Then why aren't you rich and famous?

Why am I not rich and famous? This is a question the recently was handed to me by a coworker. He found out that I used to do stand up comedy and that I plan to again someday. The coworker said "You know what I like? That Larry the Cable Guy. You should do something like that. People like that guy a lot. Git 'er done." Seeing my eye twitch and my face fall a bit, he continued, "What, you don't like Larry the Cable Guy? Everybody likes him. What's wrong with you?" Here is a mistake many people make in my life. A) Asking my opinion and B) Equating popular with good.

Asking my opinion of something is not unlike playing Russian roulette. There is a good chance I won't say anything that bothers or offends you but, when the right chamber clicks into place, you should not act amazed that I opined a hole in your skull. Now just because seventy percent of the populace enjoys your act does not mean it's good, actually, it tends to mean just the opposite. Not in every case mind you but in many. Look at how the Redneck Comedy Tour sells out arenas but last time I saw the Comedians of Comedy tour it was at about a quarter capacity. Thousands of people will go to a Linkin Park concert but Flogging Molly and Anthrax are small venue only. In all actuality, being good at what you do and taking pride in your work tends to get you no where. Mass appeal is a two edged sword. Great, a large percentage of people love you and you have a comfortable amount of money but, and this is the point, that does not mean you don't still suck. More over, just because fifty people I know might like you doesn't mean I do. And having money doesn't make you a master at a craft. Tom Cruise is a crap actor, he is wealthy. Donald Trump is a wealthy realtor that has gone bankrupt at least three times and is still rich. Jackie Collins has made more money in her life time than Robert Hienlen. Oh, oh, oh L. Ron Hubbard, wrote like a retarded first grader and his "teachings" have earned billions. That should shore up my point I think.

So what happens every time I try to make the popularity to talent point? Some shmoe take offense and asks my why I am not rich yet, if I am so good. People take offense to you not liking what they like or even not liking them. That's funny to me. I don't care if not everyone likes me, doesn't bother me one bit. Ergo, when I offend someone with my views, not a damn give I. Don't get me wrong, I would love to be rich and if that day ever comes, I will be happily drunk two hours later but for right now I am fine being slightly under middle class and proud of my aggression towards normalcy and my lack of a catch phrase.