Copywriters Tai-Chi Exercise to Increase Performance

[Mark Andrews]

Maybe I'm the only professional copywriter to do this...

You tell me.

Whilst writing a clients sales copy... my brow furrowed like I just chewed on a wasp, hunched over, smoking cigarettes at two a dozen like the clappers...

...and writing at a quite incredible pace of knots (with my eyes closed) whilst talking to myself like a schizophrenic to get inside my clients prospects mindset, now and again...

I stretch to bring myself back from the trance-like state I'm in, to ground my chi energy through my lightning fast fingertips.

Sitting in my office chair, I bring my hands in front of me close together whilst turning them palms facing together (but not touching) to gauge the amount of energy between them.

And then very slowly pulling my hands apart at a dead slow speed, almost imperceptibly slow... I pull them further and further apart until my hands are both fully stretched out to my sides.

Inverting both hands so the palms are now facing behind me, I arc the elbow joints so both forearms are now facing downwards at an angle and bring both hands slowly s-l-o-w-l-y together behind the back of my chair, still with the palms facing backwards (index and thumb almost but not quite touching).

Then reverse the procedure until both palms are fully outstretched again - now concentrating heavily on my breathing. Very slowly (45 seconds in through the nose) and out again very softly for 1 minute out through the mouth. Keep doing this for 5 minutes minimum.

On the cusp of the last exhalation of breath, drop both elbows down so both palms are now facing forwards again. And ever so ever so s-l-o-w-l-y bring both palms towards each other once more.

Now, when they're about 2-3' apart... I can feel a huge amount of invisible energy between both palms, like an invisible ball which one can play with by twirling your hands this way and that before grounding the created energy safely down to earth to both sides.

Doing this... I've increased my typing speed from just 60wpm to an astonishing 375wpm with just my one middle finger on my right hand touching the keyboard. Quite literally this one middle finger quivering in a blur at lightning speed across the keys.

You should try it out for yourself. It's guaranteed to work and does wonders for your copywriting.

What techniques if any do you use to increase your copywriting performance?

Better get back to it - I've got a deadline to keep for 2 hours time.

This thread btw took me 1 minute and 3 seconds to write out.


Mark Andrews

[arfasaira]

Well, I can just type fast in my sleep - no middle finger or tai chi required!

[Mark Andrews]

Originally Posted by arfasaira

Well, I can just type fast in my sleep - no middle finger or tai chi required!

Pfffft... not to outdone by his former business partner, I can write sales copy faster than you can whilst standing on one hand and typing with the other hand upside down lol.

How's your holiday going Arfa? 45c yet?

This will be you at the end of the week ---> Don't forget the sunscreen, better still natural Greek yoghurt if you can get your hands on it where you're at. Soothes the skin tremendously if you've got sunburn.

Another happy Agony Uncle Mark Andrews bright sun-shiney happy tip for you today lol.

From a soggy and wet UK (ya lucky sod) ,


Mark Andrews

[Doceye]

I fear someone is trying to topple Doc from his comedy/copy throne.

And if correct, I must now stand erect and accept your challenge, Mark.

Just haven't figured out how to top the "375 wpm" claim.

It was hard enough standing erect.

[Mark Andrews]

Originally Posted by Doceye

I fear someone is trying to topple Doc from his comedy/copy throne.

You breathe satirical.

I'm no contest by comparison.

You're in a league all your own.

No challenge here.

Bottoms up,


Mark Andrews

[The Marketeer]

That's a very interesting technique you've got there. I'll have to try it out sometime.

Here's what I do to increase my performance:

http://youtu.be/Pt24dUKDQFY

[Don Schenk]

375wpm! Whoa Mark, that's almost as fast as I can talk.

@marketeer - That's an amazing kata!

:-Don

[RickDuris]

Mark, in the nicest possible way...

I thought *I* was weird...

[Mark Andrews]

Originally Posted by RickDuris

Mark, in the nicest possible way...

