Hacks...and why I hate them. My tips on how to not be one!

Hacks...ugh..No, not the computer hacks that could potentially steal our nudes and send them to our bosses and not even those crafty life hacks (like peeing in there shower to save water), its those hacks that steal jokes or memes and claim how clever they are. Hell, I've even noticed the news hacks lately. You know, those sites that steal content from credible sources like THEY are all knowing when in fact all they really do is lift others hard work, and preach it like it's their own.

Definition Of A Hack: By Joe Fernandez. It's a term that most comics do not want to be called. It means you're unoriginal, derivative, and/or a joke thief. It is generally someone who is disliked and in some circles detested for taking comedy to its basest level.

The above definition can be used without the "comedian" context and can be used with social media instead. Chalk me up as one of those people who draws inspiration from sources that aren't always viewed as funny, witty or clever (not in favor with the masses). No, I'm not saying my sense of humor is any better than anyone else's, I just like what I like. 

My current comedy watch list:

Bo Burnham

Jim Varney

Will Sasso

Sarah Silverman

Its a short list, but keep in mind, it changes weekly. Although, Sarah Silverman and Bo Turnham have been on my list for quite a while. I LOVE "The Sarah Silverman Program" and Bo's 'Zach Stone is Gonna Be Famous" as two examples of what occupies my viewing time.

Ok, so on to the list of how NOT to be a Hack:

1. Stop stealing!! This means stop using other peoples tweets as your own. Stop stealing shitty meme's. I get it...everyone wants to be funny...but not everyone is. Satire is dying and we, those on the internet are killing it. Be a free thinker, learn what entertains you and stop letting "likes" and "shares" run your life. Stop visiting "news" sites that just post articles without every crediting anyone. I saw a lot of it this past week. 

2. Watch what YOU like!! Eventually, you will wake up and say "wait..since when do I like this?". It might take some time, but it'll happen. Stop asking "what did you think? I'm thinking about watching it." Apparently you aren't thinking very hard. You're relying on someone else's opinion to sway what you want to watch? Then, you will just join that person on sharing "best thing on TV" or "OMG...another remake!!" Just take a break. Be your own person. Again, you can stand out and not worry about it. And trust me...all remakes aren't horrible and I promise you childhood will not need therapy. 

I remember, as a kid (12 years old) buying comedy books and reading them, along with comics while watching pro wrestling. I remember being told I was a nerd because when I was 9, i made a Frankenstein head to wear for Halloween out of cereal boxes. I remember being shunned because I didn't fit in. Why is this relevant? Because now being a nerd is cool. I still don't follow the masses. I still like what I liked as a kid. My house is still full of horror movies, Godzilla toys and shit from Sid and Marty Krofft.

How to stop being a hack is simple - give credit to those who deserve it. Stop worrying about liking what others like and choose your own path. Now I know this blog took a view off turns but who cares? Seriously...the message was simple and I created a "top of mind awareness" of what NOT to do and I promise you, when you head back to FB or Twitter, you'll second guess what you write about...or at least I hope you will. Choose wisely young jedi...

"and may the force be with you"

- Luke Skywalker (probably)

Keeping Positive & Some Advice?

Keeping Positive & Some Advice?

Trust me, before we even start, it's impossible to always be positive. Life throws some serious curve balls and sometimes you will feel abandoned, alone or betrayed. It's during those moments that we all have to mourn and move on and realize the sun does rise and shine another day. I wanted to offer some things that I do or have done to help me keep a fresh outlook:


Start eating better - Food...this can alter your mood dramatically. Eating healthy can clear your mind and help creativity. I have more energy, sleep better and notice I want to write more. Its amazing how once I cut all the processed foods and fast food garbage out of my diet, things became clear and less cloudy. Sure, you have to indulge and eat some crap sometimes but the benefits outweigh the "cravings". When eating bad, I wrote less, moved less and wanted to sleep more. Now I want to create and have fun. It works..I promise.

Stop watching the news - Ok, sure we all need the news in our life but trust me when I say this...most of the news is trash. I don't care about these other families or most of the TMZ style news reporting, I care more about my own family and whats good in my own community. Fear and controversy equal ratings...positivity does not. Its the truth. So stay away from the news, or watch what really matters. You'll be happier you did. Go for a walk, go enjoy the sunshine and live your life.


Choose better friends & limit Social Networking - Yep, coming from someone who claims to be a social networking guru, I am in fact telling you to limit social media. For many its an obsession and at times, I fall into the same trap, but I now seem to post and walk away. I post less, interact less and spend more time with my family. People don't really care what you're eating, doing or hanging with. They care if YOU care what THEY are doing. Hey, someone has to tell you the truth. I go on in the morning, maybe around lunch and then at night. Typically, unless someone messages me or posts on my wall, I don't see much anymore.

Go Outside - Go outside, go for a walk and enjoy the air. Regardless where you live, you can get yourself to a nice park. Sit outside and clear your mind, let the natural vitamins help you and refresh you. Sitting inside can lead to boredom, sleep, snacking, being lazy. Even if you're sitting on a bench, next to a nice lake, surrounded by natural surrounding, you will be happier. It's amazing what just some fresh air can do. I've started to walk around my town and taking the longest way, actually getting some sort of work out, by just being active. I've noticed I started taking pictures and learning more about our town...been here for 17 years and learning more now than ever.

Anyways, those are some tips that help me...they might not help you, but I wanted to exercise my brain by writing and doing something. Now, I'll eat a lunch and then head out for the day. Enjoy life, its the only one we get!