What is wrong with a PUN?

[1950strangers]

I don't want to sound stupid or cute but why is a PUN always followed by an apology or an excuse when used?

I often come across the line: "...no pun intended" or "please excuse the pun" or "sorry for the pun."

What makes a pun bad or wrong in its usage?

Why does the writer have to always apologize for having fun with the word? Oops, pardon the-- (er, force of habit there.)

[kanasta]

Seems to me, when people do that, it's normally the case that the pun is pretty weak so they are actually pointing it out rather than genuinely apologising, as if they didn't, people might miss their fairly unfunny joke.

[1950strangers]

Alright, that's an acceptable explanation for the excuses made: apologising for a weak pun.

Yeah, that seems to be the case--a reminder, instead of an apology--or else, we "...might miss their fairly unfunny joke."

Thanks, kanasta, for the quick reply.