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8.16.2007

The Art of Snark

Snark: Combination of "snide" and "remark". Sarcastic comment(s). A witty mannerism, personality, or behavior that is a combination of sarcasm and cynicism. Usually accepted as a complimentary term. Snark is sometimes mistaken for a snotty or arrogant attitude.

As some of you know by now, I harbor a deep and abiding respect for good snark. I'm also incredibly jealous of those who possess this gift because I certainly do not. As much as I would love to be known for witty, biting commentary, I, confess that I'm just not that kind of person. Sure, I have my moments -- we all do. I can also serve up some really great meals, but I certainly wouldn't call myself a chef.

In my constant search for truth on the internet I've gathered up some of the ideas people have about what makes good snark and what one needs to know before setting out to keep a snarky blog:
  1. Know your subject. There's nothing more irritating than someone who's condescending about a topic they know nothing about.

  2. Don't mimic the style of someone who's famous for their snark. It's not your voice and it sticks out like a sore thumb.

  3. Being just plain mean doesn't make your readers think you're snarky, it makes them think you're an asshole. Snark must be delivered with style and intelligence.

  4. Venting is not the same as being snarky.

  5. Don't link buzz words and phrases to Wikipedia. It only serves to make you look insecure.

  6. Don't whine about the flack you receive. Mention a comment if it's an especially good one and even give the commenter credit, but for God's sake, don't play the martyr or get defensive. This is a duel, not a schoolyard brawl.

  7. Write everything with a sense of humor. No, not stand-up and one-liners. Your sense of humor (if you have one) must, I repeat, MUST be the foundation of every post.

  8. Don't even try to be snarky if that's not who you are when you're off line. People aren't stupid. Well, maybe they are, but their instincts aren't. If you aren't naturally cynical or sarcastic, it probably won't come off as genuine.

  9. If you give it, know how to take it. The game of the bon mot is alive and well in truly good snarkdom.

  10. Required Reading:
Know of some good snark? Leave the links in your comment.

8 comments :

  1. I like this one!

    Redneck Diva: Thanks for the award! I’ve been schmoozed this morning before work and don’t have time for a shower, but hey, worse things could happen before work, right?

    Me: You are welcome stinky.

    But I like all the stuff I write. I'm so friggin' clever!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Snark is not my forte, that's for sure. I'm just a mean old bastard cuss.

    And someday, I hold out hope, "mean old bastard cuss" will be as idolized as snark. Then I can say "I was there when it started" and be cool again, which I once was oh maybe 30 years ago.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Well, I think you're v-e-r-y cool. Your "mean old bastard cuss" is every bit as entertaining as snark, sometimes more so because it's unpretentious.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Unfortunately, wit is most often attempted by the witless. The attempt wiffles past, giving the victim a whif of something foul, but not a whit of humor.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Snark is not my forte, that's for sure. I'm just a mean old bastard cuss.

    And someday, I hold out hope, "mean old bastard cuss" will be as idolized as snark. Then I can say "I was there when it started" and be cool again, which I once was oh maybe 30 years ago.

    ReplyDelete

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