Comedy and the Art of Renal Failure
Posted on March 13, 2008
Filed Under Writing Humor | 17 Comments
The following is graciously submitted by RF of Renal Failure. RF is a Humor-Blogs.com member. Also be sure to check out his Bloggers Speak: Interview with RF.
Lesson 17a: “The Devil Mixes His Lies with the Truth
Humor, like the Pirate Code, doesn’t really have binding laws. Except for: “Be funny.” Other than that, any rules of humor you hear about are more of a set of guidelines that are mostly helpful to follow.
Like the Rule of Three. It’s always three guys at the gates of heaven or three guys walk into a bar. This doesn’t mean something can’t be funny with two or four people, but for the most part you can’t go wrong with three.
Truth in Comedy
Another helpful guideline can be found in the book “The Truth in Comedy,” written by the masters of the improv craft at Second City in Chicago. Its main thrust is that what makes something funny (a story, a performance, whatever) is that there’s truth behind it.
Think about the funniest stories you know. They’re all true stories from your life or someone else’s life. There may be some elaborations, but mainly it’s truthful reactions and truthful responses tapped by the writer or performer that make it funny and worthwhile to experience.
Honesty is the best policy when it comes to not only being funny, but being entertaining as well.
The truth, and comedy for that matter, should be like a good bowel movement. It should come out easy with no straining, because forcing it leaves you with hemorrhoids and blood in your stool.
Except if you strain or try to hard in comedy you’ll find there’s not only blood in your stool but that everyone can see it and they also think you’re not funny. And that’s not a problem that fiber supplements or Preparation H can readily fix.
Lies in Comedy
So if there is Truth in Comedy and Comedy in Truth, what about lies? Logic would seem to dictate that lies are not funny. That’s wrong. Lies are hilarious.
A priest, a rabbi, and the Dali Llama never went golfing together. The movie “Blazing Saddles” is not a documentary or based off a true story. And the Polish Navy has never constructed a submarine with screen windows.
Interesting paradox, right? Not really, because humor is not science. It doesn’t have to abide by the laws of physics or thermodynamics. And it only has to have a passing acquaintance with logic.
How can the truth and lies both be funny? Ask yourself which lies are the most effective? If you said “what are the lies that sound a lot like the truth?” then you’re correct and you can pick again from the Jeopardy board.
Let’s look at my blog, Renal Failure. It says right on my banner “The blog of wild fabrications and outright lies.” So right off the bat I’m telling you I’m lying, but I’m being truthful about it.
And while I might not actually have a half-cyborg cat or a ninja as drinking buddies, there are nuggets of truth in those stories that keep it accessible for the reader. I’m being honestly dishonest.
Entertainment is Key
For the most part, the truth is funny. But lies in the service of truth can be just as funny. This is not a rule, just a helpful guideline, and your experience may differ depending on how adept you are at the craft.
Or maybe everything I just told you is a lie. Could be, but you did enjoy yourself anyway, right? And thus I’ve managed to adhere to the “Be Funny” rule, which is the only rule that needs to be followed.
Next time, we’ll discuss whether or not unfunny people are more likely to develop bowel cancer. The answer may surprise you.
I offer my thanks to RF, whose generosity is outweighed only by his ability to spin wild and entertaining tales.
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17 Responses to “Comedy and the Art of Renal Failure”
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Humor is half truth, half exaggeration. If you’re missing one or the other, you’re left with either a physics book or a campaign promise.
Heh. Campaign promise. Good one, Harvey.
I do believe I no longer know what to believe.
Including that very statement.
Indeed, Renal Failure is bloody awesome.
Well done, RF! Great tips, especially the whole “humor in threes” bit. I agree completely.
Excellent. I actually wrote something similar in my book. Something is funny because in some sense it’s true.
hey thanks a lot….helped me out like instantly…..im kind of new to humour writing and i could instantly see what all your great tips do…..amazingly im baffled and yet its like it was always there…..and i thought today was going to have a good hairday when i got up in the morning
I’m glad you found RF’s article helpful.
[...] submit_url = ‘http://redneckbarandgrill.com/2007/12/17/the-truth-sets-you-free-always-write-the-truth/’;I’ve heard about lame-o bloggers who will invent a more exciting life, just so they have something to write about. Well, let me tell you, we never enhance a single word of our blog. Amazing stuff actually happens around us, so we don’t need to embellish. We didn’t even need any of these comedy writing tips! [...]
Enjoyed this. Love to submit a guest article. Of course we might be telling a lie here, but……
If you’re interested, our latest post is.
“Bob the Vegan: Speed Dating”
Off to check out the Round Table…
I believe you! I exploit the things my 6 boys do on my blog. The sad part is most of its true. I feel that people will laugh at what those boys do to me , as long as its not happening to them. I sure liked your story!
Humor make your stress out away…
It’s fairly easy to exploit people in your life for the sake of comedy. We can tread a fine line between love and humor.
Good to see that written down. Guess all good humorists know that. I’m gonna check-out more of your posts.
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The universe is conspiring for me less untruth-y. Just read a post about honesty on James Altucher’s site … and now here.
Good stuff.
Loved your article! And I agree about the part about lying…you have to embelish a little bit! And what you said about true stories from people’s lives are exactly what I feel is funny about being funny. We can relate to it. I grew up in the 50-60’s where everyone was perfect! I couldn’t compete with Marcia Brady or June Cleaver–so it was hilarious when people were alot less than perfect! It helps us take our eyes off the yucky and laugh. Which is why I love humor!