I’ve just started studying web copywriting and this is one of the lessons I’ve learned so far:

“Rule No. 18: Avoid humor. You can entertain a million people and not sell one of them. There is not a single humorous line in two of the most influential books in the world—the Bible and the Sears, Roebuck catalog” (John Caples, 1975).

Perhaps that can also be applicable to blogging?

Thanks Paul for your interesting post.

Jose

First off, Jose, thanks for that great comment.  And I’m beginning to think that jokes in headlines may not be a good idea.  They’re a great place to catch attention, to use keywords to their utmost, to summarize an article, not to crack jokes.  That’s what the body of the blog is for.

Humor in blogging isn’t a bad thing.  It keeps posts fresh and exciting while people read.  But in headlines, it may be somewhat misplaced.