Basic Trope: A contract that is unnecessarily long.
- Straight: The contract permitting the subject to be the "victim" of the Trope Machine is very long, when it really doesn't need to be.
example This Agreement ("Agreement"), entered into on this [insert date], by and between the undersigned party ("Tester"), hereinafter referred to as the "Party of the First Part," and TV Tropes, a division of [insert legal entity and address], hereinafter referred to as the "Party of the Second Part."
WHEREAS, the Party of the Second Part is the lawful owner of a certain testing device known as the "Trope Machine" (the "Device");
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
Tester's Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risk: By affixing their signature hereto, the Tester expressly agrees to assume all risks associated with acting as the tester for the Device, including but not limited to, exposure to tropes, narrative clichés, and potential emotional distress (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Risks"). The Tester acknowledges that they have been fully informed of the nature and extent of the Risks and voluntarily assumes such Risks. (Page 1 of 15)
- Exaggerated: The contract is INCREDIBLY long, just because it can be.
example This Agreement ("Agreement"), a legally binding instrument intended to formalize and delineate the contractual relationship between the undersigned party ("Tester"), a natural person of legal age, possessing the requisite mental capacity and legal competence to enter into and be bound by the terms and conditions set forth herein, hereinafter referred to as the "Party of the First Part," and TV Tropes, a division of [insert legal entity and address], a duly organized and existing entity, authorized to conduct business in accordance with all applicable laws, statutes, and regulations, hereinafter referred to as the "Party of the Second Part," collectively referred to as the "Parties," in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, hereby memorializes, establishes, and affirms the agreement of the Parties with respect to the utilization of a certain testing device, denominated and recognized as the "Trope Machine" (the "Device"), a proprietary apparatus owned and operated exclusively by the Party of the Second Part, and the terms and conditions governing the Tester's role as a participant in the testing activities associated therewith, and the Tester's explicit acknowledgment, acceptance, and assumption of various inherent risks and responsibilities associated with such testing, including, but not limited to, exposure to tropes, narrative clichés, and potential emotional distress, all of which shall be more fully elucidated and particularized in the subsequent articles and provisions of this Agreement. (Page 1 of 2,147,483,647) - Downplayed: The contract is long, but not super long. Probably 5 pages, at worst.
example This Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into on this [insert date] by and between the undersigned party ("Tester") and TV Tropes, a division of [insert legal entity and address] ("TV Tropes").
Tester's Role: Tester agrees to serve as the tester for the "Trope Machine" (the "Device") without restrictions.
Duration and Termination: Tester may terminate this Agreement by providing written notice at least two (2) weeks before the intended termination date.
Assumption of Risk: Tester acknowledges and assumes all risks associated with testing the Device, including exposure to tropes and potential emotional distress. (Page 1 of 5)
- Justified:
- The contract is that long to accommodate (and thus avoid) every loophole ever.
- The contract is that long to add all kinds of loopholes that will screw the signer over, expecting the average human to either sign the contract or refuse once they have reached Page 10,500 and are beginning to nod off.
- Inverted: A very short contract.
example Sign here if you are legible for testing. (Page 0.01 of 1) - Subverted: The contract is rolled up and looks very long, but stops unrolling very quickly.
- Double Subverted: Because it was stuck on something.
- Lampshaded: "Yes, we know how long it is. No, we don't care."
- Discussed: "This contract is, like, twenty pages long! What the fuck are you going to do to me?!" "Not much."
- Defied: The company enforces a policy that any contract to be printed out must have a maximum word count of no more than 10 words.
This Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by and between the undersigned party ("Party") and "Comically Wordy Contract" ("CWC") on the date of return to CWC. In consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, Party agrees to abstain from executing contracts with entities in other industries during the term of this Agreement. Party further agrees not to terminate or cancel the terms of this Agreement without providing CWC with a minimum notice period of two (2) weeks. The term of this Agreement shall commence upon the date of return to CWC and shall continue until terminated in accordance with its terms. Party acknowledges and agrees that any breach of the terms of this Agreement may result in legal consequences. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Parties and supersedes all prior agreements, whether oral or written, relating to the subject matter herein. Any amendments or modifications to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both Parties to be valid. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which CWC operates.
