Hacker News Reader

How is this not formulaic when you literally used a formula to describe it? With variables and all. It's not bad but pretty contrived and clearly rehearsed and kinda corny. People smile when someone makes a bad pun also.

View on HN

It might feel less formulaic because it's more upfront. Following a formula without telling the other person about it can feel more robotic if you don't put your soul into it. Whereas you can still put in the right energy and effort into the OP's approach to make it work well. At the end of the day being human IMHO is what matters most.

> People smile when someone makes a bad pun also

Here too I think it's all about how the pun is delivered.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com