Comments on: how to be a copywriter

By: Uma

Uma — Mon, 20 Dec 2004 23:18:45 +0000

I don’t know if I qualify as exceptional, but I like to bring a fresh perspective to my work and maybe I can do the same for you. Can point you to some of my work if u write.

By: eiji

eiji — Wed, 06 Oct 2004 21:20:44 +0000

i have much idea, i want to work as a copywriter but have no chance in Viet nam… who help me how can i make everyboss beleive on me

By: hugh macleod

hugh macleod — Tue, 31 Aug 2004 02:36:50 +0000

Actually, Asha I would agree with most of what you said.
Good copywriting advice is fairly common sense, as far as I can see. So there’s only so much help a wee list could give anybody.
I disagree with your last point, though. Bright folk like working with other bright folk, when the need and opportunity arises. Also there’s the social aspect. I dunno, I’ve always liked having people around to bounce ideas off of.

By: Asha

Asha — Mon, 30 Aug 2004 21:30:21 +0000

Every ‘teach-yourself-copywriting’ book seems to have the same list today. All pretty hackneyed points, don’t you think? Except the fourth one of course, which is quite original…and completly wrong. Think about it. You seek out exceptional minds and then…what? Face it, those exceptional minds would be too busy trying to get their own BIG IDEA to help you with yours. So you never know…The watercooler may be the Fountain of Knowledge you’re looking for.

By: gab

gab — Fri, 27 Aug 2004 06:50:56 +0000

probably the best claim ever:
you don’t need to buy one.

By: gab

gab — Fri, 27 Aug 2004 06:50:11 +0000

probably the best claim ever:
you don’t need to buy one.

By: Henry Orient

Henry Orient — Wed, 25 Aug 2004 22:58:06 +0000

I must confess, Sir Hugh, your treatsie has piqued my curiosity. Tell me: Where can a mere mortal such as myself see some samples of your work? Despite your well-justified disdain for award shows, have any of your ads made it into any of the annuals (CA, One Show, etc.)? Are any posted on a website somewhere? Inquiring minds want to know.

By: Sami

Sami — Tue, 24 Aug 2004 15:06:51 +0000

Write more with less

By: hugh macleod

hugh macleod — Tue, 24 Aug 2004 04:28:51 +0000

Kate, "Either you have it or you don't" is a bit too simplistic for my taste (life's vicissitudes being what they are), but yeah, good point, and that's exactly why "Be Good" is top of the list.

By: Mia

Mia — Tue, 24 Aug 2004 01:16:28 +0000

Oh, puke.

By: Diane Bartlett

Diane Bartlett — Tue, 24 Aug 2004 00:30:51 +0000

Great incentive to be creative. Here’s one I keep on my desk. Just remember “AIDA”. “It’s got to SING!” A — get Attention; I — arouse Interest; D — creat Desire; A — stimulate Action. Diane

By: Kate Carr

Kate Carr — Tue, 24 Aug 2004 00:13:49 +0000

So…??? Sure, some of the flap you deliver is relevant and helpful, but like so many other copywriters, it is just the same ole same old story. I say, either you have it or you don’t — much like in every other profession in the world. Hey — this is news…ther are good writers and there are bad writers.

By: Arno Bean

Arno Bean — Mon, 23 Aug 2004 20:49:53 +0000

Bill, now that you mention it: I did some of my best work when I partnered with a great graphic designer.

By: Bill

Bill — Sun, 22 Aug 2004 00:10:28 +0000

A great list. Particularly number 4 — seek out exceptional minds. My best work has always been when I’ve been associated with people with exceptional talents and thinking. It’s almost like a chemical reaction. It sort of reminds me of the Kurt Vonnegut book Slapstick, when the brother and sister twins physically touch their heads together. (Doesn’t make sense if you haven’t read the book.)
It’s hard to find people like that but, when you do, you do your best work.