Understanding Poe's Law 4 you alll [View all]

[Ichingcarpenter]

Poe's law, named after its author Nathan Poe, is an Internet adage reflecting the idea that without a clear indication of the author's intent, it is difficult or impossible to tell the difference between an expression of sincere extremism and a parody of extremism.


Poe's law, in broader form, is:

Without a blatant display of humor, it is impossible to create a parody of extremism or fundamentalism that someone won't mistake for the real thing



Another precedent posted on Usenet dates to 2001. Following the well-known schema of Arthur Clarke's Third law,




Alan Morgan wrote:

"Any sufficiently advanced parody is indistinguishable from a genuine kook."

Some on DU are aware of this law, some are masters of the law and some illustrate Poe's Law.


OK...... continue your postings and searches on the Web.... This class is over.