Stupid Bob Tricks

Synopsis

Bob Mankoff, cartoon editor of The New Yorker magazine, addresses complaints about distractions in the cartoon lounge. He humorously reflects on his unproductive hobbies, such as juggling and card tricks, noting that true excitement in tricks often involves personal safety. Mankoff shares insights from a survey he conducted among cartoonists regarding their reactions to their own work. The results reveal that 55.84% of cartoonists laugh out loud at their cartoons only rarely, while 32.47% never do. He highlights the rarity of laughter at one's own creations, emphasizing that if a cartoonist laughs at their work, it may not sell. Mankoff also mentions the influence of William Tell cartoons, suggesting a connection between classic themes and modern humor.