The problem with writing standup for the algorithm
Also: Socrates, crowdwork, clapter, and getting roasted.
5 comedy thoughts I’ve posted recently on social media:
💥 The problem with writing standup for the algorithm is it incentivizes writing jokes that people want to share (the digital equivalent of clapter) – and the best jokes are ones people are ashamed that they like so much.
💥 I’m convinced the lack of face-to-face interactions in our society is why comedy crowdwork clips have become so popular. People are amazed to see strangers actually interacting with each other…”What’s THAT like!?”
💥 Socrates was constantly asking questions. In a way, he was the original crowdwork comedian.
💥 The ability to also take a joke is one of my fave things about standup comedians. Bill Maher was roasted mercilessly (and hilariously) by Bill Burr & Jiminy Glick and took it on the chin/laughed through it all. That's more than you can say for his critics.
🃏 Follow me on my social media: Instagram – TikTok – Threads – X – Substack.
🃏 Watch my standup at YouTube.
Yeah, I totally agree. It’s like the reality TV of stand-up.
dear matt,
another fun piece!
i think this is funny and there's really something to it: "I’m convinced the lack of face-to-face interactions in our society is why comedy crowdwork clips have become so popular. People are amazed to see strangers actually interacting with each other…'What’s THAT like!?'"
i think THIS is funny and says something specific about YOU that is interesting; "The problem with writing standup for the algorithm is it incentivizes writing jokes that people want to share (the digital equivalent of clapter) – and the best jokes are ones people are ashamed that they like so much."
it's interesting because i don't agree that those are always the best jokes! for me! i acknowledge that that may be true for you! (though IS it true? you often point to john mulaney's "horse in a hospital" as an example of a great joke, and that one is not shame-inducing at all, is it? ooh unless that's your misdirection, trying to get me to THINK that's your favorite when your REAL favorites are ones you'd never share because you're so ashamed?)
one of my favorite bits is doug stanhope's chunk about his mom dying, and i'm not ashamed to tell you! and so much of what maria bamford does! and paul f tompkins! i'm not ashamed to love that peanut brittle bit!
truly, you're really onto something with that crowdwork thought! AND the other one if you're hiding your secret shames from us all.
thanks for sharing! (all that you ARE sharing)
love
myq