THINQon : A game of Banter

THINQon is a platform for a more intelligent web. It aims to replace the ruling paradigm of the web – that of sharing and gathering information – with a sharing and achieving of understanding. Instead of the Q&A model it offers an experience. A platform for discovery of ideas, people, and yourself. Continue >

Mark Opal

A game of Banter

Latest Post: June 19, 2009 at 11:13 PM

13 followers

I like to think of myself as an expert in the art of banter. Where I picked up such skills in useless conversation, I have no idea, probably the same place I picked up my modesty. Last night I had a dream that I was caught in a battle of banter and an exchange of wit with Oscar Wilde. Afterward, we donned our top hats and green-velvet suits and went to an Opium lounge, but that does not apply to the direction of this posting.

Banter is a give and a take game. To be successful you must open yourself up for attack and be ready to laugh at any jab that comes your way. There are no rules to the engagement and it is whatever you and the other banterers make it to be. It can be silly and friendly or it can exist on a deeper level of aggression masked by witticisms.

Banter is at its best when it is a sign of familiarity. It edges shy people into conversation because it allows everyone a chance to laugh at themselves as well as at others. I find I don't get enough banter in my life anymore. Or maybe I am just lately missing the opportunities. Personally, my favorite form is a circular type that allows for multiple personalities and many directions.

Is it possible to banter online I wonder? I've never tried because it obviously cannot be the same. There is no inflection and no actual relationship online. So many times I've sent a witty text message only for it to be received as an insult because it didn't go with my charming smile. Bantering in words and online is a whole different art, especially with virtual strangers, because it requires the development of a personal tone. Online, banter is not instant, and there is no reading of facial expressions, a key component in any form of dialogue or conversation.

And yet here I am on THINQon, attempting a game with you all, for better or worse, I invite your puns, your wit, your directionless dialogue.

Perhaps we can invent our own form of banter that is less about a back and forth as it is about a forth and forth.

Reply to:

Robin Layter, I qualify as a youth. I have long hair and it...

June 19, 2009 at 9:33 PM

21 followers

An interesting experiment no doubt. The answer to getting around the unfamiliarity of text and the lack of face on face that I most often use, is silliness. So, your conjecture about turning this banter into "a forth and forth" sounds like the right path.

Here it goes:

As you humbly admitted to being a great wit, and hinted at a dandyesque lifestyle alongside the caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland, perhaps you will allow me the honor of continuing your dream and applying it "to the direction of this posting."

At the Opium Den you quickly lose sight of Mr. Wilde amidst the traffic of smoke and fellow dandies. For some reason you lose the ability to exhale, and your body is suddenly filled with only hot air. You quickly balloon to the size of your modesty and float out the window. Suddenly all the hot air leaves your body and a tiny man is thrown through the air towards an opalescent rainbow in the distant.

You, of course, are still wearing your green velvet suit with tophat and cane. The rainbow disappears and you land in a circle of children who obviously mistake you for a leprechaun. They mistake your charming smile for a mouth of gold, and one by one rip each tooth out. There is now a cavernous hole where that once ever flowing fountain of "banter" burst forth and you are left wishing that you never prized your facial expression above all else.

You wake up.

Though perhaps I didn't leave you with enough to come back at me. But that's your battle oh expert of banter

)

Reply to: or

Mark Opal

June 19, 2009 at 9:59 PM

13 followers

first of all, thank you for making the next move in this battle

second of all,

what makes you think I'm not a leprechaun? Not only are my teeth gold, but everything they sink into turns to gold. I've got a king Midas grill and you were right in regarding me with so much esteem at the end, but you forgot to capitalize.

Thus it is time for me to capitalize on your feeble first move. "Though perhaps I didn't leave you with enough to come back at me." Sure you did, your tone is all I need, and it is off-pitch, it's not suited for this battle-pitch. So pitch a tent because I'm going to storm through your entire campaign. You should sign up for Ralph Nader's party because you're too green for me.

So color me gold all you want because as you say I live on top an opalescent rainbow where I'm in no danger of you robbing me later. I am a direct descendant of Shakespeare and I ghost-write for Lil' Wayne so start dreaming for yourself and get your own rabbit hole.

(that was quite enjoyable, don't be afraid to join in !)

Reply to: or

Hanna Clapson, I am an English major. I write and think. I...

June 19, 2009 at 11:13 PM

22 followers

I think you boys need a woman's touch. It's time you left off stroking your own egos. It always comes to a fight with men, but I have you defeated with the pen and the sword. I am Virginia Woolf and Joan of Arc. You both should be afraid of me. And before you bring up their deaths, one burned the other drowned, they transcend their bodies, and I transcend them both. I am master of fire and water.

Your battle is pointless. You should join the war over me. My middle name is Helen and your empty colts, your lame horses, won't woo me.

Banter isn't even a passion of mine I just thought you two needed a reminder in manners. Oscar Wilde and I are on the same side, it should all just be a comedy. Men always make conversation into a futile battle. Your minds haven't evolved enough to accept pleasantries.

But I guess my voice will just be washed away to the side in Mark's tempest. I guess that makes me the third party, the Ralph Nader, just don't blame me when the wrong man wins, because both of your platforms are off.