Quote "creating a theater experience outside of the original comedy club, where comedy is being celebrated as a performance art."

Chemically Imbalanced Comedy has been doing this for the past 8 years on a weekly Basis. We showcase three different Improv or Sketch Comedy groups hosted by a Stand Up Comic. Pimprov plays with us every month (actually we were the first place they ever played) Defiant Thomas Brothers would always come do our shows to try out new material as well as We were the first folks to put up the Nogoodnicks.

Not to mention the comics that have performed with us :Robert Buscemi, Nick Vatterott, TJ Miller, Paul Thomas just to name a few on a very regular basis.

So I take great offense to the fact that you are claiming this monthly showcase run by someone who has only been in the comedy scene for less than a year is some how breaking ground by doing something we (and MANY others have been doing in town) for years.

Not cool man, not cool.

Quote "creating a theater experience outside of the original comedy club, where comedy is being celebrated as a performance art."

Chemically Imbalanced Comedy has been doing this for the past 8 years on a weekly Basis. We showcase three different Improv or Sketch Comedy groups hosted by a Stand Up Comic. Pimprov plays with us every month (actually we were the first place they ever played) Defiant Thomas Brothers would always come do our shows to try out new material as well as We were the first folks to put up the Nogoodnicks.

Not to mention the comics that have performed with us :Robert Buscemi, Nick Vatterott, TJ Miller, Paul Thomas just to name a few on a very regular basis.

So I take great offense to the fact that you are claiming this monthly showcase run by someone who has only been in the comedy scene for less than a year is some how breaking ground by doing something we (and MANY others have been doing in town) for years.

Not cool man, not cool.

"We might surmise to say that the space is doing for local acts what the Lakeshore Theater is now doing for national comedy acts -- creating a theater experience outside of the original comedy club, where comedy is being celebrated as a performance art."

And even if you are talking about stand-up comedy exclusively, have you not been paying attention to what I've been working on at the Chicago Center for the Performings Arts?

In reference to prior comments: You know what gang, I feel your pain too and even now I cry into my keyboard when I read in the press about some "revolutionary new show that mixes the comedy art forms and encourages performers to experiment" as the Lodge has been doing for 7 seasons now.

Buuuuut, but, but, but...I think you're reading a malice into it that simply isn't there. Its just somebody's press release is all and isn't meant to denegrate your achievements. I know its infuriating but I don't think it's intended to be.

Am I banned from everyone else's venues if I say "thanks for coming, Bastion"? Thanks for coming Bastion! I felt really lucky to be in the show, I feel lucky to be in anyone's show.

The Bastion is one of the main reasons I know of the Lodge and CIC and Edge Comedy shows so I feel even cooler that the CCS gets to join their ranks and get a mention on your site.

I guess the whole thing here, is that there are other people doing the same thing taht are not being recognized for their more prolific efforts. Shit, Nick Lullo has been running stand-up shows out of that very theater space for 4 months now every Thursday and Friday and there hasn't been any mention of him even.

The point is, that if The Bastion is here to promote Chicago comedy as a whole, it shouldn't exclude or deminish other events by glorifying one over the other simply because you hang out at one producers barbeque.

Chicago comedy is Chicago comedy, regardless of whether it's being produced by myself, or Mark Geary, or Tony Sam, or Brian Babylon, or Nick Lullo, or Rick March, or Dean Carlson, Chemically Imbalanced Comedy, The Annoyance, The Playground, iO, etc. etc. etc. it's all Chicago comedy and we are all trying to accomplish the same goal and bring comics to a stage in front of a live audience.

If you qualify one new show as being groundbreaking (show B) when its doing the exact same thing, in the exact same space that someone else is doing the same kind of show (show A), it's basically saying one of two things. One, Show A sucks and you shouldn't even go to it, or two, we didn't even pay attention enough to realize show A was going on.

Every show should get equal coverage, regardless of whether or not you "know" the people involved or get drinks with them after the show.

I guess the whole thing here, is that there are other people doing the same thing taht are not being recognized for their more prolific efforts. Shit, Nick Lullo has been running stand-up shows out of that very theater space for 4 months now every Thursday and Friday and there hasn't been any mention of him even.

The point is, that if The Bastion is here to promote Chicago comedy as a whole, it shouldn't exclude or deminish other events by glorifying one over the other simply because you hang out at one producers barbeque.

Chicago comedy is Chicago comedy, regardless of whether it's being produced by myself, or Mark Geary, or Tony Sam, or Brian Babylon, or Nick Lullo, or Rick March, or Dean Carlson, Chemically Imbalanced Comedy, The Annoyance, The Playground, iO, etc. etc. etc. it's all Chicago comedy and we are all trying to accomplish the same goal and bring comics to a stage in front of a live audience.

