I see what you’re saying. Substack is a lot more casual for me though. Comedy was all consuming for the better part of 15 years. There’s a lot of stuff I leave on the cutting room floor here.
The following very apt description fits what many creators (definitely playswrights and actors) decry, but undertake anyway because they believe (perhaps realistically) that their goals require this regimen. When fatigue and disillusion take hold, they have several choices including abandoning creative pursuits all together, pausing to recharge their batteries, and/or shifting their goals to another type of creativity that has less soul killing side effects. Good for you and apparently choosing the latter.
"I’m glad I no longer have to be out at all hours of the night, riding the subway to different shows and open mics, attempting to grow and network my way into a functional career. I’m glad to be rid of the constant nagging sense of disappointment that comes with falling short of your goals. I’m glad I no longer have to shamelessly promote myself on social media, dying a little inside every time I press the “Share” button."
I am not a comedian but do have the fairly common English tendency to look at the funny side of life. I probably do irritate some of the time but people do enjoy my company (my wife included). Dry wit is my specialty. As my career is not at stake I can obviously turn this tendency off when I want and I have never really regretted my attitude. Somebody once compared humour to throwing a brick through a window and seeing it turn into stain glass. Of course, there is humour and humour but I see being funny as a skill like poetry or any art.
Agreed! I think the real problem comes when people only try to be funny. Other artists - writers, painters, directors - can express a wide range of emotions. Comedy can get very one note and tiresome in the hands of an unskilled practicioner.
As someone who is 44 and not even a year into stand-up, a lot of this already resonates with me. A lot to think about here.
You’re still early in the journey! Much to learn, much to attempt.
This is a sharp insight, but I have to ask: is writing a Substack different? Aren't you mining for new material here as well?
I see what you’re saying. Substack is a lot more casual for me though. Comedy was all consuming for the better part of 15 years. There’s a lot of stuff I leave on the cutting room floor here.
Well now I wanna hear your tight 5 about WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH ALL OF THESE BUBBLES? Kidding, of course.
“I’ve heard of a bubble BATH but this is RIDICULOUS!
.
.
.
How bout this, is this anything?”
😂😂😂😂😂😂
The following very apt description fits what many creators (definitely playswrights and actors) decry, but undertake anyway because they believe (perhaps realistically) that their goals require this regimen. When fatigue and disillusion take hold, they have several choices including abandoning creative pursuits all together, pausing to recharge their batteries, and/or shifting their goals to another type of creativity that has less soul killing side effects. Good for you and apparently choosing the latter.
"I’m glad I no longer have to be out at all hours of the night, riding the subway to different shows and open mics, attempting to grow and network my way into a functional career. I’m glad to be rid of the constant nagging sense of disappointment that comes with falling short of your goals. I’m glad I no longer have to shamelessly promote myself on social media, dying a little inside every time I press the “Share” button."
Thanks! It definitely felt like an act of psychological survival.
I am not a comedian but do have the fairly common English tendency to look at the funny side of life. I probably do irritate some of the time but people do enjoy my company (my wife included). Dry wit is my specialty. As my career is not at stake I can obviously turn this tendency off when I want and I have never really regretted my attitude. Somebody once compared humour to throwing a brick through a window and seeing it turn into stain glass. Of course, there is humour and humour but I see being funny as a skill like poetry or any art.
Agreed! I think the real problem comes when people only try to be funny. Other artists - writers, painters, directors - can express a wide range of emotions. Comedy can get very one note and tiresome in the hands of an unskilled practicioner.