Irony and the Sarc Mark

I think that irony is a tough concept to grasp and can often be confused with just bad luck. I read the article that went along with the podcast about irony, and I think that the reference to the twin towers was alright, but I agree with Jonathan Lear in that irony is not over. I think that true irony, that is not just sarcasm or bad luck, can be very effective when used correctly. Irony that is used correctly can make us question our ideas and viewpoint. I have in no way mastered the art of irony but I think the article helped me understand it a little better. Irony sparks a deeper thinking within ourselves and can be very effective in literature. By far I think that verbal irony, including sarcasm, can be hilarious as well as provoking in the thought process. My Dad a little over a year ago came across an article about technology and sarcasm and evidently there is a little symbol called a "sarc mark" that helps people detect sarcasm. Here it is ----------> ®. I think if this was integrated into conversations over the internet that a few less feelings would be hurt and there would be a lot more understanding over what some people say.