Overview
This prompt guides users in crafting a comedic exposé using a layered revelation technique, ideal for writers looking to engage audiences with humor and outrage. Writers, particularly those interested in investigative comedy, will benefit from the structured approach to uncovering systemic issues in their chosen topics.
Prompt Overview
Purpose: This exposé aims to unravel the layers of dysfunction in the writing industry, revealing absurdities that will leave you questioning reality.
Audience: Whether you’re a budding writer or a seasoned editor, this investigation will resonate with anyone who’s ever faced the industry’s quirks.
Distinctive Feature: Each revelation builds on the last, transforming mild annoyances into a cascade of horror that’s both laughable and appalling.
Outcome: By the end, you’ll see how interconnected failures in the writing world create a landscape where creativity is stifled and absurdity reigns.
Quick Specs
- Media: Text
- Use case: Investigative comedy exposé
- Techniques: Cascading revelations, humor, satire
- Models: John Oliver
- Estimated time: 1-2 hours
- Skill level: Intermediate
Variables to Fill
- [topic] – Topic
- [INSERT TOPIC] – Insert Topic
- [BASIC/INTERMEDIATE/EXPERT] – Basic/intermediate/expert
Example Variables Block
- [topic]: fast fashion
- [INSERT TOPIC]: fast fashion
The Prompt
#CONTEXT:
Adopt the role of an investigative comedy architect. You’re crafting a John Oliver-style exposé where each revelation amplifies the horror of the previous one. The user needs you to uncover the layers of dysfunction in their chosen topic, building from “that’s concerning” to “dear god, how is this legal?” Traditional explanations stop at surface-level problems, but Oliver’s genius lies in excavating interconnected nightmares that make the audience laugh to avoid crying.
#ROLE:
You’re a former Daily Show researcher who has spent years perfecting the art of the “cascading revelation”—that moment when viewers think they understand how bad something is, only for you to pull back another curtain and reveal it’s exponentially worse. You’ve mastered the Oliver formula: start with something mildly annoying, then systematically destroy any remaining faith in humanity while maintaining just enough humor to prevent complete despair. Your specialty is finding the perfect “and here’s where it gets worse” transitions that make complex systemic failures both comprehensible and horrifying.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
Structure your response as a cascading horror reveal following this pattern:
- The Surface Problem – Start with what most people think is wrong with [topic].
- “But Wait, It Gets Worse” – Reveal the first hidden layer of dysfunction.
- “Oh, But We’re Just Getting Started” – Expose how the problem is actually systemic.
- “And Here’s The Kicker” – Unveil the most absurd/horrifying aspect.
- “But The Real Problem Is…” – Connect it all to a larger pattern of failure.
Each revelation should build on the previous one, creating a snowball effect of compounding awfulness. Use specific examples, statistics, and real scenarios. Maintain Oliver’s signature blend of outrage and dark humor throughout.
#TASK CRITERIA:
- Start with something relatable and mildly annoying about the topic.
- Each new layer must be genuinely worse than the previous one.
- Include specific examples that illustrate the absurdity.
- Use transitions like “But here’s the thing…” or “And if you think that’s bad…”
- End with a connection to broader systemic issues.
- Maintain dark humor without minimizing the actual harm.
- Focus on exposing hidden connections and perverse incentives.
- Avoid generic complaints—dig for the truly bizarre details.
#INFORMATION ABOUT ME:
- My topic: [INSERT TOPIC]
- My audience knowledge level: [BASIC/INTERMEDIATE/EXPERT]
- My preferred tone: [DARKLY HUMOROUS/SERIOUSLY OUTRAGED/SARCASTICALLY RESIGNED]
#RESPONSE FORMAT:
Present as a narrative essay with clear section breaks for each escalating revelation. Use conversational language with Oliver-style asides and analogies. Include specific examples and statistics where relevant. Format with bold headers for each “it gets worse” transition.
Screenshot Examples
[Insert relevant screenshots after testing]
How to Use This Prompt
- [SURFACE_PROBLEM]: Most people think writing is easy.
- [HIDDEN_LAYER]: Many writers face exploitative pay rates.
- [SYSTEMIC_ISSUE]: The industry is riddled with gatekeeping.
- [ABSURD_ASPECT]: Publishers often prioritize profit over quality.
- [LARGER_PATTERN]: This reflects a broader cultural disdain for art.
Tips for Best Results
- The Surface Problem: Many writers struggle with low pay and long hours.
- But Wait, It Gets Worse: The average income for a writer is around $20,000 a year, forcing many to juggle multiple jobs just to survive.
- Oh, But We’re Just Getting Started: This financial instability is exacerbated by the fact that 80% of published authors never earn out their advance, meaning they’re essentially working for free.
- And Here’s The Kicker: Publishers are increasingly relying on unpaid internships, with some companies openly admitting they prefer hiring interns who can afford to work for free—because who needs a living wage when you have a passion for words?
FAQ
- What’s the initial problem with the writing industry?
Many believe the biggest issue is low pay for freelance writers. It's frustrating but common. - But wait, it gets worse—what's the hidden layer?
Freelancers often face delayed payments, sometimes waiting months. This leads to financial instability and stress. - Oh, but we're just getting started—how systemic is this?
The entire industry thrives on underpayment and exploitation, with companies prioritizing profit over fair wages. It's a vicious cycle. - And here's the kicker—what's the most absurd aspect?
Some companies even charge writers for 'exposure,' as if starving artists can pay rent with compliments. It's both ridiculous and cruel. - But the real problem is what?
This exploitation reflects a broader societal issue where creativity is undervalued, perpetuating a culture of poverty among artists.
Compliance and Best Practices
- Best Practice: Review AI output for accuracy and relevance before use.
- Privacy: Avoid sharing personal, financial, or confidential data in prompts.
- Platform Policy: Your use of AI tools must comply with their terms and your local laws.
Revision History
- Version 1.0 (December 2025): Initial release.