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ChristianKl comments on How I infiltrated the Raëlians (and was hugged by their leader) - Less Wrong Discussion

15 Post author: SquirrelInHell 16 March 2016 05:45AM

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Comment author: Lumifer 16 March 2016 03:09:27PM 4 points [-]

For the purposes of epistemic hygiene's worthwhile to use language that accurately reflects reality.

Humor. It's a thing. You should try it sometime.

Comment author: ChristianKl comment score below threshold [+] (6 children)

Comment author: SquirrelInHell 17 March 2016 12:58:39AM * 2 points [-]

See "microhumor" at http://slatestarcodex.com/2016/02/20/writing-advice/

But in any case, thanks for the feedback. It's useful for me to know what styles of writing are interpreted in what ways around here. Actually what I'm doing right now is experimenting to increase my chances of successfully communicating some of my important ideas in the future.

Comment author: ChristianKl 17 March 2016 12:07:15PM * 0 points [-]

I don't think humor is in general a good defense for writing misleading headlines.

I don't think "I engaged in a hostile action against outgroup X" is a good way to start humor. Cheering on humor like that produces bad dynamics.

Comment author: Lumifer 17 March 2016 02:53:20PM 1 point [-]

I don't think humor is in general a good defense for writing misleading headlines.

Humor is not a defense, but a good idea. The headline is misleading only to people who can't parse language properly.

Comment author: buybuydandavis 18 March 2016 03:20:56AM * 0 points [-]

I doubt that too many people felt they were "misled" by the headline. I think most people got the joke.

I was trying to come up with a literary term for the device used. It seems like it's a thing.

Someone pointed out "dysphemism" as a term to me here. But that wasn't right. Just a little hyperbole for dramatic effect? For contrast with the hug?

Comment author: Lumifer 18 March 2016 02:57:25PM 2 points [-]

I think of it as a "wink". It's not quite hyperbole, but, let's say, a literary device that sets the mood and expectations. Basically it says "I'm not being entirely serious here".

Comment author: Lumifer 17 March 2016 02:54:01PM 1 point [-]

I smiled. The "was hugged" expression was a hint :-)

ChristianKl comments on How I infiltrated the Raëlians (and was hugged by their leader) - Less Wrong Discussion

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