If you qualify one new show as being groundbreaking (show B) when its doing the exact same thing, in the exact same space that someone else is doing the same kind of show (show A), it's basically saying one of two things. One, Show A sucks and you shouldn't even go to it, or two, we didn't even pay attention enough to realize show A was going on.

Every show should get equal coverage, regardless of whether or not you "know" the people involved or get drinks with them after the show.

First off, the Bastion covers your ass plenty, Dave. Plenty. They just interviewed you, right? And didn't you get a "Dave's Comedy College" profile in exactly that new theater space you're now crying about?

Come on, folks. The author (and I'm not sure who it is -- I think it's someone new) is clearly just writing a story and taking an angle.

What were they supposed to say?

"A new show has opened at the Apollo Theater. It's certainly not unique. They don't have a microphone, but that's nothing new really. And one of the acts was Jared Logan. But the Bastion in NO WAY MEANS TO IMPLY THAT JARED HAS NOT ALSO PERFORMED ELSEWHERE. (Oh I'm so ashamed that once I "had a drink" near Jared after a show! Full disclosure! I hope the Bastion doesn't revoke my press pass for breaking the Journalist's Code!)"

"Let me just state, for the record, that Jared Logan has performed MANY places, NOT just this new one. And some of those places DID have microphones! So I do not wish to imply that it's better not to have microphones!"

"In fact, let me do a sub-review here of all the comedy shows that DO use microphones and list them ALL, INCLUDING the ones in the suburbs and adjacent and nonadjacent states, and then describe them all in equally specific detail, all the while specifying whether Jared has performed at each, and what part Dave Odd had in the whole thing despite Dave's REFUSING, ON PRINCIPLE, EVER ONCE to SULLY HIS PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP by cliquishly "breaking bread" with a colleague!

And why do you always cry, Dave, that people are friends with each other? What are we supposed to do, stare blankly ahead and not talk to each other even though we see each other four times a week over the course of years, just so you won't think we're "cliquish"?

I know you've put me onstage 38,000 times, Dave, and I've always given you credit for both your aggressive approach to staging shows and whipping up houses and for being a very, very funny comic.

But come on, dude. You're just being silly. You must know that.

And believe you me, I know silly.

And do you know how much that writer got paid?

Guess.

Good to see Chicago comedy is back. I was a little worried after all the goodwill I've witnessed over the past two weeks.

And where's the Bad Dog promotion? Is it just because I'm visibly drunk when I host? It is? Fair enough.

Are you serious my comment because about Dave!

Look my point is when you say this fella who has been around for 6 months doing stuff once a month is breaking ground cause he put them in a Theater you are punching me in the eye.

I get plenty of coverage from The Bastion, I like the Bastion. I am happy with the Bastion! I am not looking for more coverage by the Bastion. I am just saying broad statements like that truly make the rest of us who have been doing the exact same thing week in and week out look like CCS somehow flew in from outerspace and it changing the face of showcases and the rest of us can kiss it cause he has got the magic potion.

I would say the same thing if the Bastion claimed that the Lincoln Lodge had the best independent Improv Groups in the City.

I didn't want this to become look at me, I certainly didn't want this to become a bitch session about Dave Odd. I wanted to point out that that single statement in my eyes took away a lot of hard work and validation for others in the city. Unless The Bastion truly does feel this new once a month showcase is head and shoulders above others I don't think it should have been said. And if they do think that, I dont' agree. Thats all

sorry, i was gonna stay out of this one, but i have to give Fritz 2 Kudos on this one. i HAVE to. :)

hey Boosh! i know how much the writer got paid! i know!

Oh look. Angie and I are friends. Hell, DAVE and I are friends.

I'm just feeling defensive about the Bastion because I contribute sometimes and I think they deserve praise and some deference and they did everyone so solid in the wake of Pat's death.

And, you know, it's just a narrative device: "Something new is afoot in the Apollo!" I just agree with Geary. Sure, you can get frustrated, but there is SO clearly NO malice there.

And then Dave I'm teasing because he was just piling on after you and you have to admit he was being patently absurd to claim he's under-covered.

Come on folks. No hard feelings anywhere here. But LEAST of all to the freaking Bastion and whomever this poor new unpaid writer is.

Now let's all be friends again, ok? No one meant to dis any old venerable shows or producers, clearly. Certainly not me, who Dave and Angie AND Paprocki (and FRITZ) put up regularly.

I'm full of gratitude and gumdrops.

I don't know why anyone's looking at me.

Is it because I'm standing stark naked balanced precariously on the tip of this canoe?

*dives with Olympic precision into a cold clear pond in the woods*

*emerges with triumphal seaweed covering genitals*

*a LOT of seaweed*

Angie, you also just posted in your public blog that everyone should boycott CCS because they're a bunch of "deadbeats":

http://cicomedychicago.blogspot.com/2007/07/dead-beats.html

I cannot argue as to the legitimacy of your argument. You're completely entitled to it. But let's face it, you came here to take a big shit on CCS, not to argue for everyone's fair shake at coverage.

