snarkiness is ofter misinterpreted, and that’s never good for your marketing message.

By: Anna K.

Anna K. — Sat, 11 Feb 2006 20:29:16 +0000

Don’t worry too much about people misinterpreting what you wrote. My training and former career was in survey research, where one cannot get away with snark (or even weak irony) in any way, shape or form, if you want decent data.

In order to create a reliable survey, you have to put the questionnaire through extensive pilot-testing. What a fabulous education it gave me in how ambiguous the English language can be . . . and how what I thought I said wasn’t always what others read into what I thought I said, even though I thought I said it very clearly.

Posts resemble conversations far more than they do research questionnaires. (Thank God.) Therefore, people reply like they do in real, unrehearsed conversations, except without the social lubricants of tortilla chips, salsa and beer.

Am thoroughly enjoying your blog, by the way. Am working up the courage to attempt to be persuasive, in writing. Will tell you if I make any money, or spark any social change as a result.

By: Brian

Brian — Sat, 11 Feb 2006 00:18:52 +0000

More discussion over here:

http://www.namegameblog.com/?p=300

By: Brian

Brian — Fri, 10 Feb 2006 12:41:36 +0000

True, True… I probably should just give up… it’s a losing battle when reading comprehension isn’t a part of the conversation.

By: Chris P.

Chris P. — Fri, 10 Feb 2006 12:38:20 +0000

I always enjoy it when, on my site, readers make my point for me in the comments. There’s irony in them there interwebs.

By: Brian

Brian — Fri, 10 Feb 2006 12:29:54 +0000

Please re-read this one:

“This isn’t about censorship or political correctness – it’s about honesty. You can be a crotchety Hell’s Angel with a Charlie Manson mouth for all we care… as long as you’re real.”

Your freedom of expression is just fine.

By: Bear Wabbit

Bear Wabbit — Fri, 10 Feb 2006 06:56:05 +0000

People are replacing direct with arrogant, funny with cruel, and shocking with plain ol’ bad taste.

And some are infecting “freedom of expression” with “value judgements”.

Now doesn’t THAT suck?

By: Brian

Brian — Fri, 10 Feb 2006 06:24:29 +0000

You completely missed the point. This obviously doesn’t pertain to you. I’m not talking to people who want to blow off steam “on the interwebs” after 8 hours in a cubicle. I’m talking to people doing business online.

Somehow, I don’t *feel* that’s you. Am I wrong?

By: Major Elvis Newton

Major Elvis Newton — Fri, 10 Feb 2006 06:14:38 +0000

You need to understand Snark is the reaction to the all the BS management-speak, faux concern, team-building, carrying, sharing nanny-state bilgefest that has erupted like a poisonous boil on the rump of society.

Normal people say no way, get f**ked, f**k off!.

They don’t say tell me how you feel. I’m there for you. Please share your emotions.

F**k Off