Boardwalk Pitchmen

Alex Cohen · 03-23-2011, 02:12 PM

As you read this article about Atlantic City boardwalk pitchmen, you'll see exact parallels to writing direct response copy.

Excellent reading for copywriters at all levels ...

pitchmen « Paul-Johnson.com | Niche Business Growth from The Trouble Breaker

Alex

Oxbloom · 03-23-2011, 05:45 PM

Thanks so much for posting that. Stuff like this really helps to remind me what I enjoy about this sometimes ugly game.

Reading and absorbing everything in that article would be more than enough to make one a very successful copywriter. And moreover, one who wouldn't come off looking like every other Tom, Dick, and template-writing Harry out there, producing knock-off after knock-off.

Yeah, the knock-offs produce numbers. So I don't fault people who strive to write yet another (insert famous sales letter here) letter. Piss...I do it myself. But good, fundamental salesman ringleadership sells like hell, too.

Things like this are why I keep reading old Joe Sugarman ads. Or visiting DAK's site, even though I'm not a tech junkie. These guys know how to captivate without relying on really strict A.I.D.A., bullet-bullet-bullet, testimonial this, Johnson box that style.

When they're at their best, they just seem to riff. Even if it really IS very structured underneath the hood, it never quite comes off like that. It really FEELS like passion on their part. And that's contagious. No wonder buyers can't resist.

"Billy Mays learned on the Atlantic City Boardwalk that buyers want to be lead."

There's more practical truth in that sentence than in all the other copywriting screeds I've seen, combined. And that's even with the misspelling.

As a buyer, I WANT to believe everything is going to be okay. I WANT to believe I've just accidentally stumbled across the one website or scrap of paper in the entire universe that will finally give me the piece of the puzzle I've been missing all these years. I WANT to want to reach into my wallet, just to belong among the group of people who you, the pitchman, respect as having been wise enough to believe and buy.

And I enjoy my work, and myself, more when I try to be that pitchman. Tragically, I all too often end up coming off more like what would happen if Yanik Silver's instantsalesletters mated with the "One Legged Golfer." Alas.

Bruce NewMedia · 03-27-2011, 02:26 PM

Thanks for that!...its true many of the great pitchmen on TV today started on the Atlantic City boardwalk or at county fairs.

Mel Arthur, (QVC and Magic Jack), Ed McMahon, Ron Popeil (Showtime Grill & many more) all got their early training in those type of venues.

A copywriter can learn much from these guys. Even better, doing what they did can only make one a better sales writer, imo.
_____
Bruce

fasteasysuccess · 03-27-2011, 02:38 PM

That reminds me of the potato peeler salesman that made millions on the streets of New York. (put it up while back)

YouTube - Best Salesman in the World

03-23-2011, 02:12 PM	#1
Alex Cohen Copy Champion War Room Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,001 Thanks: 45 Thanked 501 Times in 304 Posts Contact Info	Boardwalk Pitchmen As you read this article about Atlantic City boardwalk pitchmen, you'll see exact parallels to writing direct response copy. Excellent reading for copywriters at all levels ... pitchmen « Paul-Johnson.com \| Niche Business Growth from The Trouble Breaker Alex

03-23-2011, 05:45 PM	#2
Oxbloom J.W. Acre War Room Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 440 Thanks: 74 Thanked 244 Times in 139 Posts	Re: Boardwalk Pitchmen Thanks so much for posting that. Stuff like this really helps to remind me what I enjoy about this sometimes ugly game. Reading and absorbing everything in that article would be more than enough to make one a very successful copywriter. And moreover, one who wouldn't come off looking like every other Tom, Dick, and template-writing Harry out there, producing knock-off after knock-off. Yeah, the knock-offs produce numbers. So I don't fault people who strive to write yet another (insert famous sales letter here) letter. Piss...I do it myself. But good, fundamental salesman ringleadership sells like hell, too. Things like this are why I keep reading old Joe Sugarman ads. Or visiting DAK's site, even though I'm not a tech junkie. These guys know how to captivate without relying on really strict A.I.D.A., bullet-bullet-bullet, testimonial this, Johnson box that style. When they're at their best, they just seem to riff. Even if it really IS very structured underneath the hood, it never quite comes off like that. It really FEELS like passion on their part. And that's contagious. No wonder buyers can't resist. "Billy Mays learned on the Atlantic City Boardwalk that buyers want to be lead." There's more practical truth in that sentence than in all the other copywriting screeds I've seen, combined. And that's even with the misspelling. As a buyer, I WANT to believe everything is going to be okay. I WANT to believe I've just accidentally stumbled across the one website or scrap of paper in the entire universe that will finally give me the piece of the puzzle I've been missing all these years. I WANT to want to reach into my wallet, just to belong among the group of people who you, the pitchman, respect as having been wise enough to believe and buy. And I enjoy my work, and myself, more when I try to be that pitchman. Tragically, I all too often end up coming off more like what would happen if Yanik Silver's instantsalesletters mated with the "One Legged Golfer." Alas.

03-27-2011, 02:26 PM	#3
Bruce NewMedia www.OfflineAdvance.com War Room Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 2,179 Thanks: 1,514 Thanked 679 Times in 376 Posts	Re: Boardwalk Pitchmen Thanks for that!...its true many of the great pitchmen on TV today started on the Atlantic City boardwalk or at county fairs. Mel Arthur, (QVC and Magic Jack), Ed McMahon, Ron Popeil (Showtime Grill & many more) all got their early training in those type of venues. A copywriter can learn much from these guys. Even better, doing what they did can only make one a better sales writer, imo. _____ Bruce
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