I thought *I* was weird...

You are Rick.

By comparison, I'm just mildly eccentric.

[arfasaira]

Originally Posted by Mark Andrews

Pfffft... not to outdone by his former business partner, I can write sales copy faster than you can whilst standing on one hand and typing with the other hand upside down lol.

How's your holiday going Arfa? 45c yet?

This will be you at the end of the week ---> Don't forget the sunscreen, better still natural Greek yoghurt if you can get your hands on it where you're at. Soothes the skin tremendously if you've got sunburn.

Another happy Agony Uncle Mark Andrews bright sun-shiney happy tip for you today lol.

From a soggy and wet UK (ya lucky sod) ,


Mark Andrews

Im doing GREAT!!! You're nearly right - we are 44C at the moment - SCORCHING!!!

In sunny Doha, Qatar and right now, and my son is having breakfast while I type at a VERY leisurely pace

Off to the beach in an hour - check out where I'm going: Corniche

Friday, my son and I are going on a desert safari and doing a spot of dune racing....

And the weekend we are planning to hop across the pond in Dubai...

In between, we have a few excursions planned - we went on a night tour of Doha last night, all I can say is Blackpool illuminations are tame compared to the light show we get here: Lights

Jamal (my son) has had a poorly tummy since Sunday and still struggling with it (we got here yesterday)...

Ah well, when I return, I'll have been well and truly rested...and no doubt my typing speed will have sped up considerably!

[CharismaticMannequin]

Originally Posted by The Marketeer

That's a very interesting technique you've got there. I'll have to try it out sometime.

Here's what I do to increase my performance:

http://youtu.be/Pt24dUKDQFY

Damnnnn,


that dude's FAST! I thought I was fast, but there you have it..


Used to do freestyle kickboxing, but when I have time to get back into martial arts, it's gonna be kung-fu I choose!



Ben.

[Mark Andrews]

Originally Posted by arfasaira

Im doing GREAT!!! You're nearly right - we are 44C at the moment - SCORCHING!!!

In sunny Doha, Qatar and right now, and my son is having breakfast while I type at a VERY leisurely pace

Off to the beach in an hour - check out where I'm going: Corniche

Friday, my son and I are going on a desert safari and doing a spot of dune racing....

And the weekend we are planning to hop across the pond in Dubai...

In between, we have a few excursions planned - we went on a night tour of Doha last night, all I can say is Blackpool illuminations are tame compared to the light show we get here: Lights

Jamal (my son) has had a poorly tummy since Sunday and still struggling with it (we got here yesterday)...

Ah well, when I return, I'll have been well and truly rested...and no doubt my typing speed will have sped up considerably!

You have yourself a bloomin' lovely time lass, you bloomin' deserve it. Good on you for taking my advice from ages back about you needing a holiday.

Hopefully this'll recharge yer batteries old gal.

Send us a posty.

Chin chin,


Mark

[The Marketeer]

Originally Posted by CharismaticMannequin

Damnnnn,


that dude's FAST! I thought I was fast, but there you have it..


Used to do freestyle kickboxing, but when I have time to get back into martial arts, it's gonna be kung-fu I choose!

Ben.

Yeah, he's good.

Although the title of the video is," Crazy Kung Fu Guy" the style he's practicing is Tae Kwon Do as that style specialises in mastery of the feet.

I wouldn't recommend Kung Fu as it has its limitations in street situations.

MMA or Mixed Martial Arts is an umbrella name that is used to refer to a combination of martial arts styles. UFC style fights are the closet thing you can get to real life fighting. Although to get to that level you need to practice regularly in different styles and obviously with full protection.

Most pro's practice at least two different styles. MMA fighters practice a combination of Kickboxing, Muay Thai and Grappling or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

[arfasaira]

Originally Posted by Mark Andrews

You have yourself a bloomin' lovely time lass, you bloomin' deserve it. Good on you for taking my advice from ages back about you needing a holiday.

