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    June 14th, 2006Jane EspensonComedy, From the Mailbag, On Writing

    I was bopping around on Amazon yesterday, and I came across something funny that I thought you would enjoy, gentle readers. I was looking at the “how to write” books and I came across one on comedy writing. “Interesting,” I thought. “I wonder if this fellow discusses some of the same joke types that I have discussed on my blog.” But before I could even determine that, I came across this part of the Amazon page:

    What do customers ultimately buy after viewing items like this?

    38% buy
    The System: How to Get Laid Today! by Roy Valentine $11.69

    38% buy
    How to Succeed with Women by Ron Louis $10.37

    12% buy
    NLP The New Technology of Achievement (New on CD) by Charles Faulkner $12.97

    7% buy the item featured on this page:
    Comedy Writing Secrets by Melvin Helitzer

    5% buy
    The Guide to Picking Up Girls by Gabe Fischbarg $9.60

    Well! If nothing else, this certainly tells me something about the sorts of people that are interested in learning about comedy writing. You’re clearly fascinated by the technology of achievement! Good for you!

    Lunch: Pre-packaged Indian “beans masala” over scrambled eggs. Fun new taste combo.