You said it. There's a great book on this, "Comedy Writing Secrets", which if you only take one thing away from it, make it this: put the twist in the last word if possible, or the last two words if not.
That makes all the difference in humor. Try it.
Some short examples: "This baby seal walked into a club."
"Great minds think a lot."
"So, do you live around here often?"
I really enjoyed the book, and your step 2 is exactly what to avoid -- put the punchline as far at the end as possible; even better
"It is easier to fight for principles than to live up to them."
-- Alfred Adler
Jokes for Nerds, Stuff that's Obvious (Score:5, Insightful)
Step 1. Make it really really long.
Step 2. Put the punchline in the beginning.
Re:Jokes for Nerds, Stuff that's Obvious (Score:2)
That makes all the difference in humor. Try it.
Some short examples: "This baby seal walked into a club."
"Great minds think a lot."
"So, do you live around here often?"
I really enjoyed the book, and your step 2 is exactly what to avoid -- put the punchline as far at the end as possible; even better