Hello all.

This is a soft-launch of my latest project but one that has been on my mind for years. My name is Robb Lightfoot, and I’m an author and–surprise–humorist with several books in print and a passion for kind-hearted, story-based, humor.

You’ll learn more about me as the postings unfold here. But my goal is to have a place for writers interested in humor to gather, share ideas, encourage one another, and grow. And I’m committed to everyone having fun along the way.

Presently, I’ll be reaching out to select individuals, including previous attendees of the ThinkingFunny.com humor-writing conference. I’d like for us all to have a place to hang after the event and to discuss what worked, what could be improved, and what we can do to support one another.

You may click here to complete our survey so we can build events that meet your needs!

Humor-writing can be enormously satisfying, but it can be daunting finding receptive editors who want your work. There are risks and benefits to self-publishing. I have stories to tell on this point, and even putting to much of your material up on the web can bite you. Yes, you’ve got to share it out to grow an audience. But there are good and not-so-good ways to do this.

You’ll notice that parts of this site are wide-open and free, other parts are members-only and may requice a fee and/or password. I’m well aware of how most writers have to budget carefully, and so we have many low-price options and discounts to allow people on fixed incomes or students to be on board. Membership also will get you discounts on our events and allow you to have your items in our storefront.

But don’t think that money is our be-all here. We’ve got to pay the tab on all our bills and money for designers and paid staff, just like any small concern. But our emphasis is to have a local-pub-like place where you are not hounded to buy services you might not want or need. My primary goal is to build a community of people who can help one another. There will be free seminars, meet-ups, and celebratory release parites. We won’t be sharing your email and hounding your with unwanted offers. And you can check out our private discussion area by logging in here.

Let’s raise a glass to that. Cheers!

Now, we could do some of this over on Facebook. But I’m frankly concerned about the underlying data-harvesting, algorhythms that limit what is seen by our audience, you-all, and unknowable changes that could render the space unfriendly. Sure, you’ll see us on Facebook. But our main efforts will be here on this site.

There’s much yet to discuss, and it will be shared in due time. For now, know this:

• Humor writing is like sex. If you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it right. We can help. (With the humor part, that is.)
• Humor engages readers, can inform as well as entertain, and create a devoted fan base. Look at Bill Bryson and Mary Roach.
• It’s possible to create and polish a humorous persona that makes it easier to create material.
• You don’t have to make people convulse with laughter to be an effective humorist. Humor is a cousin to stand-up, but different in important ways that we’ll discuss.
• No matter where you are on your writing journey, including humor is fun. Yes it’s work, too. but it’s a brain-muscle that can be developed. And who doesn’t want a bulging brain?

And some thoughts about “signing on” with the membership action behind the scenes.

• Membership here will connect you with your peers in a supportive, kind place. Anyone who can’t abide by this will have their membership cheerfully refunded and shown our portal’s bouncer. Trust me. You don’t want to rile him, he’s got a huge brain that’s covered with tattoos.
• You’ll have access to free workshops and seminars focusing on various aspects of the craft.
• You get a say in requesting the sort of activities that would be the most meaningful and helpful to you, no matter what your level or goals.
• Your membership will get you discounts for our conferences and events, including free access to many events not open to the general public.
• The only information we’ll store here will be related to our email lists or information needed to process payments you may make. We won’t be sharing this with anyone or bugging you. Our newsletter is opt-in, and as with all MailChimp communications, there’s an opt-out that’s super-easy to use.

That’s about all for now. We’ll be posting other pages and legalese disclaimers as per our legal advisers. The only other thing you should know is that we may use affiliate links to generate teeny-tiny amounts of profit. This may be enough to buy our underpaid staff the occassional cup of coffee. Unless you buy a Hybrid Subaru with the optional safari package using one of our links, in which case we may treat the entire office and their extended families to dinner from McDonald’s, with our deepest thanks for the meal and to you for being humor-positive and carbon neutral.