Funny, but No

Hallmark Cards reject many more greetings than they publish. Some just aren’t up to scratch. Others fall into the category they call “Funny, but No”:

[…]

Those that have earned a chuckle but not a nod to become a card are marked “FBN” for “Funny, But No” — a designation that has become a sort of badge of honor among writers.

“It starts with funny,” Taylor said. “That’s good.”

With rejects roughly outnumbering winners 10 to one, there are plenty of FBNs to go around.

Among the losers is a holiday card that announces on its face, “Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without peanut brittle.” Then, inside: “Or Jesus.”

And the drawing of a couple cuddling on a living room couch with a friendly bearded man, wearing a robe, sandals and a turban. The woman blurts: “Honey, this Afghan your mom gave us is really warm!”

Then there’s a questionable get-well card with a big happy face on the front. On the inside, it reads, “Hi! Welcome back from your coma!”

Tobaben said rejecting the ideas doesn’t mean they’re not funny, it just means editors were skeptical of their selling power. “It comes down to, ‘Would I send this?” she said.

[…]

I think my favourite comes from the sidebar to the article:

Christmas

Front: “Spread some holiday cheer.”
Inside: “Or drink alone. Who am I to judge?”

[Via Blog of a Bookslut]