So you want to create a marginally subversive cartoon? Our handy guide to tweaking social norms just enough to develop a large-ish, cult following (read: the target 18-29 male demographic), while sufficiently aping standard sitcom principles and cliches to convince a major network (read: FOX) to pay you lots of money. Compliments of the True Dork Times staff (Originally published: June, 2005)

Let's face it. Even the lamest, most hackneyed cartoon is more entertaining than the best piece of crap sitcom you'll find these days on a major network (read: we don't know, we don't watch any, unless you count Arrested Development, although we'd consider it a slur to call that show a sitcom. Plus, we're not sure FOX counts as a "major network"). And if we know it, chances are someone at the networks does, too. True, they're probably cleaning toilets for a living, but there's a possibility that one day they'll ride in an elevator with someone important.

So here you go: A step-by-step guide to turning tired animation cliches into big bucks, courtesy of the True Dork Times. You can thank us later. Ideally with large quantities of high-denomination, unmarked bills.