Boffins at the University of Hertfordshire (an ex-poly if ever I've heard of one) have been undergoing joke research. Their results?
"Computer analysis of the data also showed that jokes containing 103 words were thought to be especially funny...
Many jokes submitted contained references to animals. Jokes mentioning ducks were seen as funnier than other jokes.
The researchers were also able to pinpoint the funniest moment of the year. People found the jokes funniest at 6.03pm on October 7
The winner, the funniest joke of them all was deemed to be this 102 worder:
"Two hunters are out in the woods when one of them collapses. He doesn't seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy whips out his phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps: "My friend is dead! What can I do?" The operator says: "Calm down, I can help. First, let's make sure he's dead." There is a silence, then a shot is heard. Back on the phone, the guy says: "OK, now what?" "
...so, money well spent, then.
(on a personal note, the funniest joke I've heard lately came via Popbitch (sadly it has disappeared from their archive or I would link to it directly) and is unfortunately far too tasteless to repeat out loud, never mind here).