The Formal Rules of Karaoke

Knowledge from my world music class:

Apparently when karaoke first started, in Japan, it was not to be messed around with. There are serious rules, both that "circulate formally in karaoke journals and informally through oral tradition." Here are seven taboos that are included in this set of rules:

1.  Do not sing when you are drunk.
2. Do not sing too loudly.
3. Do not abuse the echo effect too much.
4. Do not monopolize  the microphone.
5. Do not sing songs written for the opposite sex unless you want to surprise the audience.
6. Do not sing songs composed by very gifted writers because they are usually too difficult for lay persons.
7. Do not be too narcissistic.

This brought to mind an interview of Aubrey Plaza I heard once where she said she got kicked out and banned from a karaoke bar for getting really drunk, singing "Only Time" by Enya, and then throwing down the microphone.

Karaoke, of all things. Who knew?