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Should SARCASM be used when writing a BLOG?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Godzyk Real Estate Services NH License 033394

Should SARCASM be used when writing a BLOG? If you want to find an easy answer, then include it in your blog and wait for the comments to flood in. I learned this lesson on Saturday when I wrote a blog to tell the story of a Buyer Broker who blasted me becuase the Seller who was a Bank did not accept HER Buyers offer becuase SHE added some "SMALL contingencies." to a cash offer when the property was a cash only, as is, no contiongency type of sale.

 

The "Fireworks" got started when I "copy and pasted" the first two sentences which spelled contingency this way "CONTINGINCY". 

With sarcasm in hand I thought it a GREAT IDEA to use her spelling in my TITLE and through out the blog to make a point. The email also contained many words spelled out as we were using phonics such as small was spelled "samall".

My point would not have been as strong if I corrected the spelling errors and gave you an edited version. It was much more effective writing it AS IS using her type of phonics.

What is the problem you are wondering?

 

1. The first problem is some readers do not read the whole blog. The read a title and perhaps the first pargraph?

2. The second problem may be that I needed a larger disclaimer or disclosure that this "BLOG CONTAINS SARCASM" and written in the same phonics as was sent to me to complain that their offer did not get accepted because they used "contingincies" (get it) in their offer.

3. When you write a blog be available to comment immediately. I published it in the early morning hours before heading to my Daughters Softball Allstar Tournament in an area without phone service or internet to read and reply to said comments. Getting home late at night allowed the disease of complete rudeness to spread like Poison Ivy.

4. Be prepared for the worst of people to come out leaving NASTY comments and Emails becuase they do not understand sarcasm.

What was i to do... As I made the disclosure BIGGER, I still was receiving spelling lessons so I decided  it was just easier to re-write the words that made MRS. BUYER AGENTS email as popular as it was, which changed the tone of my blog.

The moral of the story is when you write a blog, and you decide to include sarcasm, it is alot like texting as people can not see the smile or smirk on your face as you type it. They may not know it is a joke. It is not a given they will read down to the disclaimer "This blog is written in the same phonics as the Buyer agent sent me so they can understand why you do not place contingencies, no matter how small in offers for Bank owned Homes.

So THANK YOU spelling teachers and Bullies for your 2 cents. Before you leave a taunting comment go to Wiki, where Sarcasm is "a sharp, bitter, or cutting expression or remark; a bitter jibe or taunt",[1] usually conveyed through irony or understatement.[2] Most authorities distinguish sarcasm from irony;[3] however, others argue that sarcasm may or often does involve irony[4] or employs ambivalence.[5] Sarcasm may be appropriate or inappropriate, though this is generally a function of one's point of view.

Well now that my blogging lesson is complete, I will get back to do what I do best. SELLING HOMES....

Please call for a FREE MARKET ANALYSIS to let you know what the value of your home is.

If you need to sell your home and you owe more than your house is worth, i may be able to help. I specialize in working with home owners to get your home sold. There are many options such as a short sale whcih may be able to help you.

Please try and avoid out of state or out of town agents and companies that make "out of this world promises". We are local agents with experience who never charge any up front fees. WE GET RESULTS!!!

We stand by you through every step in selling your home.

PLEASE SEE MY "SPOT LIGHT" Series for differnt neighborhoods in NH

1.
Spotlight on FOX HOLLOW CONDOMINIUMS in Manchester NH
2. Spotlight on ROSECLIFF in Manchester NH
3. Spotlight on ROSEGATE FARM in Manchester NH
4. Spotlight on NEWTONS MEADOW Condominiums in Manchester NH
5. Spotlight on EAST MEADOW Condominiums in Manchester NH
6. Spotlight on SunView Condominiums in Derry NH
7. Spotlight on the Trolley Crossing Neighborhood in MANCHESTER NH
8. Spotlight for STONE TERRACE CONDOMINIUMS in Manchester NH

PLEASE SEE MY "TOP" TIPS FOR BUYING A HOME

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If you are Looking for a Real Estate Agent you have come to the right place. Scott Godzyk is a Full Time and Local agent ready to serve all of your Real Estate needs through each step of the buying or selling process. We are proud to be locally owned and operated.

If you owe more than your house is worth, If you are behind in your payments, I may be able to help. Call me to find out how you may be able to sell your home at no additional cost to you.

Scott Godzyk is the Owner/Broker of The Godzyk Real Estate Services located in Manchester NH. With 25 years of Real Estate experience Scott specializes in Listing and Selling Bank Owned Homes, Short Ssles, Residential Properties, Condominiums, New Construction and Investment Properties. Scott services the counties of Hillsborough, Merrimack, Rockingham and Belknap. To contact Scott Godzyk please call 603-661-2121 or email sctprop@aol.com. his website is www.ScottSellsNH.com.

Comments(71)

Anonymous
Kunni Biener, Esq.

there really should be a sarcasm font.

Jul 30, 2012 11:40 PM
#53
Brian Rugg
Rugg Realty LLC Sun City Texas 512-818-6700 - Georgetown, TX
Sun City TX Real Estate - Georgetown, TX Real Est

Hello Scott:

 

Two features in 3 days.  Sounds like Sarcasm and misspelling works.

