Trees hiding in the forest

Photo: whatculture.com

The last several weeks have been very entertaining.

In poking the bear a little while writing my column, it has been amusing to see the acidic responses from many of the comment trolls. 

Here's a little background since many people seem unaware (even the anonymous poster who claims to know me well) I am from England, born and raised, and moved here when I was 25.

In the U.K., I was raised on a tried-and-tested mix of home brew beer and good English comedy (The Goons and Monty Python).

As a result, I write with a sense of irony and satire, both attributes of an English sense of humour: The Oxford Living Dictionary describes humour this way: “The quality of being amusing or comic, especially as expressed in literature or speech.

I was raised in a satirical environment through the Monty Python era and, once again, the Oxford Living Dictionary adds some context: “The use of humour, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.”

Finally, to confuse North Americans completely, there is a little irony in what I write. So if you were lost at the beginning, you are certain likely to stay that way without a GPS….

“The expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.”

I do hope the comment section stays open by Castanet because, frankly, it is more amusing than the column itself.  

Feel free to criticize the odd typo all you like, but that is simply like telling a guy with a stammer he cannot be a good public speaker — utter rubbish.

Lastly, if I could afford an editor, I would certainly splash out and spruce up the column, but, frankly, when you don’t earn anything for writing the column, it is a little hard to justify.

If you think you have it in you to write an entertaining column — weekly, for free — I would absolutely encourage you to contact your nearest media outlet and volunteer your time. 

Just make sure you have a thicker-than-normal skin.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.