HUMOR and then some
The Battle of Quasimodo, a Troll, and a Damsel Not so Much in Distress
Comments and commenting drew erratic battle lines
My day started with reading a “response” to my comment on one of Paul Hossfield’s stories. Oddly, it seemed to be addressing Paul, but was replying to me. That should have been my first clue that things were neither hunky or dory in the MuddyUm world. Or some alternative universe.
This “gentleman” appeared at first scan to be defending me, the poor defenseless maiden, against that meanie, big bad Paul Hossfield. Interesting, since my own comment was a tongue-in-cheek, perhaps even sarcastic, jab at said editor Mr. Hossfield, who completely got the joke and joked right back. No malice, so far, on anybody’s part.
Until my erstwhile knight in dull armor rode to the rescue on all caps, quotation marks and exclamation points, and maybe even, gasp, parentheses.
He advised me to sit back and let the big strong man take on the monster Quasimodo, or Paul Hossfield in his editor guise. There were references to Paul washing dishes, and lots about open fields, under which he would like to see Paul. Yeah, it was that demented and scary. Let me, however, endeavor to extract humor from sheer crazy.
There was a possible alternative explanation from this alternative universe. Perhaps he was taking me to task for attacking a fellow male person. The rant was that confusing. He did imply that Paul “silenced” me, whom he referred to as “Carol ‘Annie Oakley’ Lennox.” Not saying I hate the name, just not sure I follow the trail of illogic here. As far as I know, Paul has never silenced me. That would be difficult to do anyway. Ask anyone who knows me.
Paul did tell me one of my submitted articles wasn’t funny, but at the same time he did direct me to another publication that would be a better fit for that particular piece. My comment on Paul’s piece about rejecting someone’s post referred to that. Somewhat sarcastically, I admit. This dude, however, acted as if Paul had bound and gagged me. Never mind if I would enjoy that.
As many of you who’ve read my stuff on trolls know, I generally won’t engage. If I do, I simply say, “Well, that took a dark turn.” In this instance, however, I felt a need to defend Paul, my gallant editor, and attempt to explain my sarcastic comment to Paul, and our writer/editor relationship.
Holy Mysogyny, Batman, was that ever a mistake. From his not so veiled threats to Paul, he went into full Mansplain to me on the use and meaning of sarcasm. In doing so he said some incredibly corrosive and, yes, downright scary things, to and about me to illustrate how to truly be sarcastic. I’m reasonably certain we have two very different interpretations of sarcasm.
Perhaps I would have continued jousting with this self-proclaimed knight, just for more writing material. However, he made actual not-so-veiled threats to my now friend and editor, Paul Hossfield, and I will not “sit down and shut up” as the troll sarcastically, and presumably metaphorically, advised me to do. Not to stretch the battle metaphor too far, but I do believe in leaving no comrade-in-arms behind. And there’s no bonding like trauma bonding.
So, Semper Fi, Paul Hossfield, or whatever medieval knights said to one another on the field of battle. Only, I blocked and reported this troll, so I won’t know if we need to ride into battle together on matching steeds. Still, if you need me to saddle up and ride, I will gladly do so. Just send up a flare. I do, however, recommend we don’t do it in any open fields.