OT: The FOFC Comedy Draft

[Maple Leafs]

The rosters:
DeToxRoxDVHStyle
1.1 George Carlin (standup)
2.10 Sam Kinison (standup)
3.1 John Belushi (sketch)
4.10 Sarah Silverman (standup)
5.1 Dennis Leary (standup)
6.10 Chris Farley (sketch)
7.1 Vince Vaughn (movies)
8.10 Craig Kilborne (talk show/variety)
9.1 Ed O'Neill (sitcom)
10.10 Christina Applegate (movies)

sachmo71
1.2 Steve Martin (standup)
2.9 Lenny Bruce (standup)
3.2 Bill Murray (movies)
4.9 Billy Crystal (talk show/variety)
5.2 Lily Tomlin (sketch)
6.9 Mel Brooks (movies)
7.2 Eddie Izzard (standup)
8.9 Jean Stapleton (sitcom)
9.2 Jack Black (standup)
10.9 Dave Foley (sketch)

Schmidty
1.3 Jerry Seinfeld (sitcom)
2.8 Groucho Marx (movies)
3.3 Woody Allen (standup)
4.8 Jon Stewart (talk show/variety)
5.3 Mark Twain (standup)
6.8 Madeline Kahn (sketch)
7.3 Gene Wilder (movies)
8.8 George Burns (standup)
9.3 Catherine O'Hara (standup)
10.8 Eugene Levy (sketch)

Maple Leafs
1.4 Richard Pryor (standup)
1.7 Johnny Carson (talk show/variety)
3.4 Steven Wright (standup)
4.7 Whoopi Goldberg (movies)
5.4 Mike Myers (movies)
7.4 Mitch Hedberg (standup)
8.7 Will Ferrell (sketch)
9.4 Adam Sandler (sketch)
10.4 Phyllis Diller (standup) via trade
10.7 Rowan Atkinson (sitcom)

oliegirl
1.5 Robin Williams (standup)
2.6 Eddie Murphy (movies)
3.5 Gilda Radner (sketch)
4.6 Jim Carrey (movies)
5.5 Mary Tyler Moore (sitcom)
6.6 Jeff Foxworthy (standup)
7.5 Dana Carvey (sketch)
8.6 Arsenio Hall (talk show/variety)
9.5 Tim Allen (standup)
10.6 Henny Youngman (stand up)

sabotai
1.6 Bill Hicks (standup)
2.5 Dave Chapelle (sketch)
3.6 Conan O'Brien (talk show/variety)
4.5 Roseanne (standup)
5.6 Jerry Lewis (movies)
6.5 Lewis Black (standup)
7.6 Dane Cook (standup)
8.5 Ted Danson (sitcom)
9.6 Leslie Nielsen (movies)
10.5 Molly Shannon (sketch)

kcchief19
2.4 David Letterman (talk show/variety)
2.7 Jay Leno (standup) via trade
3.7 Ricky Gervais (sitcom)
4.4 Phil Hartman (sketch)
5.7 Ellen Degeneres (standup)
6.4 Christopher Guest (movies)
6.7 Goldie Hawn (movies) (via trade)
7.7 Damon Wayans (sketch)
8.4 Milton Berle (standup)
9.7 Albert Brooks (standup)

vtbub
1.8 Bob Hope (standup)
2.3 Chris Rock (standup)
3.8 Carol Burnett (talk show/variety)
4.3 Tim Conway (sketch)
5.8 Ted Knight (sitcom)
6.3 John Candy (movies)
7.8 Chevy Chase (movies)
8.3 Jan Hooks (sketch)
9.8 Buddy Hackett (standup)
10.3 Bernie Mac (standup_)

albionmoonlight
1.9 Charlie Chaplin (movies)
2.2 Lucille Ball (sitcom)
3.9 John Cleese (sketch)
4.2 Redd Foxx (standup)
5.9 Andy Kauffman (standup)
6.2 Dan Akroyd (movies)
7.9 Jane Curtin (sketch)
8.2 Don Rickles (standup)
9.9 Tom Smothers (talk show/variety)
10.2 Cedric the Entertainer (standup)

Swaggs
1.10 Bill Cosby (standup)
2.1 Rodney Dangerfield (standup)
3.10 Bob Newhart (sitcom)
4.1 Benny Hill (sketch)
5.10 Howard Stern (talk show/variety)
6.1 Tracey Ullman (sketch)
7.10 Bud Abbot (movies)
8.1 Lou Costello (movies)
9.10 Wanda Sykes (standup)
10.1 Ray Romano (standup)

We've done a few draft threads over the years at FOFC. At one point a few years ago there was a new one sprouting up every few days (including the infamous video game draft). They were a pretty mixed bag in terms of success, but I've seen them do quite well on other forums so let's give it another shot.

