> > I thought part of being funny was exaggeration for effect. Your response is a big sign to me that I have failed.
>
> You bring up a good point. Humor, if in an unexpected context, can be mistaken for sincerity. Maybe this should be added to the "How To Be Funny" guide: make your context clear before attempting humor.
>
> Perhaps the simple announcement: "I am about to say something funny," made prior to the humor, would be a good idea.
Gosh, Sam, you just shot down most of my jokes!