I wish you and CIC the best, because you totally have done a ton for the community. You've been very active in bettering the structure of your shows to help both improv teams and stand-up comics. But if The Bastion wants to spend a day giving them props, who gives a shit? They owe you money? Call the Better Business Bureau, write a harsh Yelp review. Coming here and lambasting The Bastion writers sure isn't doing CIC any favors.

Did Boosh call bad dog "venerable?"
As in, "Worthy of reverence, especially by religious or historical association?"

Take it back, motherfucker!

That's it. I'm showing up to your show stoned on Sunday. You'll have to deal with THAT!

I call it like I see it. When Steve Hiesler Said we were an off shook of The Playground I corrected him on my blog at well.

Seen here:
http://cicomedychicago.blogspot.com/2007/05/in-begining.html

I protect my point of view in this city I find nothing wrong with that. And yes They did stiff me money as did the Bar by us. I didn't bring that up here cause that has nothing to do with what the bastion wrote.

I ask that anyone who stiffs me money be boycotted (I'm looking at you (insert name here)

That has nothing to do with this conversation Dan

And just to close out my thoughts, I agree with Robert and Mark. I know nothing was meant by it in malice. And I don't want to come off the way people portray Dave.

I just wanted to make a point. I think I have made it, there is nothing more to say about it.

Ha. Nice, Fritz.

And Angie is an old friend of mine who has indeed given enormous and unique stage access to a ton of us comics, especially us more theatrical goobers, and she's one of about 3 absolute masters of PR in this city and I value opinion and consult her when I don't know what to do. And she designs shows and showcases and festivals and everything else like no one can, and I've always liked and admired her.

So I'm really not kidding. No hard feelings.

Well, I guess as a fellow producer my preference is to send out a new press release for my show as opposed to posting a comment in a blog saying I deserve attention.

And I'm agreeing with Mark and Robert too- holy crap you guys deserve attention...

But then you know... stiff upper lip. This city has NO entertainment economy. It's always going to be hard for all of us. It's not going to get better for any of us if we make placid, friendly blogs like this about the praise we deserve. Not the time or the place... seriously.

Again Dan I think you have missed my point. I did not come on here to say "hey look at me"

I came on here to question the statement made that a new once a month showcase was doing something no one else has, and to debunk that statement.

To my point Mark and Dave said he has felt the same way when other publications have said similar things and they have gone on to feel there effort were ignored. As well as if you see in the blog post about Timeout pH's Jason had similar feelings to mine about those statements.

If the press (whom ever they maybe) make statements that I feel are untrue there is no reason why I should not point them out.

I just re-read the whole thing twice. Not once does it say CCS is doing something "no one else has".

You're arguing about the facts... but it's an opinion. Not a fact. You can't debunk an opinion.

This is from the article

"We might surmise to say that the space is doing for local acts what the Lakeshore Theater is now doing for national comedy acts -- creating a theater experience outside of the original comedy club, where comedy is being celebrated as a performance art."

So I guess in my mind that is saying they are doing something that no one else has.

If I am incorrect in reading into this than many apologies but obviously others took it how I did as well.

I think the main problem here is that the writer here clearly has a new-writer propensity for hyperbole and trying too hard to use big words. "We might surmise to say."

That said, I'd hate to discourage anyone from writing here. The Bastion is great, but it clearly needs more voices, not less. It definitely, and understandably, gets stuck in the same groove of reporting on the same shows over and over again.

Yea, if you're reading into it that "this has never been done before", you're definitely reading too much into it.

And I'm suggesting that it's not a "wild, complete coincidence" that you just just trashed CCS elsewhere, and that is "why" you're reading too much into it. You don't want to be upstaged by someone who ripped you off. Well, they shouldn't have done whatever they may have done to you, but that doesn't mean it was perhaps a good show and made that good of an impression to an audience member.

That last comment should have read:

"that doesn't mean it wasn't"

Looks like I'm retarded, in case you needed proof.

I have stated NO WHERE about the quality of CCS's shows. NO WHERE

I did not come here to trash anyone's shows. You are reading that sir.

So, it's a total coincidence that you JUST wrote a blog entry trashing CCS's business practices? Really? Even though your main reason for reading too much into this article is:

"I take great offense to the fact that you are claiming this monthly showcase run by someone who has only been in the comedy scene for less than a year"

...that point has nothing to do with the fact that you just totally called for a complete boycott of that "someone"? Really?

Then I'm sorry to be the one to break the news, but... you're not going to believe this... THIS IS THE SAME CCS YOU JUST CALLED FOR A COMPLETE BOYCOTT OF! Can you believe it?!!?

