I am a Los Angeles-based twentysomething. I have a profession, and I have a secret life in music, and this blog isn't about any of that. I like Blogger because I can't read what you're thinking.
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Friday, January 23
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WORLD WIDE WEB ...IQUETTE
E-mailing your superiors can be a sticky situation. Context almost never translates, and this is especially true with tone. More specifically, in humor.
I'm currently working freelance at three publications (free agent, BITCH -- YOU DON'T OWNNNNN ME). Just recently, one of the publications had a switch of editors. It was ugly. Anyway, after talking on the phone to the new editor, she and I began a Very Formal E-mail Relationship.
Days passed and, in a Very Formal E-mail on the topic of something as banal as commission, she cracked a joke. Even included a "lol." It was cute, but I didn't think much of it.
I started the reply with "Seriously!" to acknowledge her "lol" and continued with our Very Formal E-mail Relationship, proper punctuation and all.
Minutes later, she replied without capitalizing a single word. Perhaps she noticed I allowed her tidbit of comedy into my world. Perhaps she thinks that, at our next meeting, we're going to talk about how overrated Slumdog Millionaire is.
She replied with another jab regarding my last reply.
So, I, being a diplomat, thought that, okay, maybe it isn't so bad to liven up often too-serious Very Formal E-mails. You know, sex up the rapport a bit, hm?
My reply:
"[...]well, don't get [so-and-so] to cover the show, or else he'll just want to go to whatever show's at la live. that guy is ALLL over 'new downtown.' but hes new, and he'll get it (eventually, ha ha)."
Minutes later. No reply.
More minutes later. No reply.
More minutes pass. Did I sex up the rapport perhaps too much? I mean, at least I spelled out my laugh. It's phonetic, for crying out loud.
Minutes pass. A reply.
"Hugo, we'll see about that...
-[her]"
Oh god. Back to capitalizing? And ...oh god, the dreaded ellipses.
Ellipses are the internet equivalent of rolling your eyes, or backing away slowly. Ellipses on the internet don't imply "more information ahead" or "you know what I mean."
No, no -- ellipses on the internet are simply: "Yeahhhhh..." Bill Lumberg Style.
The internet is a series of tubes. Long, faceless, and often very hurting tubes.
Have a good weekend,
Hugo
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