Comedians have the rather enviable position of being able to say what they really think. If they transgress a social convention or whatever, it’s no big deal because that is the basis of humor anyway. In fact, they are often more successful when they do step on some toes–sure, there will be those who are offended or who simply don’t like that particular comedian, but they will gain more fans overall as their name gets out there to those who do share their comedic tastes.
Comedians also tend to be a pretty bright lot. Bill Cosby has two quotes which apply to this blog’s subject matter quite well:
In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.
and
I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.
All these points do converge in your own creative business. Trying to please everyone ensures mediocre work. It is what people do out of fear of losing potential clients. If you can’t step past that fear, you can’t reach your full success.
Also, saying what you really think, in whatever your particular medium is, is your duty as a creative professional. Why would anyone want to use your work if it was just like someone (or worse, everyone) else’s work? Would that bring in interest to their product from consumers? Would the same-old, same-old create interesting and vibrant discussions on blogs and forums? Would the advertising or marketing piece create word of mouth spread? Do you watch a clip on YouTube because it’s safe? No, we are all attracted to the different, the odd, the challenging, the funny, the serious, etc. and each in our own proportions. You will attract those who feel the connection to your work. You will not attract those who don’t. If the work is good, there will be more of the former and less of the latter.
The one thing that doesn’t work is the “safe” and boring.