It's like music in a way. There are those "Golden Periods" and seeming waste lands in between them. But as long as there's a few out there who have the chops, the game isn't over.
Does look like a great book fair and great interview too. Be nice if comics could be like they were before and not have to separate or watch every little thing they say.
It's interesting to learn about the (d)evolution of comedy. Seems like it was based on pure talent and chutzpah in the past. Now, not so much. A friend of mine started doing stand-up but was discouraged by the competitive aspect of it, with people stealing each other's lines. It's a shame there's not more of a supportive network like you had.
We didn't allow stealing. If you stole material we didn't put you up. Back then we ran the show, so we policed ourselves. No one cares anymore it's all about results.
Even just as a writer, I can feel the pain of this. There's no sense of community anymore. It's just "Me, me, me, let me push the other guy down so *I* can get ahead." We refuse to do that to succeed.
That was a fantastic video. I'm intrigued by the idea that "funny is funny" is not really true anymore. Also the idea that there is such a thing as "black" comedy or "white" comedy. That's a little depressing to me. When I first saw Jimmy Walker, I was amazed at how much older he's gotten. Then, I said to myself, "Look in the mirror, funny man." Seriously, I think it would be great to talk with him.
Looks like I need to get it now.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's cheap enough. I wanted to originally price it like that but the book company wouldn't let me.
Deleteinterestind his thoughts on the segregation of comedy...that made me think a bit...pretty cool vid segment man...
ReplyDeleteJimmy is a really really nice guy, down to earth, and honest.
DeleteGreat video, book already bought
ReplyDeleteThanks for buying the book. If you enjoy it please write a Amazon review. Those things boost sales.
DeleteIt's like music in a way. There are those "Golden Periods" and seeming waste lands in between them. But as long as there's a few out there who have the chops, the game isn't over.
ReplyDeleteNice interview John!
It's never over. There is always good guys out there. Sometime is just harder for them to be seen or heard.
DeleteI like to know there is hope for us old farts who can still become successful later in life like Larry David.
ReplyDeleteLD was in his last fifties when Curb came on. I think he's 66 or 67 now.
Deleteon a side note I miss the old school book fairs. They made it so fun they made kids want to read or something. Figure that.
ReplyDeleteThey're all around but I'm not good at calling places to promote myself. An old comedy booker got me on the fair.
DeleteDoes look like a great book fair and great interview too. Be nice if comics could be like they were before and not have to separate or watch every little thing they say.
ReplyDeleteIt some ways they can say more, but that's mainly profanity, with subject matter you have to be more careful.
DeleteIt's interesting to learn about the (d)evolution of comedy. Seems like it was based on pure talent and chutzpah in the past. Now, not so much. A friend of mine started doing stand-up but was discouraged by the competitive aspect of it, with people stealing each other's lines. It's a shame there's not more of a supportive network like you had.
ReplyDeletexoRobyn
We didn't allow stealing. If you stole material we didn't put you up. Back then we ran the show, so we policed ourselves. No one cares anymore it's all about results.
DeleteEven just as a writer, I can feel the pain of this. There's no sense of community anymore. It's just "Me, me, me, let me push the other guy down so *I* can get ahead." We refuse to do that to succeed.
ReplyDeleteThat was a fantastic video. I'm intrigued by the idea that "funny is funny" is not really true anymore. Also the idea that there is such a thing as "black" comedy or "white" comedy. That's a little depressing to me.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first saw Jimmy Walker, I was amazed at how much older he's gotten. Then, I said to myself, "Look in the mirror, funny man."
Seriously, I think it would be great to talk with him.
$1.99 .. GREAT price. I don't yet have a kindle. I used to do so much reading, then came the computer. Now I have to make time to read.
ReplyDelete