Dan,

You brought that to this conversation BTW I did not.

I did not ask my blog readers to boycott them because of the quality of shows, it was for bad business practices.

How could I possibly say they don't have good shows, they are putting up the same good talented people that play all around the city. By saying that I would be calling the folks he puts up untalented and in turn pointing a finger at my own show because I put up some of the same talented people.

The only coincidence here is that I blogged before his show went up and they blogged right after. If this same blog was made about any other group in the entire city I still would have made the same comment. It has nothing to do with them. It has to do with the publication pointing out that they are somehow doing something new, when in fact they are not. If this post was about The Dick Disdane show I would have said the same thing.

This better just be a lunch break because I'm at my shithole job until 5:30 and I need more fighting!

I may have been the one to bring all the backstory into it, but you brought the word "new" into it. They never said it. Never. Your whole point is based on a non-existent fact you read into.

If other people have "read into it" that way, it doesn't mean you're right. It means that it's just that hard to get comedy coverage in this town. You have my greatest sympathies there. But nobody, the editors of this VOLUNTEER BLOG especially, owe it to you to read into words the way you do.

Again, it never says this is "new" or "never been done". That came from you Angie. How you read into an article about CCS in that way, I guess we'll never know.

Glad to see the Chichahahago board is moving to the Bastion.

Ahh Showbiz...

Angie makes a point here though. There needs to be more voices out and about here writing about the scene.

I say whoever you are, if you are going to do something, do it well, and it won't matter who you are or where you do your show, people will recognize talent.

Hooray for Chicago Comedy and all who embrace it for what it is!

Hell yea that point is worth noting. I'm not saying Angie is without her points! Everybody go write some freaking press releases. Start a local zine or something. Let's get some more freaking press!

Let me first say Robert thanks for the kind words, I adore you.

Tony and Arnie thanks for seeing my point.

Dave just thanks

And Dan, I give, you win.

I don't see ANYBODY'S point!

[starts wildly swinging fists]

But Arnie you said...

Fuck it, my kids up. I'm out.

Angie, I am not trying to be a douche. I probably am being one anyway, so I am sorry for that.

I'm just saying... you know how fucking hard this is? Of course you do. These Bastion girls don't have it any easier, they don't even get paid $5 for this shit. I see no reason to talk to them like they're Timeout Chicago with some big obligation to journalistic fairness. They're some local kids who are fans... of you! They won't keep doing us these favors if we flick them in the balls whenever we want a turn on their free BLOG.

We should all be talking about "Defending the Caveman" anyway.
Rob Becker is back, baby!
And you never knew men and women be dis differt!

Hey, everyone, can we stop talking about whatever we're talking about and spend a little time talking about Blewt! Productions?

WHY THE FUCK DON'T YOU COME TO DON'T SPIT THE WATER ANYMORE K-ROCK?!

Stop sucking me back in!

Dan I said you win. I get it, sorry.

But again this was not about getting my turn. I said way closer to the top I am happy with my blog coverage on The Bastion. Hell they covered a Poker party for me. Gave me awesome picture of Snubfest. They even came to review one of my plays. I am pro Bastion.

I guess you are right in the fact that I took this all too seriously (as I would if a newspaper printed it.)

So again, Dan you win. Done. My kids hungry I gotta make hotdogs now.

I'm not trying to rub it in, Angie.

Now I'm going after the Queen Bee.

Gentle Readers, I am entering the fray to explain that The Bastion does not have the resources to offer exhaustive coverage of every single show going on in Chicago comedy.

Having said that, I agree that there are lots of shows and happenings that are worthy of a closer look, and would like to remind everyone that we are constantly on the lookout for more contributing writers.

Our inbox is constantly overflowing with more requests for show listings and reviews and interviews than we could ever possibly keep up with.

So yes, there are lots of shows that go unwritten about, because, hi, I'm one person, and as much as I dig comedy, I also have a job, and friends, and family, and a life, as does Kristy, as, I assume, do most of you.

I agree, more coverage would be nice. But don't have a staff of future Pulitzer Prize winners like those lucky people who write for the Wall Street Journal.

So again, I call for contributing writers. We have a few, but even people who are willing are busy, so, seriously, if you or someone you know is a decent writer willing to see and write about shows, for Christ's sake, send us an e-mail with a writing sample, a little info on your comedy background, and an explanation of what kind of stuff you might be interested in writing about, and we'll give you a try.

Thanks for reading, and yes, this is a challenge. This is a put up or shut up moment. Want to make this a better, fuller, more well-rounded site? Send writers our way.

Also, please stroll down to your local Walgreen's, buy a bottle of pills marked "Chill the F*ck Out," and choke the whole thing down. We're a small creative community here, brothers and sisters. And we're all in this together.