So... Welcome to the FOFC Comedy Draft.

How to play:
If you want to play, PM me. If there's a lot of interest, I'll randomly select ten players. If there's not much interest, we'll just go with the first ten.

The draft will be conducted via the foum, in this thread. When it's your turn to draft, you post, ideally with a brief note about the reason for your choice. If you won't be around, you PM someone else your picks in advance to keep things moving.

The draft is a serpentine draft, which is a fancy way of saying that the order reverses each round. Draft order will be determined randomly before we start.

How to win:
The fun here comes more from the draft itself than from actually winning, but just in case it matters: Once the draft is done, we'll hold a vote and let FOFC choose the winner.

The teams:
You will draft a "team" of performers. The idea is to assemble the best possible roster, using your keen sense of humor as well as your crafty drafting skills. Trades are allowed, as long as they don't slow down the action (the idea is to keep things moving as quickly as possible).

Your team will consist of ten funny people, at the following positions:
- Four standup comedians
- Two sketch comedy actors
- Two movie actors
- One sitcom actor
- One variety and/or talk show personality

In addition, at least two members of your team must be female.

It is up to you to decide which position to slot someone in. For example, you can choose Bob Saget as a sitcom actor or a standup comedian. You don't even need to be technically correct -- if you want to draft Carrot Top as a movie actor, go ahead -- but expect to be mocked by observers and penalized by the voters for it.

Any performer may only be selected once. So if someone has picked Dana Carvey as a sketch actor, you can't choose him as a movie actor no matter how much you enjoyed "Master of Disguise".

Edit: You can pick any real person, living or dead. Your choices should be based on the person's body of work, not just right now.

Edit: You are drafting individuals only. If you want to choose a duo or a troupe, you're welcome to -- but you must choose each memeber individually, and others can use their picks to take the remaining members at any time.

Edit: The people you pick for the actor categories do not necessarily have to be comedians or even comedy specialists. If you think all of Arnold Schwarzenegger's comedies were hilarious, go ahead and take him. But be aware that others might not agree.

A few notes:
The draft is open to everyone -- observers are welcome. Discussion of picks is encouraged.

In general, it's considered very poor form to suggest picks during the draft -- the equivalent of being the guy who doesn't play poker but sits at the rail and shouts out to get attention. However, it will happen. If you're the sort of person who thinks you'd be really, really bothered by this, do yourself a favor and don't play.

A final note:
If the idea of doing a just-for-fun draft strikes as you as stupid and/or pathetic, but you're the type of person who likes to post about text sims on an internet forum... well, you may want to give this a miss until your sense of irony develops a little more.

[Mustang]

PM sent...

Did you know... the only comedy acts I've paid actual money to see are - Carrot Top, Dennis Miller and Pauly Shore...

I sense a mocking coming...

[oliegirl]

I'll give it a shot...never done anything like this before so be patient if I have stupid questions please

[Barkeep49]

PM will be sent shortly and a clarification.

Some actors could fit more than 1 category. For instance, if I so desired, could I use Eddie Murphy in either the movie or sketch comedy category?

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Barkeep49

PM will be sent shortly and a clarification.

Some actors could fit more than 1 category. For instance, if I so desired, could I use Eddie Murphy in either the movie or sketch comedy category?

Only if its Eddie Murphy: Movie Star post 1995.

[Maple Leafs]

Originally Posted by Barkeep49

Some actors could fit more than 1 category. For instance, if I so desired, could I use Eddie Murphy in either the movie or sketch comedy category?

Yes, but only one, and you must declare it when you make the pick.

[Mustang]

Ellen Degeneres is the Rob Mackowiak of this draft....

[ntndeacon]

sent my PM in too. this sounds fun.

