[hn_throwaway_99]

> Comics are discovering they don't need an impresario or producer as they did in the more rarefied entertainment environment of the past.

Are they? I highly doubt it. I disagreed with a ton of stuff in this article, but I think the points it made about the comedy business are pretty spot on: hardly anyone can make an actual living in comedy, and getting your big break on SNL is still one of surest ways to be able to make a living (and then some) in comedy.

It's not the only way (and the article concedes as much), but the legions of people posting comedy web series or doing stand-up in local clubs definitely have day jobs, and tons (most?) of these people still dream about getting on SNL someday.