-Elizabeth McQuern

I'm still upset that the Bastion never covered Dustin Diamond's Midwest Tour. He was at Riddles and I never heard anything about it from thebastion.org.

I think what Bradley and everyone else where trying to say is to go see the Pop Stand show tonight at 9pm at the Beat Kitchen.

Yah! That's how ya do it! Hooray!!!!!!

Hip Hip Hooray!!!!!!!

Yikes! My boss is coming I have to pretend to save the world through science.

Fart.

I am willing to write extensive articles about myself and how awesome I am.

I am willing to be a contributing writer. All of my articles would be about the bastion though. I would pretty much just be writing articles that hype up the other articles. I may even hype up my own articles.

Dear Chicago Comedy:

thank you. i love you more than i could ever express through the written word.

and fuck you Dan Telfer and that goddamned penguin costume. or is that Paul? fuck him, too.

i might come tomorrow. it is definitely overdue! only if Earl LaRue will be there though. he "gets me going", if you know what i mean.

Impress These Apes opens this Thursday at the IO Theater! Fatpie Fatpie Treats n' More!

I AM TIRED OF YOUR EARL-LARUE-SPECIFIC DON'T SPIT THE WATER COVERAGE! I DEMAND EQUAL COVERAGE FOR MY CHARACTERS!111

http://scoresboard.blogspot.com/

Thanks to the Bastion folk for doing what they can. It ain't easy, that's for sure.

Well, enough kindness. Back to the silly business at hand.

Dan Telfer is a big dummy. And Steev, is it Isabella...or Isasmella? Burn on your baby. Burn!

Actually i'm Big Dummy, Dan plays a whale or some shit.

My character's name is Dipshit the Narwhal, thanks.

See? All better, what the hell was anybody talking about anyway?

P.S.

Seriously, guys Merlin the Angry Rant Wizard is the best character that DSTW has ever seen. I mean C'mon!

ll I'm saing is that there a lot of producers out there doing their best to make chicago stand-up and improv great and are getting overshadowed by whatever new fly by night showcase pops up. I was basically backing Angie's point and stating the Lullo has been doing shows in that very same space and I don't think he has ever gotten a mention on his comedy events board.

Certain staements an be very inflammitory is all I'm saying.

Wow. If ever there were a time where someone needed to reach from the front seat and slap some sense into the kids squabbling in the back seat, this would be such a time... A tempest in a teapot, a flame-war in all its splendor and glory, all because of a little enthusiasm that was misread as favoritism...

I've been on both sides of the flame-thrower on numerous occasions, but may I suggest:

1) If something offends you deeply, then write your response, save it on your computer, go to bed and look at both the offense and the response anew the next morning -- BEFORE you try to extinguish a fire with gasoline.

2) When faced with a possible interpretation of something that absolutely demands an immediate nuclear response with the accompanying mutually assured destruction -- periodically entertain the implausible notion that the intent was somewhat less sinister but simply got tangled in the medium.

3) Unless it otherwise claims to be a comprehensive, authoritative, all-inclusive survey of the totality of arts and entertainment in the known galaxy, an individual article is going to have focus -- which, by its definition, means that some elements will sharply defined, others will be a little blurry, and many others will be completely out of the field of view. It will take several dozen articles even to begin to paint a larger picture. If, at that point, a pattern of unequal coverage appears to emerge, then a polite question, observation or suggestion -- preferably privately -- might assist the writers and editor in re-evaluating their tack.

I think the whole lot of you owe apologies to each other and especially to the staff of the Bastion. But then, I'm an outworlder...

I apologize for not realizing the originl article was written by a new writer and assumed it was written by K-rock or Elizabeth McQ. Hence my original, somewhat confrontational comments about my feelings on it. I wasn't going to say anything at first but when I saw Angie's post I was like "Yeah, she's right".

Although I must say that adding an editors note in parenthesis tagging on to unqualified statements may not be a bad idea, a simple (not to say there aren't many others doing the same thing)could remove any percieved malice or exclusion anyone may feel.

And Buscemi, I'm not bitching about people being friends, I'm bitching about favortism of friends by the percieved media (what regular readers see). You have to admit the Lodgerground crew (thats my new term, feel free to run with it) seems to get A LOT more coverage than everyone else from The Bastion and Time Out. And you can't really refute that claim because you have probably gotten more coverage from The Bastion and Time Out than anyone. I'm not the only one who sees it, but I am the only one who mentions it in a public forum. I'm just pointing out the obvious.

I'm just glad to see that in a weird way we are all very passionate and protective about what we do, and I think that speaks volumes about the dedication and drive Chicago comedy has behind it.

Now can you please post something about the Underdogs of Comedy tonight at The Chicago Center for the Performing Arts?