[Wasabiak]

pm sent

[Raiders Army]

PMSed

[Desmond]

PM Sent.

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

In general, it's considered very poor form to suggest picks during the draft -- the equivalent of being the guy who doesn't play poker but sits at the rail and shouts out to get attention. However, it will happen. If you're the sort of person who thinks you'd be really, really bothered by this, do yourself a favor and don't play.

Addendum: and if someone DOES suggest picks during the draft, don't PM, IM, e-mail, send me reported posts, call, use papyrus, snail-mail, smoke signals, text messages, courier, Pony Express, Fed-Ex, or use ANY other communication mode to ask for that person's head on a tray. I don't want to hear it. (Yes, someone went ballistic PM'ing, reporting posts, and even IM'ing me when someone suggested picks in one of these in the past. )

[stevew]

I think someone said that Wig was trying to destroy the video game draft, IIRC.

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by stevew

I think someone said that Wig was trying to destroy the video game draft, IIRC.

It was either video game or cartoon character. I'm not sure which one.

[Maple Leafs]

Originally Posted by SkyDog

Addendum: and if someone DOES suggest picks during the draft, don't PM, IM, e-mail, send me reported posts, call, use papyrus, snail-mail, smoke signals, text messages, courier, Pony Express, Fed-Ex, or use ANY other communication mode to ask for that person's head on a tray. I don't want to hear it. (Yes, someone went ballistic PM'ing, reporting posts, and even IM'ing me when someone suggested picks in one of these in the past. )

Or else he'll shoot you.

[cuervo72]

I'm not going to sign up...but do dead guys count?

[Maple Leafs]

Any individual is eligible, dead or alive, based on their body of work.

I have about 20 people who've expressed an interest. I will give until noon today (EST) to sign up, and then I'll draw names and we'll get started.

[Maple Leafs]

Could someone (anyone, doesn't have to be a participant) please visit http://random.org/sform.html and generate a sequence from 1 to 10 and post it here?

Thanks.

[stevew]

4
1
8
6
7
5
10
3
9
2

[Maple Leafs]

Thanks Steve.

The participants (selected from everyone who expressed interest) and draft order (based on order of signup) are as follows:

4 Maple Leafs
1 DeToxRoxDVHStyle
8 vtbub
6 sabotai
7 kcchief19
5 oliegirl
10 Swaggs
3 Schmidty
9 albionmoonlight
2 sachmo71

In other words:

1 DeToxRoxDVHStyle
2 sachmo71
3 Schmidty
4 Maple Leafs
5 oliegirl
6 sabotai
7 kcchief19
8 vtbub
9 albionmoonlight
10 Swaggs

Remember, we want to move quickly. If you are on the list but don't think you'll be around often and don't want to send your choices to someone else so they can pick for you, please let us know and we'll replace you with one of the (many) other folks who didn't get to play.

If you wanted to play but weren't selected, we may still ask you to step in for someone who has either changed their mind or who stops playing.

[kcchief19]

I might be interested in moving up a couple of notches if the person I want is available. I'd be willing to swap picks later in the draft.

[Maple Leafs]

The draft has begun.

There will be no time limit today, since it will take some time for people to realize they're picking. Once we get settled we'll add a time limit of some sort.

I can't stress this enough -- please send your picks in advance if you won't be around. You can send them to me, or to someone else who's pick isn't close to yours, or get someone else to choose for you. Please don't make everyone else wait all day just so you can announce your pick yourself. If you are consistently causing delays and not sending in picks, you may be removed.

Please re-read the rules at the top of the thread to make sure you're clear. I've added three rules based on questions I recieved.

Finally, when announcing your pick, remember to mention the position you're taking the person for.

1.1 DeToxRoxDVHStyle is on the clock!

[DeToxRox]

We select Stand Up Comedian/God George Carlin #1

[Maple Leafs]

He was #1 on my board. Good pick.

[Crapshoot]

Boo!!!!!!!!!!

[sabotai]

Not #1 on my board.

[Radii]

I also would not have taken him first, but I can't find any major fault with Carlin goign #1.

[timmynausea]

I'd say it was certainly a solid pick. I'm interested to see how the rest of the draft goes.