Jul 30, 2012 11:48 PM
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

I love sarcasm, so I am off to read your sarcastic post now!  ;-)

Jul 30, 2012 11:55 PM
Gary Frimann, CRS, GRI, SRES
Eagle Ridge Realty / Signature Homes & Estates - Gilroy, CA
REALTOR and Broker

I really like sarcasm, although it seems like a lot of people don't "Get it"... so use it with caution, or make it so extreme that they will be forced to "Get it".

Jul 31, 2012 12:35 AM
Karen Steed
Tallapoosa, Bremen, Waco, Buchanan, Temple, Carrollton - Tallapoosa, GA
Associate Broker Haralson Realty

It's always easier to point out the splinter in your neighbors eye, and ignore the log in your own.  Just keep doing what you do best.

Jul 31, 2012 12:52 AM
Conor MacEvilly
RE/MAX On Market in Ballard. Seattle - Seattle, WA

I use sarcasm all the time on my blog posts and you should see my newsletter! As long as it is done with a wink and sense of humor you can get away with it. Regardless, be yourself. You can't appease all the people all the time so just focus on the readers who love you for your style (whatever your particular style is). Neutral is boring and immediately forgettable.

Jul 31, 2012 12:53 AM
Susan Neal
RE/MAX Gold, Fair Oaks - Fair Oaks, CA
Fair Oaks CA & Sacramento Area Real Estate Broker

Hi Scott - I am very careful about writing with sarcasm. I am an an attorney, and although I am no longer actively practicing law, I took hundreds of depositions during the years I was a litigator, and I know that sarcasm in those transcripts could be deadly to a case. I used a couple of excerpts from them to prepare my clients before they were deposed. They could see for themselves that tone of voice and cadence are critical to understanding sarcasm. Without them, the sarcasm is lost and the testimony is taken at face value.

Jul 31, 2012 01:27 AM
Cynthia Larsen
Cotati, CA
Independent Broker In Sonoma County, CA

Ah yes ... so many blog posts, so little time. Most people here don't have enough time to read an entire blog post to "get it".

Jul 31, 2012 01:43 AM
Bob Miller
Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty - Ocala, FL
The Ocala Dream Team

Hi Scott, we agree.  We have written many posts with sarcasm or what was intended as humor.  We could tell by the comments they either did not read it carefully or did not get it.

Jul 31, 2012 02:30 AM
Alyse "Aly" Sands
AGORA Realty - Nashville, TN
It's Good To Be Home

Um...Scott, I noticed some spelling mistakes in this blog. 

Haha...We need to read the entire post before commenting.  In our haste, we do this with emails, too.  By the way, l'm a huge fan of sarcasm.

Jul 31, 2012 02:55 AM
Momentum Realty
North Orange County CA Real Estate Specialists - Yorba Linda, CA
Orange County CA Real Estate Agent

Hi Scott,

I LOVE sarcasm, but realize that many people don't get it or are too sensitive, so I tread lightly when writing blog posts ; ) You're so right... you can't see the smile or hear the intonation in someone's voice, so it can come across as rude or angry. Oh well... as my aunt always says, "F 'em if they can't take a joke" - HA HA!

Have a great week!

Gina

Jul 31, 2012 03:05 AM
Nan Jester
Exit Real Estate Gallery Jacksonville Beach, FL - Jacksonville Beach, FL
Realtor, Exit Real Estate Gallery

Guess you got a blog lesson whether or not you needed one.

Jul 31, 2012 03:35 AM
Beverly of Bev & Bob Meaux
Keller Williams Suburban Realty - West Orange, NJ
Where Buying & Selling Works

Scott,

People feel a surge of power online. They say things they would never say to your face or even whisper at a party.

Jul 31, 2012 03:39 AM
Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD
http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com - Vail, CO
Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D

I love sarcasm...I am reminded of a classic Monty Python skit (Spanish Inquisition) in which they talk about having the ultimate weapon...SARCASM

Jul 31, 2012 04:42 AM
Dennis J. Zisa & Associates, Inc.
Dennis J. Zisa & Associates, Inc. - Camden, NJ
31 years in So. Jersey and the Greater Camden area

Used judiciously, sarcasm can be very effective.

My motto is "a time and a place for everything"! 

Jul 31, 2012 06:26 AM
Jon Quist
REALTY EXECUTIVES ARIZONA TERRITORY - Tucson, AZ
Tucson's BUYERS ONLY Realtor since 1996

You probably should use the little smiley faces. Then SOME  :-) might get it.

Jul 31, 2012 09:26 AM
Thomas McCombs
Century 21 HomeStar - Akron, OH

You gotta be a good riter to get away w/ sarcasn.  And you gotta be an even better reeder to recognize it.

Jul 31, 2012 12:55 PM
Lana Robbins Realtor ® Licensed Real Estate Broker
Aloha Kai Real Estate - Clearwater, FL
Licensed in Florida, Washington, and Hawai'i

Hi Scott. I didn't read your post but it seems like they didn't read it in its entirety which says more about them than it does about you ;)

Jul 31, 2012 04:43 PM
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

Lenn has it right - you have to let them know this was exactly how they spelled it - not your own stupid spell checker.

Aug 01, 2012 01:58 PM
Cyndi Carver
The Carver Home Team - Covington, WA
Newcastle & East Renton Specialist

Sarcasm works better in person when you know the person. Sarcasm is also funny when the whole context of the article is read. I think it's best to avoid it because any deep sarcasm can come across as negative.

Aug 16, 2012 07:26 AM