Re: [Mug-discuss] mugs of humour

[David Cary]

Dear mug designers,

Ciaran O'Riordan has the right idea: there's no point making cups no one wants.

And people seem to want something with a little bit of humor.

A random idea that might be funny:
Make a mug that parodies software licenses.

Perhaps something like this (I'm sure you all can come up with something 
funnier):

Copyright (c) 1995,1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 1900 by the MUG group, all 
rights reserved.
By using all or any portion of this mug you accept all the terms and 
conditions of this agreement, including sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
This mug is only designed for use by a single end-user. Since use by 
multiple end-users is untested, you must keep this mug in a secure place to 
prevent any other end-user from touching it.
You may wash the mug, fill it with COFFEE(TM), and drain it of COFFEE(TM). 
You may not otherwise alter or modify the mug. The mug is licensed and 
distributed by the MUG group for viewing, distributing, and consuming 
COFFEE(TM). You are not authorized to integrate or use the mug with any 
other table, liquid, or enhancement.
Caution! Coffee is served VERY hot!
This mug is licensed for use only on a single platform (table). You may 
also place the mug in a single backup location (dishwasher). If you wish to 
place the mug on another table or another dishwasher, you must purchase 
additional licenses. You may place the mug in a cup holder only after you 
purchase the "vehicle upgrade" option. Use caution when driving a motor 
vehicle or operating machinery.
Unless specifically and expressly permitted by the MUG group, you agree not 
to modify, adapt, or translate the mug or read aloud any text written on it.
(Translation includes moving the mug to a different table or to the floor).
You may transfer all your rights to use the mug to another person or legal 
entity, provided that (a) you also transfer this Agreement and all other 
software or hardware bundled with the mug, (b) you transfer the table you 
use with the mug, and (c) the receiving party accepts the terms and 
conditions of this Agreement and any other terms and conditions we think up.
If you are a business or organization, you agree that upon request from the 
Mug group or their authorized representative, you will within thirty (30) 
days fully document and certify that use of any and all mugs at the time of 
the request is in conformity with your valid licenses from the Mug group.
LIABILITY FOR ERRORS AND OMISSIONS IS LIMITED TO THIS MUG'S PURCHASE PRICE.
If this mug is an Update to a previous mug, you must possess a valid 
license to such previous mug in order to use this mug. You must never again 
use the previous mug or allow anyone else to use it.
Never break this mug over a woman's head (They take it personal).
The MUG group promises it will never sell your firstborn son into slavery, 
unless permitted by law.

Is it obvious that this is a joke, I'm parodying a software license, or 
will humour-challenged people believe this if they read it on a mug ?
This joke runs a little too long. Sorry. Can you make it shorter / funnier ?

> Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 13:40:32 +0000
> From: "Ciaran O'Riordan" <address@hidden>
> Subject: Re: [Mug-discuss] mugs of humour\
...
> Hi nick,
>   It's harder than I thought to design a mug that people
> would buy and use.
...
> interesting reading
...
> compsoc.com/~coriordan/mug/mug_by_coriordan.png
> compsoc.com/~coriordan/mug/mug_by_coriordan.sxd
...
> Let me know what you think
...
> Ciaran O'Riordan

--
David Cary