The ultimate taboo? Page 10

Quote: Pete @ November 19 2008, 2:55 PM GMT

An easy conclusion may be to agree that no subject is taboo but that as a site full of largely unsuccessful writers of comedy it may be wise to consider how may of your audience you will alienate with increasing levels of taboo esque material. As far as I'm aware no law exists to stop baby p jokes but if you want to roll up to an open mike and let rip with 10 mins worth be prepared for some problems.

View original

I totally agree. No taboo subjects. But for f**k's sake, make it funny, not just shocking.

Quote: zooo @ November 19 2008, 2:39 PM GMT

He does nastier stuff, I believe, in his stand up (and in jokes that have to be cut from TV.)

View original

Having been to numerous Mock The Week recordings, I can confirm this.

And anyway re the Huntley joke; the plant holly doesn't have a scent. Therefore the joke is crap. I've won!

Quote: Afinkawan @ November 19 2008, 2:56 PM GMT

I totally agree. No taboo subjects. But for f**k's sake, make it funny, not just shocking.

View original

At least you know your P's and Q's Afinkawan

Quote: Afinkawan @ November 19 2008, 2:52 PM GMT

"It turns out Baby P's mother has had another baby while on remand. I'm off to get a SAVE BABY Q t-shirt printed."

View original

Let's hope children's services mind their Ps and Qs.

Quote: Dolly Dagger @ November 19 2008, 2:57 PM GMT

And anyway re the Huntley joke; the plant holly doesn't have a scent. Therefore the joke is crap. I've won!

View original

... I don't think you got the joke.

Quote: Pete @ November 19 2008, 2:55 PM GMT

An easy conclusion may be to agree that no subject is taboo but that as a site full of largely unsuccessful writers of comedy it may be wise to consider how may of your audience you will alienate with increasing levels of taboo esque material. As far as I'm aware no law exists to stop baby p jokes but if you want to roll up to an open mike and let rip with 10 mins worth be prepared for some problems.

View original

When did you last goto an open mike evening?

Generally if you don't run away, can stand and don't cry you'll get applause.

Quote: Griff @ November 19 2008, 2:57 PM GMT

But we're back to the same thing. We can argue as much as we like on here whether jokes actually are offensive, what the target is, and so on. But the only thing that counts is whether the people we are telling them to will find them offensive or not. Even if they are wrong and we are right. If you're offending people, they're not laughing, as Nick said. And if people aren't laughing what's the point?

View original

Agreed, of course.

But luckily I'm not a performer and am totally self absorbed, so I only have to worry about what I find funny.

Quote: Griff @ November 19 2008, 2:57 PM GMT

But we're back to the same thing. We can argue as much as we like on here whether jokes actually are offensive, what the target is, and so on. But the only thing that counts is whether the people we are telling them to will find them offensive or not. Even if they are wrong and we are right. If you're offending people, they're not laughing, as Nick said. And if people aren't laughing what's the point?

View original

I laugh at stuff I find offensive.

Then flog myself with a copy of the Guardian dipped in organic, Palestinian vinegar till I bleed.

Quote: Griff @ November 19 2008, 2:57 PM GMT

And if people aren't laughing what's the point?

View original

shocking is easier.

Quote: zooo @ November 19 2008, 2:58 PM GMT

... I don't think you got the joke.

View original

The joke works on the assumption that the audience/reader/listener first thinks the word 'holly' refers to the plant. It's then revealed that it doesn't. Tell that joke to a load of horticulturists and they'd stop you after the first sentence to tell you nothing smells of holly. Joke ruined. So yeah, I did get it.

You could do a routine about that loud disabled person in the cinema.

Quote: Nigel Kelly @ November 19 2008, 2:56 PM GMT

I saw Jerry Sadowitz a few months ago and he was going on about how he found Madeline McCann sexually attractive, but it was shock rather than funny.

View original

That's just a wee bit sad.

You know, people who try to justify those sort of jokes with the old "comedy should have no boundaries" chestnut can be easily defeated in a debate. Just ask them "Would you laugh if it was your daughter or sister?"

Quote: Dolly Dagger @ November 19 2008, 3:01 PM GMT

The joke works on the assumption that the audience/reader/listener first thinks the word 'holly' refers to the plant. It's then revealed that it doesn't. Tell that joke to a load of horticulturists and they'd stop you after the first sentence to tell you nothing smells of holly. Joke ruined. So yeah, I did get it.

View original

*goes back to read the joke again*

Quote: Lee Henman @ November 19 2008, 3:02 PM GMT

That's just a wee bit sad.

You know, people who try to justify those sort of jokes with the old "comedy should have no boundaries" chestnut can be easily defeated in a debate. Just ask them "Would you laugh if it was your daughter or sister?"

View original

Of course they wouldn't.
I don't think that has anything to do with it.

You wouldn't laugh at any joke involving death or illness at all if your mum had just died.

It's not a good enough argument.

Quote: zooo @ November 19 2008, 3:01 PM GMT

You could do a routine about that loud disabled person in the cinema.

View original

Which one?