What is a Poe?

[Rhondazvous]

Y'all keep using the word and I'm sure smaddy defined it way in the day but I have only the foggiest idea what it is. Today I saw it one time too many and decided I don't want to be in the fog. So can smaddy tell me precisely what is a poe. Anything to do with Edgar?

[Jesster]

It's a reference to Poe's Law.

"It's difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish between parodies of fundamentalism or other extreme beliefs and their genuine proponents, since they both seem equally insane."

[FatAndFaithless]

It's a reference to Poe's Law:

Poe's law is an Internet adage that states that, without a clear indicator of the author's intent, it is impossible to create a parody of extreme views so obviously exaggerated that it cannot be mistaken by some readers or viewers as a sincere expression of the parodied views.

So for example, if someone comes to this forum and acts ridiculous, spewing horrifyingly bigoted and insane religious views that seem over-the-top, they might be called a "Poe" as in they're faking it for effect. A Poe pretends to believe wacky things, but the hard part is telling if they're really faking it or not, hence Poe's law.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

Poes are satirists. The good ones anyway. Any damn fool and scream and hoot like my cousins.

[Whateverist]

Case in point, there is no way of knowing whether Trump actually believes any of the things he says or just likes pulling our chains. Impossible to tell.

[vorlon13]

For instance:

it remains possible, Westboro Baptist is a 'poe' organization.

If judged by their results, it is hard to imagine a more successful pro-gay organization, their spokesperson has admitted as much in regards to the countries adoption of gay marriage notwithstanding Westboro Baptists staunch efforts supposedly to prevent it from happening.


Hell, I fell for the Billy the Fridge sits on David Phelps face hoax hook line and sinker. I'm still pissed it wasn't real.

[robvalue]

As in, are you poe-ling my leg?

[Rhondazvous]

It's a reference to Poe's Law:

Poe's law is an Internet adage that states that, without a clear indicator of the author's intent, it is impossible to create a parody of extreme views so obviously exaggerated that it cannot be mistaken by some readers or viewers as a sincere expression of the parodied views.

So for example, if someone comes to this forum and acts ridiculous, spewing horrifyingly bigoted and insane religious views that seem over-the-top, they might be called a "Poe" as in they're faking it for effect.  A Poe pretends to believe wacky things, but the hard part is telling if they're really faking it or not, hence Poe's law.

This is the kind of clear definition I've come to expect from you.
Thanks

[vorlon13]

I note the Islamofascists are never questioned about being poes . . . .

[vorlon13]