Hugs for All (also the title of Dave Odd's new CD, now available at Edge Comedy Shows throughout Chicago and beyond).

Just to make my point, before anyone tries to argue.

The Bastion "search" feature turned up these numbers of entries with mentions of the following words since The Bastions inception in 2006:

"Dave Odd" 13 articles

"Edge Comedy" 9 articles

"Chemically Imbalanced Comedy" 6 articles

"Nick Lullo" 2 articles

"Robert Buscemi" 51 articles

"Chicago Underground Comedy" 40 articles

"Lincoln Lodge" 42 articles

That doesn't exactly seem fair and balanced, unless of course you are using the Fox News defintion of the term.

And a few more

"Dustin White" 5 articles

"Chad Briggs" 3 articles

"Mike Bridenstine" 32 articles

"TJ Miller" 45 articles

Hear that Boosh? You beat TJ Miller even.

Don't mean to be beating a dead horse here, but I think it just moved it's head a little.

"Blerds.com" 65 articles

"Lincolnlodge.com" 33 articles

"chicagoundergroundcomedy.com" 39 articles

"edgecomedyshow.com" 6 articles

"cicomedy.com" 6 articles

"Nicklullo.com" 1 article

"thundercomedyshow.com" 0 articles

"The Blu Mic" 2 articles

"Jokes and Notes" 1 article

"urban comedy" 0 articles

I'm going to sleep now.

If there's a ratio of number of times the Bastion has written about someone (at least 11, including two big features) and listed dozens and dozens and dozens of their shows, as compared to the number of times they've sent nasty, negative, demanding messages (who can count, at this point), I calculate that Dave Odd is doing better than anyone.

Do you seriously think you can insult and harass people, demand to be written about, and think anyone's going to feel obligated to do shit for you?

Also, blogs are not traditional media - they are an opinion-based form, which is what makes them interesting, and bloggers can write about whatever the fuck they want.

Do you think the Apiary and the Coming write about every single show in New York and LA, or bother to involve themselves in this sort of petty, stupid bullshit?

Bloggers are also mostly unpaid, so how likely do you think they are to want to deal with this sort of shit for five minutes?

Bloggers, including Bastion, also usually don't post on the weekend, so maybe you're not going to get your wish, Dave.

Seriously. Get a fucking clue. You could be the best comedian in the world, and put up a million shows, but if this is the way you treat people, good luck becoming anything more than that local asshole that people barely, barely tolerate.

Hey everyone, let's go see shows run by the socially retarded douchebag with more self-entitlement than George W. and his entire cabinet!

Oh wait, no let's not. Let's see a show run by a pleasant human being.

I'm an outsider. I'm not part of the comedy "scene", but I do like seeing live comedy. That's why I added this site to my feedreader.

While new writers would certainly help in expanding the site's point of view, I'd like to offer another suggestion.

Dave's post counts confirm the impression that I get just from looking at this site. Certainl folks, the Blerds crew, for example are constantly being covered. Not that they don't deserve it, of course. I just think they don't deserve it at the expense of failing to cover something else. A wider net should be cast. Maybe these folks are your friends, and that's fine, but how about trying something new the next time you're tempted to post about one of the same old people that we've heard about ad infinitum.

Again this is not to downplay ANY of the folks featured here, but let's see a bit more variety.

quote:
this is not to downplay ANY of the folks featured here, but let's see a bit more variety.

ditto! there seems to be a ton of worthy shows/performers that don't get mentioned on this site. sure, you can't be everywhere all of the time, but let's not jock the same old people over and over.

anywho, you guys are great- keep up the good work!

I'm willing to bet, of the last 4 people that made posts, Travis and Mike S are either comics or friends of comics that are in some way or another associated with all those people that get the disproportionate amount of coverage (as eveidenced by the fact that neither one of them has a posted email address), and E and elary are actually unbiased readers.

I'm not on here bitching that I don't get enough coverage (even though I run over 30 shows a month in and around Chicago and put up about 150 comics a month). But I am certainly bitching that there is no equal coverage for all the other people that are doing great things for the Chicago comedy scene.

Just like the actual readers said, going to The Underground or Lincoln Lodge for the 48th time and blogging about it does not fairly represent Chicago comedy when there are 28 other worthwhile shows you could have seen or reviewed that night.

Point is, regardless of what you think of the person that produces the show, it does not negate the fact that they are producing a show and putting up all those comics.

If this blog is purporting to be a blog about the betterment of Chicago comedy, and 75% of its content is about the same 12 people and the same 4 shows, it seems like more of an agenda to drive traffic and audiences to those select few shows and websites than an unbiased blog.

