Don Imus and nappy headded hos.....

Originally Posted by Ankesh

What I like about such cases is they offer a glimpse into the mind of the masses.

1. By adding laughing tracks to comedy shows, the producers ended up making the shows more funny. The content was the same. But the laughing tracks in the background allowed people to know when it was "safe" to find the content funny - and increased their enjoyment in the process.

2. Stage artists all over the world always hire people to join the audiences to clap or gasp at the right moments -- for the same reason.

3. A few centuries ago (especially during Mozart's era) - people judged how successful the stage show will be - not on the shows merit - but on the fact how many times the King yawned. If you get a tired King to watch your show - you're doomed!

claque (klăk) pronunciation
n.

1. A group of persons hired to applaud at a performance.
2. A group of fawning admirers.

Hi Ankesh,

Thanks for mentioning the Paid Participation / "Canned Laughter" above.

These people paid to be participants in the audience were called:
Claquers.
... and the TV version of "Canned Laughter" and responses on TV Shows are explained more here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laugh_track

What about Adcopy / Written Advertising / and Written Products?

What can be used to create 'Claqued Copy?'
... and possibly, 'Claqued Ebooks,' etc...

Something like Claque for the Written Word?

Is there such a thing?

Christopher

PS. The Definition of Claque above was found here:
http://www.answers.com/topic/claque