Hopefully this'll recharge yer batteries old gal.

Send us a posty.

Chin chin,


Mark

Thanks Mark!!

Let's just say that returning here will be a regular thing

I'm staying with my dad's brother so no hotel or food costs, and my cousins are taking us out everywhere for excursions which is awesome and means I can relax and enjoy without having to worry about a THING! We got picked up at the airport and with my cousin working in a travel agency, we can get VERY cheap flights to Dubai or Abu Dhabi...so I've opted for Dubai!

When I come again next year (and that I totally will), I'll be Island hopping between different points as a tour.

Have to say Mark, it's totally stunning here and the heat doesn't bother me in the slightest - in fact, it's a welcome change from the cold and the rain I left behind in the UK.

Best decision I made to come here! I was thinking Egypt or Morocco, but I've already been to both places...

I did think Andalusia but in the end decided on Qatar...definitely a wise decision!

It's now just gone 6:30pm, starting to get dark and we still have HEAT - despite being surrounded by water...humidity is high but we have a hot breeze blowing and its just gorgeous...

Taking a break now - been shopping with Jamal - poor thing decided to rest under a palm tree and was complaining of the heat...

I've got bottles of sunblock with me - not to worry! We're going to go out again tonight, this time to some gardens which are open in the evening...

Catch you later!

[CharismaticMannequin]

Originally Posted by The Marketeer

Yeah, he's good.

Although the title of the video is," Crazy Kung Fu Guy" the style he's practicing is Tae Kwon Do as that style specialises in mastery of the feet.

I wouldn't recommend Kung Fu as it has its limitations in street situations.

MMA or Mixed Martial Arts is an umbrella name that is used to refer to a combination of martial arts styles. UFC style fights are the closet thing you can get to real life fighting. Although to get to that level you need to practice regularly in different styles and obviously with full protection.

Most pro's practice at least two different styles. MMA fighters practice a combination of Kickboxing, Muay Thai and Grappling or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Ahh right.


To be honest, I almost joined a Muay Thai class (with some affiliation to Bruce Lee), but decided not to (the instructors were dicks).

Ever seen a film called Never Back Down? That's my inspiration for studying Martial Arts



Ben.

[Mark Andrews]

Originally Posted by arfasaira

Thanks Mark!!

Let's just say that returning here will be a regular thing

I'm staying with my dad's brother so no hotel or food costs, and my cousins are taking us out everywhere for excursions which is awesome and means I can relax and enjoy without having to worry about a THING! We got picked up at the airport and with my cousin working in a travel agency, we can get VERY cheap flights to Dubai or Abu Dhabi...so I've opted for Dubai!

When I come again next year (and that I totally will), I'll be Island hopping between different points as a tour.

Have to say Mark, it's totally stunning here and the heat doesn't bother me in the slightest - in fact, it's a welcome change from the cold and the rain I left behind in the UK.

Best decision I made to come here! I was thinking Egypt or Morocco, but I've already been to both places...

I did think Andalusia but in the end decided on Qatar...definitely a wise decision!

It's now just gone 6:30pm, starting to get dark and we still have HEAT - despite being surrounded by water...humidity is high but we have a hot breeze blowing and its just gorgeous...

Taking a break now - been shopping with Jamal - poor thing decided to rest under a palm tree and was complaining of the heat...

I've got bottles of sunblock with me - not to worry! We're going to go out again tonight, this time to some gardens which are open in the evening...

Catch you later!

Never mind all of that malarkey - how much work have you picked up over there? Go get digging up some clients girl. They've got the money there.

Oh and btw, I just drove past Huddersfield and dropped by to check up on the house, changed the locks for you so if you do come back here...

...it's either no house or the narrowboat I bought for you 12 months ago lol. That thing I dumped outside your front door, remember?

You never know, you might just end up staying there. Or having to.

