| humor is very subjective around here |
Humor *is* very subjective and depends a lot on perceived intent. However, there's a big difference between humor in the game and humor in the forums. Humor in the game could by no stretch of the imagination be directed at you personally.
Comments, humorous or otherwise, are definitely colored by previous relationship. If two folks have basically gotten along a comment that could potentially be perceived as derogatory is more likely to be assumed to be good natured humor. Conversely, if the relationship has been one of animosity, then even something intended as good natured humor may be taken as derogatory.
This is only human nature and adding a smiley face at the end doesn't fix the problem. The only thing that can fix the problem is for both parties to take extreme care not to give even the hint of offense in the future. However, that requires that the parties involved are willing to put forth the effort to repair the relationship. If one or the other couldn't be bothered to make the effort there's not much that can be done.
