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by Lietmotiv

Article by Logan Parker

Outside of the creative merits of Dane Cook’s act, few topics in the stand-up comedy business generate more debate than whether to play clean or blue. And in case you’re so new to the business that you’re unfamiliar with the meaning of blue, it refers to jokes about skies and oceans and Paul Newman’s eyes. And if you believe this, you may want to instead perhaps consider a career as a pastry chef or an insurance claims adjuster. Blue represents dirty. It means saying sh*t, f*ck, c*ck, d*ck, c*nt, p*ssy and all other naughty-related words while making sex the basis for most jokes. Louis C.K., Joe Rogan, Bob Saget and Dave Attell are all examples of blue acts. Clean refers to jokes that avoid swearing and topics on sex, race and drugs. Brian Regan, Rocky LaPorte, Wendy Liebman and Jerry Seinfeld are all examples of clean comics. There is no right or wrong to this debate. You’ve got to write and perform material that reflects your comedic sensibilities. Otherwise, if you’re not comfortable saying the material, your audience won’t be comfortable listening to it. Pros and Cons Blue Pros: Everyone gets a dick joke. Outside of fart jokes it’s comedy’s most guaranteed-to-get-a-laugh topic that transcends race, gender and age. And no matter how old or how hacky the joke is, it will always generate laughs. There are comics on the circuit who still get applause breaks for telling the old “What did Cinderella do when she got to the ball” joke. But this is not to imply that dick jokes are hacky. There are many, many clever blue comedians with brilliantly funny acts who are considered the best in the business and generate massive followings. And if there is any doubt to the universal popularity of blue acts, check out ticket sales at comedy festivals. It’s the blue shows that always sell out. Cons: As the saying goes, “Anyone can write a dick joke.” More comedians play blue than clean. Some within the industry estimate that 90% of all working comedians perform blue. So if you’re going to advance as a dirty comedian, you must work hard at distinguishing yourself from every other blue act. You either have to take dirty to a whole new, over-the-top level (Lisa Lampanelli is a prime example), or somehow give it a new spin based on perspective or delivery. And plus, playing blue limits your work options. Performing dirty disqualifies you from lucrative corporate shows, most cruise ships and even some comedy clubs. Clean Pros: Playing clean gives you many more venue options. As a clean comedian you can work high-paying corporate shows, perform the cruise ship circuit and work any club. Plus, if you catch the attention of a TV show producer, you already have a TV-friendly act that requires no editing or watering down. And given the fact that most comics perform blue, playing clean gives you a unique perspective by default. Cons: Clean jokes are harder to write and, sometimes, to perform. Not having the word f*ck in your comedy arsenal for joke emphasis (the word f*ck is comedy’s version of a joke condiment; it can enhance any punch line) is difficult. For example, which sounds funnier: That friggin’ giraffe! That darn giraffe! That f*cking giraffe! And plus, as a clean comedian you will always find it difficult to follow a blue act. Which explains why clean headliners always request clean acts in front of them.

www.louisck.com This is another experpt or outtake from my new special “Louis CK Live at the Beacon Theater” which will be available exclusively on my website http starting on December 10th for 5 dollars via paypal. You can stream or download the special or both. It is only available on the site. This clip does not appear on the special. I feel very fat today. LCK http:/www.louisck.com