Just a little information... Not supporting it either way, but I had to do a report on this, so I know a little bit about it.
These jokes are called Russian Reversals. The original technique was introduced by "Minister of Propaganda" Yakov Smirnoff sometime in the '80s. There is quite a bit more information here:
http://uncyclopedia.org/wiki/Russian_reversal
(This site jokes about most things, so the facts probably aren't too straight. But what I posted above I have confirmed elsewhere. This site simply gives a good place to look up the 'rules' on creating your own Russian Reversal.)
Again... I just saw the thread title and said, 'I know about that!', and decided to post. I am not supporting or opposing the use of Russian Reversals on this board. Just giving some background information.
Jacob