[Maple Leafs]

I think Carlin has to be #1 or #2 on any board -- there are really only two guys at the very top of the all-time list, and I'm assuming the other one goes next. But maybe I'm wrong...

[Crapshoot]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

I think Carlin has to be #1 or #2 on any board -- there are really only two guys at the very top of the all-time list, and I'm assuming the other one goes next. But maybe I'm wrong...

You thinking Pryor, or what ? I'm somewhat curious.

[sachmo71]

#2 pick is Steve Martin as a stand-up comedian.

I remember listening to my sister's albums of him when I was a kid. His goofy comedy was a big influence on me, and his later work (Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, Father of the Bride, Parenthood) stands up well today. Definately my all-time favorite.

[Radii]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

I think Carlin has to be #1 or #2 on any board -- there are really only two guys at the very top of the all-time list, and I'm assuming the other one goes next. But maybe I'm wrong...

There was a clear cut #1 in my mind, and it wasn't Carlin, but there were 6 guys I could see going in the first 3 that wouldn't suprise me at all in pretty much any order.

[Radii]

dola, and steve martin wasn't one of them! i don't really like him very much though personally, curious to see what others think there.

[timmynausea]

Steve Martin was hilarious as a stand up comedian. I don't like a lot of his movies, but I like the pick.

[Bearcat729]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

I think Carlin has to be #1 or #2 on any board -- there are really only two guys at the very top of the all-time list, and I'm assuming the other one goes next. But maybe I'm wrong...

I'm a big Carlin fan but Pryor, Hicks and Kinnison are all above him on my list.


And I think Martin would have been a better choice in the sketch actor or just actor positions rather than stand up.

[sabotai]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

I think Carlin has to be #1 or #2 on any board -- there are really only two guys at the very top of the all-time list, and I'm assuming the other one goes next. But maybe I'm wrong...

#1 or #2 if we were limiting it to just Stand Up, which we're not.

[Schmidty]

Jerry Seinfeld - Sitcom Actor

[jeff061]

There's a couple others I put above Carlin as well, but you need to play to the crowd to win, so Carlin was a good choice. I bet you could get away with picking Martin in the second round.

Good pick by Schmidty I think, everyone's head has been in standup.

[Maple Leafs]

With our 5000th post, and our first overall pick, the Maple Leafs are pleased to select:

Richard Pryor, standup

[Radii]

Seinfeld and Carlin were two of the top 6 I mentioned above, good pick Schmidty.

[Radii]

I'm pretty sure I know who Oliegirl wants but we threw around a few names so I'm not 100% sure. She should be back within 30 minutes though, probably less than that.

[Maple Leafs]

Originally Posted by sabotai

#1 or #2 if we were limiting it to just Stand Up, which we're not.

Very true. My #3 was a non-standup, I wonder if you and I are on the same page.

Originally Posted by jeff061

Good pick by Schmidty I think, everyone's head has been in standup.

True, although the rules do put extra weight on the standup side (intentionally, since I think it's the purest form of comedy).

That said, I like the pick by Schmidty. I think sitcom is going to be a tough category to fill, and he gets a franchise player there. Not as sold on Martin, although he's still a solid first rounder.

[oliegirl]

For our first pick, we take Robin Williams for Stand Up.

[Radii]

My #1 overall is still out there, I guess that says something about my sense of humor huh?

[Ramzavail]

Originally Posted by oliegirl

For our first pick, we take Robin Williams for Stand Up.

The Andre Ware pick of the draft.

[Maple Leafs]

Williams is a solid pick. What's interesting about both he and Steve Martin is that they could have gone in other categories -- both would be very strong movie picks, and Williams could be sitcom too. It will be interesting to see how it plays out in terms of which positions end up being hardest to fill.

[timmynausea]

Originally Posted by Ramzavail

The Andre Ware pick of the draft.

I actually thought about making that comparison. I'm not a Robin Williams fan.

[sabotai]

For my first round pick, I will go with Bill Hicks Stand Up Comedian

[Schmidty]

I think people are way too rough on Robin Williams. He can be annoying, but he has his moments where he can be brilliant. I think it's just kind of fashionable to hate him.

[Maple Leafs]

Hicks is an interesting pick. Nowhere near as mainstream as the others, but just on ability he definitely belongs.