I have heard other comics complain about shows that The Bastion has been at praising the Blerds/Lodgerground performers on the bill having GREAT sets, and not even mentioning the other comics on the bill that also had great sets. Before I even pointed any of this out, last year I was running showcases for local comics to get booked at The Improv in Schaumburg (the largest comedy club in the country) and it was barely even mentioned here (even though most of the local comics and Blerds guys that perform there now got in through those showcases).

I made an announcement 2 weeks ago about opening up a full time comedy club in Chicago at a prestigious theater and all the huge events I have arranged for local comics, but because they aren't the right local comics there hasn't been any mention of it here at all.

If I point out that it is unfair to cover one specific group of comics 4-10 times more than anyone else, and they negate mention my shows because I pointed it out. Isn't that just kind of making my point? I'm not being "unpleasant" or a "dick" or "whiney", I am simply pointing out and OBVIOUS bias that is indeed effecting the greater scene as a whole. And in d pointing that out I don't think I'm treating anyone unfairly Mike S. I think I am simply speaking up.

All I'm doing is speaking on behalf of all the rest of the Chicago comedy community that doesn't happen to only perform between 3000 N and 4500 N and 1000 W. There is a scene out there that goes beyond a few shows and a handful of comics. And I am aware that there are other shows mentioned here and there, and other comics mentioned here and there, but they are still heavily overshadowed by the favorites.

Please take note that I am not deminishing The Lincoln Lodge, Underground, Blerds, or the comics that Bastion constantly touts, they are all good comics and shows and definatley at the top of the list of the best in Chicago. But how is anyone else, or any other show, ever supposed to get on that list if they are constantly pushed to the wayside?

Ever consider that maybe Blerds gets constant coverage because they're, I don't know, masters of online content? The Edge Comedy webpage looks like it was done by a 13 year old in 1997.

This is the internet. The Blerds are incredibly accessible here.

And if you can't tell how completely self-absorbed all your demands are, you'll never be able to adapt.

I run a static site, that I update myself, because every web developer I have ever dealt with has been lazy and useless when it comes to getting anything updated. Also, my site is meant to inform people about shows, not provide web content.

Blerds gets so much coverage because they are friends with the head writer of this site, not because they are "masters" of web content. There are a million comedy websites that have thousands of times the content Blerds has. Not to say that what they have isn't fantastic.

How is calling for the fair treatment of all chicago comedy shows a self absorbed demand? Search the numbers yourself, even if you combine every other show every mentioned on this site, I'm positive you will find Lincoln Lodge, ChuC and Blerds has been mentioned at least three times more.

The point I am trying to get across is that Blerds and the Lodgerground are at best a small corner of the Chicago comedy scene as a whole. There are over 300 stand-up comics and 50+ shows that make up the Chicago comedy scene, covering 5% of them doesn't really accuratley represent Chicago comedy.

And you saying I was somehow equivalent to the Bush administration? Yet I am trying to point out that this website over exposes people they are personally friends with, that also appoints those overexposed people as writers on the site, tries to dampen any voice that someone with an opposing opinion or point of view may have, and then you tell me I should just shut my mouth and stop talking? That sounds a whole lot more like the Bush administration that anything I have said or done. Face it you are Fox News mo-fo.

By the way Travis, you wouldn't happen to be a 16 year old Red Bar listener would you? Because I'm fairly certain you know nothing about the Chicago comedy scene.

since this conversation has obviously moved into a new territory, i shore wish some disgruntled improvisors and sketchers would tune in with their complaints. :( or is it only the stand-up community that has the ability to dissolve this much?

TRavis I would be happy to meet with you over coffee to discuss your issues with me. Just go ahead and drop me a line.

Hugs.

Wait are you the same Travis that is best friends with Mike Bridenstine?

Jesus Christ, even my non comedic detractors are biased.

Regardless of all that, I don't see how anyone in their right mind can disagree with my one and only point here...The Bastion detracts from all the other comedy events going on in Chicago by saturating this site with Blerds/Lodgerground articles. Everyone who isn't directly affiliated with those groups can see that, and in fact every single person I have talked to that is not affiliated with those groups agrees with me, shit not even me, they agree with facts.

Travis, you are denying facts by bringing up things unrelated to the arguement, you are effectively the Rush Limbaugh of this thread. You defending the rooms that get 75% of the coverage on this site, is no different than Limbaugh defending the oil companies right to gouge us, because he has stock in the company.

Shit, Brady Novak getting on MySpace was reported as news on here once. Give me a valid arguement for that. Shit give me a valid arguement for anything that isn't a personal attack on me, even though your opinion shouldn't be valid because Mike Bridenstine is number 1 on your MySpace page. And consequently a website affiliated with Mike Bridenstine has been mentioned on this site more than ANYTHING in Chicago comedy. You live in Denver anyways, why are you even on this message board, unless you are speaking for Bridentine.

Does anyone else see me as the Barack Obama or Al Gore in this thing?

