Comedy: August 31, 2005 Issue [#581]
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Comedy


 This week:
  Edited by: Melissa is fashionably late! Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Life throws us curve balls, running us through a gambit of emotions. The best emotion of all is happines, and nothing envokes happiness more than laughter. There is a science to making others laugh, and it is through that science that comedy has evolved.

This topic of this week's Comedy Newsletter is satires versus parodies.


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Letter from the editor

A satire is a piece of writing in which the subject is exposed to ridicule of some kind, usually in attempts to provoke or prevent a change. Satire can use any point of view.

A parody is a form of satire that mimics another piece of work in order to ridicule it. Parodies exist in all forms of media, including music and movies. A parody is generally written in a humerous manner, for the effect of comedy.

In many cases, satire and parody overlap, but a satire isn't always a parody. A satire doesn't have to be comedic (and is oftentimes quite the opposite), while a parody almost always has some bit of humor involved in its creation (even if that humor is only found by the author himself). Parodies imitate their subject, while imitation is not necessary in a satire.

A satire's main purpose is to be political, social, or moral and not humerous. A humerous satire tends to be so in subtle ways, usually utilizing deadpan or irony in large doses.

There are many uses of satire in television today. Shows like The Simpsons, Family Guy, and South Park have all used satire ranging from social to political commentary. One of the most popular artists who utilize parody is Weird Al Yankovich. He has written parody songs of artists ranging from Michael Jackson to Coolio to Madonna to Billy Ray Cyrus. Weird Al has poked fun of a multitude of people using a myriad of topics.

I hope this newsletter has left you with a good idea as to what makes an item a satire, and what makes it a parody. If not, then please let me know!

Who's your favorite satirist or what's your favorite parody? Have you written any humerous satires? What about parodies?


Editor's Picks

An item submitted in response to my last newsletter about paraprosdokians and the humerous triple:
 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


Satire

 Confessions of a Stuttering Baby Doll Open in new Window. [13+]
An educational baby doll passed out to highschool students reveals all.
by Purple Cow Author Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


Parody

 Oh Danny Boy Parody Open in new Window. [18+]
This is a parody of the song, "Oh Danny Boy"
by Pony Tale Author Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


Contests for parodies

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor




 
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Ask & Answer

Vivian Author Icon
Interesting newsletter, Mel, and one that gave me some laughs. Good luck with your term of editorship, service (?), well, hope to enjoy your newsletters. ~~ Viv

Thanks, Viv! As an FYI to you and all the readers, I have found a permanent spot on this newsletter, and you can also find me writing for the Contest & Activities newsletter! I hope that comes as good news, but I guess I'll find out in future editions.

schipperke
Excellent newsletter! Do you think humor comes natural to some people and hard for others? I have friends who seem to always know a funny way to say things and others who can't tell a joke even if it is written for them.

Sense of humors vary from person to person. I find some things funny that other people don't, and vice-versa. And those without a sense of humor are just sticks in the mud. *Pthb* lol

The Milkman Author Icon
Wow, I've been the Comedy editor for over 4 years now and I've never heard of a paraprosdokian. And to think I have even used in my writing without even knowing that it was a proper form of comedy. Thank you for enlightening us Comedy writers and if you do it again... I'll crown you for your husband...lol

Thanks, Moo! *Smile* I appreciate the encouragement from a fellow editor and support for my husband. He needs all of the help he can get! *Laugh*

billwilcox
Mel,
What an interesting word, paraprosdokian. Are you sure it isn't parprosjokian? *Laugh* Great newsletter!
W.D.

WD, you never fail to get a chuckle out of me! *Laugh*

mir writer Author Icon
Is there ever a limit on how random you get in your stories?

I'm not sure I understand the question completely. Is there a limit on how random I get, personally, or is there a limit in general for everyone?
Personally, no. There is no limit. I am the queen of tangents. Whether or not this is acceptable to anyone else, I don't know. lol
In general, it's probably wise to keep a certain amount of focus on the story itself. If you have to take a few side streets to get to the main road, then so be it. Just make sure that you tie up all loose ends before you stop the car. *Smile*


Beyond the Cloud9 Author Icon
Hi Mel! Great newsletter! I loved learning about...that word I can't pronounce, much less spell, but boy was it interesting! And now I'm going to HAVE to see Charlie & the Choco Factory!

Hi Sherri! *Smile* I couldn't find anything that gave proper pronounciation instructions, so I'll wing it! lol...
para pros doe key en

I hope you've been to see the movie!


Nikola~Asked Santa for a Pony! Author Icon
Great info! I love to laugh and make others laugh as well. I often use plays on words or one liners.
Enjoy your stay as editor!
~Nikola

Thanks, Nikola! I hope you and everyone else found this last issue just as fun!

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