Fan as guest riffer?

[ebeth]

I don't think you're a jerk, but I will say that we have a very funny group of fans around here, and some of them are in fact comedians in their own right.  I don't think you should judge the idea on the basis of Mike Kevin and Bill=Professionals and all fans=amateur hour.  The first half of that is obviously true, but untried does not mean bad and sometimes talent can be found in unexpected places.  Instead guest riffers should be judged on that elusive question "would they be funny?"

I believe we can solve this like adults.  We should wrestle for it.  All the problems between my brother and I were always solved with orchestrated violence in which I would be the victim of a titty-twister and he, a nut sack punch.  After such moves a sore, but victorious winner would prevail and all would be right with the world.

I don't see how this would be any different.

[RoninFox]

I don't think you're a jerk, but I will say that we have a very funny group of fans around here, and some of them are in fact comedians in their own right.  I don't think you should judge the idea on the basis of Mike Kevin and Bill=Professionals and all fans=amateur hour.  The first half of that is obviously true, but untried does not mean bad and sometimes talent can be found in unexpected places.  Instead guest riffers should be judged on that elusive question "would they be funny?"

I believe we can solve this like adults.  We should wrestle for it.  All the problems between my brother and I were always solved with orchestrated violence in which I would be the victim of a titty-twister and he, a nut sack punch.  After such moves a sore, but victorious winner would prevail and all would be right with the world.

I don't see how this would be any different.

That'd be a little difficult considering how spread apart we all are, but as soon as I can get to a sporting goods store and buy a decent cup, you're on!   

[Blue Raja]

Maybe you could find a middle ground with a "fan input"-type contest - have one where the winner simply gets to pick the movie?  You know, as long as it meets certain conditions (not higher than "R"-rating, must be available to obtain on DVD somewhat reasonably, etc.).  Just a thought.

But still, it would definitely be awesome if something like this could overcome all the obstacles and work out.  Maybe (to alleviate the jealousy factor a tad) you could have this fan riffer contest happen annually or something, so that people wouldn't get too disheartened should they lose the first go-around.

[RoninFox]

Probably the best thing for them is to just go ahead with what they've already been working on and just show support for fan riffers doing their own thing while keeping the Batman and Robin style contests a possibility.

[Raven]

Probably the best thing for them is to just go ahead with what they've already been working on and just show support for fan riffers doing their own thing while keeping the Batman and Robin style contests a possibility.

I'd be happy if we got to write one riff a year.  Over Christmas break actually worked pretty well.  It would be fun to have Mike pick the movie to see how much punishment he thinks we could take.

[CMSELBY]

I'm going to be the contrarian and probably make everyone think I'm a jerk:  I hate, hate, hate this idea.

RiffTrax's magic, in my mind, comes from the fact that it feels like it's just a bunch of guys sitting around making fun of movies, but it actually is a carefully scripted, rehearsed, and most of all professional comedy show.  Turning the performance, even partially, into amateur hour can only make it worse.  As a fan I can see how this is a nice fantasy.  But as a customer, I think this is something that is best kept as a fantasy.

I will have to second this objection. I am fine with fan creativity. My store is full of stuff I created inspired by MST3K, Rifftrax, The Film Crew, etc. Those of you with the time, inclination and technology to do your own Rifftrax... more power to ya! But I'm not on board with the idea of fans riffing as part of the official Rifftrax experience. I say let's keep our fan creativity going but on our own time. Oh... and buy my shirts!  www.habanerosgear.com

CMS

[Invader_quirk]

I received your "I Don't Care" shirt for Christmas. I just noticed it in your signature.

[funkbomb]

I think the charm comes from the chemistry between the guys. They've obviously done this together for a long time and have down who plays the "straight-edged" guy, the "crazy" guy, etc. so that it's not just the movie that's funny but the interactions. Adding another character, and an amateur fan at that, would mess up the chemistry.

And regardless of how expert you are at being funny, you're a greenhorn at sitting down with a microphone and a couple other guys and riffing a movie. Even Weird Al was obviously a little out of his element in the Jurassic Park riff. It's clearly a lot harder than it looks. Just let the guys do what they do and if you feel the want to riff, do it on your own time and maybe people will listen!

[RVR II]

Maybe the wives could get involved in a Riff, like Brigit did..

[ShadowDog]

Probably the best thing for them is to just go ahead with what they've already been working on and just show support for fan riffers doing their own thing while keeping the Batman and Robin style contests a possibility.

Quoted for truth.