Oh, also keep in mind that I wasn't even the person that started this thread, I only fleshed out what their issue was because I had the same issue.

All you have is time. Everything else is meaningless. If you don't enjoy something, quit doing it.
Seriously. You only get one of these things. Do it up.
This is officially a message board.

Mr. Hinty might show up at Bad Dog tomorrow. I'm excited and not angry about any of this shit. We're not making public policy people.

I gotta stop posting drunk. I sound like a hippie.

I have a friend named Travis who used to live in Denver. That is not the same guy.

I just called Dave to let him know.

That is all.

Carry on.

Mr. Hinty? Mad Tot? Am I missing a reference here?

"Does anyone else see me as the Barack Obama or Al Gore in this thing?"

Wow -- delusions of grandeur, accompanied by a persecution complex.

Offhand, I can't think of any national political figure with sufficiently paranoid, self-absorbed ravings, with whom to draw a comparison.

If I were to devolve a level or two, I'd suggest that your head is so far up your ass that your stylist doubles as your proctologist.

Fortunately, I don't have to stoop to such a level, because you're making my point for me, far more cogently than I could myself. Please, continue.

I'd write for The Bastion, if I had any free time. And if I understood comedy. And if I lived in or near Chicago. Well, maybe at least in Illinois.

And I'd write unbiased reviews, completely free of any prejudice, predisposition, paradigm, personality, personal taste, frame of reference or life experience. In fact, there would be nothing subjective at all to be found. Just the facts, ma'am, with lots of footnotes and interlinear commentary to explain what I meant. In fact, I'd get a lawyer to write a boiler-plate review with all of the appropriate disclaimers at the beginning and end, and I'd just fill in a few blanks.

And I wouldn't have favorites. I'd turn the walls of my apartment (or my cardboard box) into a giant map of northern Illinois, and I'd put push-pins in every location where something funny was rumored to have been heard once -- bars, theatres, "El" stations, public bathrooms -- and I wouldn't ever, EVER visit or write about any location, website, troupe or individual twice, until I had written about each and every one once (to their satisfaction), even if it consumed the sum total of my time, money and energy to do so.

In fact, I wouldn't waste any time eating, sleeping, working or cultivating relationships; instead, with fear and trembling, I would faithfully discharge my responsibility as the one-man Wikipedia of Chicago Comedy, and to that cause I would pledge my life, my fortune and my sacred honor.

At least for a day.

I'm just pointing out irrefutable factual information and you guys are leaping down my throat.

That kind of sounds like Al Gore to me.

"Hey guys, global warming is happening, here is the proof."

"HOW DARE YOU!You are trying to cripple the economy by bringing down the poor defenseless factories and oil companies"

L'Zard, did you even see the numbers I pointed out? 65 articles Blerds, 51 articles about Buscemi, you honestly don't think I have any valid point at all?

Do you people own stock in Blerds.com or Robert Buscemi Inc. or something?

Yes Dave, your point is valid. You are pointing out facts. Blerds and Buscemi get more coverage than anyone else. You know why? It's because that's what the Bastion likes. It's their site and they're going to tell the readers about whatever they want.

Contrary to what you think, not all comics/comedy shows are created equal.

Your argument would be similar to writing a letter to Rolling Stone Magazine and telling them to write more articles on Chuck Mangione. If you don't like the bastion, then don't read it. I don't read Rolling Stone Magazine.

Yeah!

Way to point out facts, Dave Odd!

Dude, you should check out what's going down on Steev.org. Like 99% of the posts on that blog are about Steve Gadlin, his new baby, and his comedy projects. That dude doesn't post anything about the new Tom Cruise film project. And you know what? Tom Cruise hasn't found the time to complain. I guess he's too busy working on his new film project to notice.

Yes, Dave, I saw your numbers.

And no, Dave, I don't think that you have any valid point at all. Even though it's been around for a year or so, The Bastion is still in its early stages, with limited resources -- which are basically the free time and the disposable income of the two volunteers who make this happen. I see evidence of genuine attempts to cover a broad range of acts and to increase that coverage as time permits. If they spend more time seeing and writing about performances that they personally enjoy -- and about people who don't attack them like some rabid bulldog -- then that's their prerogative, both as journalists and as individuals who have a life outside of The Bastion.

You claim that you didn't "start this". But Angie has conceded that perhaps her perception was colored by the effort that she puts into keeping CIC visible and viable, and by the unrelated issues that she has with CCS. She has since let the matter drop, while you -- the self-appointed messiah and martyr for all under-reported artists in northern Illinois -- have kept going and going like some demonic Energizer Bunny.

This has dragged out way longer than it should, and I'm done with it. If you have a smattering of self-respect and self-control, you'll be done with it too.

It's a lot harder for people to leap down your throat if you keep your mouth shut.