11 Ways to Make Your Writing More Funny (Scott Dikkers Interview)
David Perell
Jul 22, 2026
Scott Dicker, former editor-in-chief of The Onion, argues that comedy is a learnable skill rather than an innate talent. He reveals that the secret to humor lies in mastering 'funny filters'—like irony, hyperbole, and character archetypes—while maintaining a strict, serious 'straight' voice to anchor the absurdity.
Key insight: The Onion's editorial process involves pitching hundreds of ideas to find a dozen, then ruthlessly cutting every joke that isn't essential, often resulting in articles where the humor is derived entirely from the premise rather than forced punchlines.
