The prize was later augmented to $11, which was "chopped" by $2 every time the joke was outscored. Those whose jokes were topped by all the panelists received a joke book as a consolation prize. Eventually, audience participants received  $10, plus a $5 bonus for each panelist who failed to outscore it with his own joke, for a potential maximum prize of $25.
The prize money was initially set at $11 but decreased by $2 each time a joke surpassed it. Those whose jokes were the best received a joke book as consolation prizes. Eventually, audience members earned $10 plus a $5 bonus for every panelist who failed to beat their own joke, resulting in a maximum potential prize of $25.