I can understand the power of the ice bucket challenge and I can also appreciate all of the good it has done. The money raised for ALS research by the ice bucket challenge has, in one month, amounted to more money than the foundation raised all of last year. That is awesome and I hope that the money raised actually goes to research instead of going to dubious purposes like a lot of the money donated to the Red Cross for 9/11 did.

Believe it or not, I really have only one underlying problem with the ice bucket challenge. The problem I have is that I did not realize how boring Americans are. There is only so much entertainment that can come from watching someone get a bucket of ice water poured on their head. I really expected more from people than what I have seen. Even Stephen King’s ice bucket challenge was boring and I really expected more from him.

When there was no money to be raised for a charity, people put hours of work into their Harlem Shake videos. Office workers got together and created elaborate, and often boring, videos of them doing something that was supposed to be outrageous. But, thankfully, the Harlem Shake lost momentum and died out quickly. I fear that if a charity had been attached to the Harlem Shake, then we would have been subjected to thousands more of those videos.

I know, I know….if I don’t like the videos then I have the option of not watching them. But I watch the ice bucket videos because I refuse to believe that people are so boring. It does not take a lot of talent or thought to pour water on your head. For a while, the most entertaining ice bucket challenges were the ones that went wrong and I know a few of those people wound up in the hospital. Everyone loves good slapstick, even when it is for a good cause.

Then I saw the Foo Fighters do the ice bucket challenge and I was thoroughly entertained. If more people put that much thought and effort into their ice bucket challenge videos, then I would probably be happy to watch more of them.

The Foo Fighters re-created the pig blood scene from the movie Carrie and the whole idea was just brilliant. The acting was awesome and spot on. The result was a funny video that lasted only three minutes and ended right when it should have. I loved it and watched it a couple of times.

Another entertaining ice bucket challenge was Charlie Sheen’s. Instead of water, Sheen dumped $10,000 on himself and then said he was donating it to ALS research. To Charlie Sheen, $10,000 was just a drop in the bucket, but at least he was being creative.

I am one of those weird people who is not instantly attracted to everything that celebrities do. Sometimes, I actually get a little put off when celebrities try to take advantage of an Internet schtick just to get some exposure. Jon Bon Jovi’s ice bucket challenge only made me want to drive to New Jersey and punch him right in the face. That is not the way a video made for charity should make one feel.

So, if you intend on joining the fray and making your own ice bucket challenge video, then do me a favor. Instead of just standing in your backyard while your friend records you pouring water on yourself, do something creative. Make your video worthwhile and make it fun to watch.

Try these quick tips for making a good ice bucket challenge video:

• Actually use ice water. I have yet to see a video that actually uses ice water.
• Don’t wear your crappy clothes; that is too predictable. Wear something that will get everyone’s attention, like a wedding dress.
• Practice before you record it. I am not interested in watching you put yourself in the hospital. (Ok, actually I am. But I am being supportive here.)
• Create an interesting theme and make the video entertaining.
• Don’t forget to donate to ALS research. I don’t think all of the celebrities that did this challenge donated to the cause.
• Challenge at least three people at the end of your stunt. If they don’t deliver a video to YouTube of their ice bucket challenge within 24 hours, then go to their house and dump ice water on them while recording it.

Little fads like this are nice because they give people a reason to act like idiots. But if you are going to donate $100 to a worthy cause, then at least take the time to make it entertaining for everyone else.

Nick Oliver is a Niagara County resident who hates being doused in ice water. His column appears every Wednesday and will probably never be done in video format.

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