Look out to sea. See that water skier zipping by, that's me in disguise. Multi-talented see. Multi-tasking is something you should never have taught me. I can now water ski and still copywrite whilst doing so at 90mph.

Splat! Aghhh, gurgle, gurgle - oh ship!

[arfasaira]

Originally Posted by Mark Andrews

Never mind all of that malarkey - how much work have you picked up over there? Go get digging up some clients girl. They've got the money there.

I'm here solely to chill...

Having said that though - one of my biggest clients is in Dubai and I spoke to her this morning. Planning on going Dubai this weekend and going to try and meet up with her - we shall see how we are for time!

hmm...you got me thinking now...perhaps I should look at getting clients...but then again, I'm not wanting to take the fun away from the holiday - or it wouldn't be a holiday!

I'm flying back to the UK on Monday evening and arrive first thing Tuesday...

And intend to make the most of it!!

You know, I'm seriously considering moving here - beautiful place, very affluent and VERY cosmopolitan place. I sat next to a guy from Australia on the way from Abu Dhabi to Qatar - he's working for a big pharma company and said he only considered the move because the money was too good to refuse...

Actually - everyone I've spoken to so far has said the same - the money is so worth it.

Off to the Souks now...

[Mark Andrews]

Originally Posted by arfasaira

I'm here solely to chill...

Batten down the hatches! Chill? You go for it lass.

Just watched the weather forecast. Blazing June? What a joke!

We've just been forecast here in the SW 70mph hurricane force winds in the morning and the temperature?...

A massive whopping blistering 13C / 55F. Big bloody deal.

My advice? Stay there and chill!

[arfasaira]

Originally Posted by Mark Andrews

Batten down the hatches! Chill? You go for it lass.

Just watched the weather forecast. Blazing June? What a joke!

We've just been forecast here in the SW 70mph hurricane force winds in the morning and the temperature?...

A massive whopping blistering 13C / 55F. Big bloody deal.

My advice? Stay there and chill!

well, I'm so glad I'm not there! We are midday here...and 108F

he he

Yup...I think I could live here quite easily...

In fact, if it wasn't for my kids, I'd move this year...

oh well...

[Mark Andrews]

Originally Posted by arfasaira

oh well...

"There's always the narrowboat."

[The Marketeer]

Originally Posted by CharismaticMannequin

Ahh right.


To be honest, I almost joined a Muay Thai class (with some affiliation to Bruce Lee), but decided not to (the instructors were dicks).

Ever seen a film called Never Back Down? That's my inspiration for studying Martial Arts



Ben.

Ok, those Muay Thai guys are tough cookies. You wanna see their conditioning routines.

When selecting a teacher or team it's important to find one that you can get along with.

I've seen a bit of Never Back Down. I wasn't too impressed though. It's very similar to a classic martial arts film called No Retreat No Surrender.

I'm a big Jet Li fan. If you get a chance check out his 7 part series "Once Upon A Time in China." He's a G.

[arfasaira]

Originally Posted by The Marketeer

Ok, those Muay Thai guys are tough cookies. You wanna see their conditioning routines.

When selecting a teacher or team it's important to find one that you can get along with.

I've seen a bit of Never Back Down. I wasn't too impressed though. It's very similar to a classic martial arts film called No Retreat No Surrender.

I'm a big Jet Li fan. If you get a chance check out his 7 part series "Once Upon A Time in China." He's a G.

Well, I did Chinese Kickboxing (totally different style to Muay Thai) for 4 years and have five belts in it...

I used to be able to do a roundhouse kick to my husband's head (he is 6ft 2") with effortless ease and precision...shame I never actually kicked him !

When I move back to my home town, this is one sport I'm definitely looking to take up again...

Jet Li is COOL! I think he is awesome!

[The Marketeer]

Originally Posted by arfasaira

Well, I did Chinese Kickboxing (totally different style to Muay Thai) for 4 years and have five belts in it...

I used to be able to do a roundhouse kick to my husband's head (he is 6ft 2") with effortless ease and precision...shame I never actually kicked him !

