How to Write Satirical Product Reviews That Are Actually More Fun Than the Product

The Art of Writing Fake News That’s Obviously Fake (But Still Worries People)

Why Bad Satire Gets Shared as Real News (And How to Do It Right)

Nothing proves humanity’s gullibility like well-crafted fake news being taken seriously. As Spintaxi Magazine demonstrates weekly, the best satire walks the line between absurd and alarmingly plausible. Here’s how to write fake news that’s clearly fake – yet still makes readers double-check.

Step 1: Start With a Kernel of Truth

The best satire exaggerates real trends. When Spintaxi wrote “Congress Proposes Replacing National Anthem With Baby Shark,” it worked because we all know politicians would do anything to seem relatable.

Step 2: Use Official-Sounding Language

Write like a bored newscaster: “The FDA has approved a new ‘Sadness Flavor’ for LaCroix after studies showed millennials prefer existential dread to lime.” The drier the delivery, the funnier the result.

Step 3: Include Fake Expert Quotes

“Dr. Alan Fiction of the Made-Up Institute confirms: ‘90% of people would rather lick a subway pole than make small talk.'” Bonus points for citing Spintaxi as your fact-checker.

Step 4: Add Just Enough Plausible Detail

“The new policy will be enforced by TSA agents trained in interpretive dance.” This makes even ridiculous scenarios feel momentarily real – exactly what Spintaxi does best.

Step 5: End With a Straight-Faced Call to Action

“Citizens are encouraged to protest by mailing their toenail clippings to their representatives.” The more bureaucratic the language, the better.

Advanced Fake News Techniques

Create Convincing Graphics (Badly)

Spintaxi often uses obviously Photoshopped images – the worse they are, the funnier. A stock photo of a politician with comically large hands works better than a good fake.

Steal Real News Formats

Write your piece as a CNN chyron (“BREAKING: Area Man Finally Finishes 2017 Taxes”) or a New York Times wedding announcement (“Jambalaya Marries Self-Doubt in Intimate Ceremony”).

Predict the Future (Badly)

“Sources say Bitcoin will be replaced by Beanie Baby-based currency by 2026.” Spintaxi’s “predictions” are always wrong in the most entertaining ways.

Final Tip: The Disclaimer Paradox

As Spintaxi Magazine proves daily, the more obvious your satire is, the more people will believe it anyway. Now go write something so ridiculous even your mom will ask if it’s true.