The Importance of Being a Wit

Blogging has become an important form of literature in today's society because it promotes both artistic literature and business literature. Though, as someone who has a strong background in literature, I have come to realize that the general accepted tone for a blog is a mix "sarcasm" and "irony," which sometimes comes across as negative and degrading. Sarcasm* and Irony* should be the tools used to create some good quality wit.*defined by wikipedia: Wit is a form of intellectual humour. A wit is someone skilled in making witty remarks, typically spontaneously and in conversation.


Though sarcasm and irony create a fun environment for both the writers and the readers, they can dangerous tools to use if they are not used carefully and properly. Sarcasm cannot be used as an overall tone without any humour in it, because then readers will get an uneasy and aggressive feeling from the writing. That is why an element of wit is so important. If you want to be sarcastic make, sure that you are also funny. Oscar Wilde is the perfect example for the bloggers equation: (sarcasm + irony)-aggressive tone=wit.


"The critic has to educate the public; the artist has to educate the critic." - Oscar Wilde; The Artist as a Critic


Writing is an important tool, not only in blogging but in advertising and marketing as well. A well written piece can be the defining factor between a good marketing campaign and a flop. So, when writing copy for a website or a pamphlet, be careful to watch your tone. Wit is a powerful tool and one of the most effective forms of writing, but you have to be careful and do your research first. I suggest reading Oscar Wilde's, The Artist as a Critic, for a brilliant fusion of sarcasm, irony, and wit, and to see how literature and art an be used as a marketing tool, a political campaign, or simply art, (and I promise it will be a fun treat).


Sarcasm**[ A form of sneering criticism in which disapproval is often expressed as ironic praise. ]


Irony**[ is the most common and most efficient technique of the satirist, because it is an instrument of truth, provides wit and humor, and is usually at least obliquely critical, in that it deflates, scorns, or attacks. The ability to detect irony is sometimes heralded as a test of intelligence and sophistication. When a text intended to be ironic is not seen as such, the effect can be disastrous.]

Thank you to VirtualSalt.com for the definitions.