Many people have asked me about the ~! that I sometimes use for punctuation.  Some would-be comedians apparently like to poke fun at this convention, little understanding its true power.

Every so often in one's life, there arise situations of such magnitude that describing them with mere exclamation points simply will not do.  In these circumstances, I use the ~! sign to convey that this is something not merely exciting, not simply appealing; no, indeed anything that uses the ~! is actually a level of exhilaration that we "in the biz" consider soul-shattering.  Which of the two of these gives you more of that "quivering with glee" sort of feeling?

1.  VIVA LA RAZA!

2.  VIVA LA RAZA~!

I think if you're truly honest with yourself, you would be taking option 2.

I know you're convinced already, but to truly drive this point home, let's pretend I am James' manager and have decided to terminate him through an E-mail.  Now, I have the choice of two messages to leave in his inbox.

1.  "James, I'm sorry but I can't overlook your cocaine habit any longer.  You're fired."

2.  "James, I'm sorry but I can't overlook your cocaine habit any longer.  YOU'RRRRRRRRRRRRRRE FIIIIIIIIIIRED~!"

Sure, either of these messages would probably be professional enough, but which one appropriately says how *excited* we are about firing James?  And really, only one of these messages will leave James with a smile on his face while he packs up his belonging and clears out before security arrives!

I think you know the answer.  Remember, the ~! is a powerful weapon in your literary arsenal - only use it when truly necessary.