The Garrett

The rapidity of the web, and all it's tube glory, has caused more then one person to take a statement the wrong way. I have been pushing an idea for new punctuation to solve this issue.

I have suggested using the tilde ( ~ ) for this punctuation mark. It is used to denote sarcasm. When used in this way, it is called 'The Garrett' or 'Garrett mark'. Why 'Garrett mark'? the answer is simple and obvious: "Big G's Punctuation to fame." is too wordy.

How many time have you gotten angry, or confused by a typed post because it's was being sarcastic? How many flame wars could have been ended sooner?

You would use it like so:

"My, what great weather we are having~"

I selected the tilde as a representative of the 'Garrett Mark" for a few reasons:

1. It's not used for much of anything else.
2. Won't be used to often, so it's placement on the keyboard is good.
3. The back tick is too small.
4. Easy to recognize.
5. Can't write sarcastic language.

A lot of what is sarcasm is verbal tone and body language. Difficult to capture in writing, especially in IMs, and blogs where the writing is immediately back and forth.

The great thing will be, grammar Nazis will have something else to complain about~

UPDATE:
I think it should be changed to snarky comment, not just sarcasm.

Intro

A friend once said to me "You have more good ideas before you get off the pot in the morning then I have all week."

This post is a place for those ideas...along with other thoughts.