How To Write Funny Episode 37 | Liana Spiro
Dec 6, 2019
Harvard Lampoon President discusses humor, pranks, and leading a band of misfit comedy writers. They explore gender balance in comedy, their journey into comedy, living at the Lampoon, publishing industry, stability of the Lampoon, writing TV pilots, and career goals.
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Community Over Product
- The Harvard Lampoon values the people and daily collaboration more than the publication itself.
- Members spend most days in the castle making jokes and building community that outlasts the magazine.
Blind Selection To Reduce Bias
- The Lampoon uses a blind admissions process to focus on writing quality rather than backgrounds.
- Staff continuously discuss ways to reduce regional and cultural sensibility bias in selection.
Train Writers In Format First
- Teach new writers the magazine's unique format instead of expecting them to already know it.
- Avoid pop culture and political references when evaluating pieces to judge pure subversion and craft.