When I move back to my home town, this is one sport I'm definitely looking to take up again...

Jet Li is COOL! I think he is awesome!

Whoah 5 belts! I feel sorry for anyone that messes with you.

Yeah I aspire to get to his level one day...

[arfasaira]

Originally Posted by The Marketeer

Whoah 5 belts! I feel sorry for anyone that messes with you.

Yeah I aspire to get to his level one day...

Yes - I was actually training for my sixth belt when I unfortunately got engaged...and my mum banned me from training any more. She was worried I'd end up with a broken nose on my wedding day!

Put it this way, I used to train for 7-9 hours a week and did press-ups on my knuckles. 200 situps without stopping was EASY for me and I was so fit I had no worries in the world...

My fault for letting the training slip after getting married...

Shame really, the skills would have come in REAL use with my ex

he he!!!

I'm really looking forward to getting back into it - fit as a fiddle I used to be...not so since having the kids...

But you know what they say, muscles have memory and I remember all the moves...

Roundhouse and spinning back kicks were my most deadliest weapons...and my instructor told me I had a killer left and right hook!

Well that's it - made my mind up - as soon as I get back to my home town, I'll be back training!

[Mark Andrews]

Originally Posted by The Marketeer

Whoah 5 belts! I feel sorry for anyone that messes with you.

If you're fast enough and duck quickly and get close enough though to tickle her in the ribs, she'll simply collapse on the floor in a piddle of laughter.

My friendly tip of the day.


Mark Andrews

[Rezbi]

Hmm. Bunch of amateurs on here.

I'm an instructor in self defense.

I went to a TKD club once. I never said I did anything and the guy they got to spar with me kept trying to do a spinning back kick.

Three times he tried, and three times I just kicked him in the butt and sent him flying forward.

In the end he just gave up, started laughing and admitted he couldn't touch me.

If you want to see the type of stuff I do, just watch any of the newer movies with Tom Cruise, Colin Farrel or Robert De Niro, where they do fight scenes.

Those are based on actual moves of the type of stuff I teach.

Their instructor is the top guy in the world doing what I do.

[The Marketeer]

Originally Posted by Rezbi

Hmm. Bunch of amateurs on here.

I'm an instructor in self defense.

I went to a TKD club once. I never said I did anything and the guy they got to spar with me kept trying to do a spinning back kick.

Three times he tried, and three times I just kicked him in the butt and sent him flying forward.

In the end he just gave up, started laughing and admitted he couldn't touch me.

If you want to see the type of stuff I do, just watch any of the newer movies with Tom Cruise, Colin Farrel or Robert De Niro, where they do fight scenes.

Those are based on actual moves of the type of stuff I teach.

Their instructor is the top guy in the world doing what I do.

We have a real talented bunch of people of this forum. Who'd have thought?

BTW the TKD clip was just a joke. I think it's pretty limited. To be effective on the street you need to use all parts of your body.

I'm assuming you're a Krav guy because that's what TC and CF use in their films?

[Rezbi]

Originally Posted by The Marketeer

We have a real talented bunch of people of this forum. Who'd have thought?

BTW the TKD clip was just a joke. I think it's pretty limited. To be effective on the street you need to use all parts of your body.

I'm assuming you're a Krav guy because that's what TC and CF use in their films?

Oh, please. Mega Krap?

I don't think so.

Unseen footage- training behind the scenes of...

Collateral Tom Cruise training - YouTube

Collateral shootout club-disco scene Fever (Tom...

[The Marketeer]

That's childsplay compared to some of the stuff I've seen. If it wasn't for the fact that the clips I wanted to post would be considered a bit heavy and prob off topic, I'd have posted them.

[Rezbi]

Originally Posted by The Marketeer

That's childsplay compared to some of the stuff I've seen. If it wasn't for the fact that the clips I wanted to post are a bit too heavy for the average WF member, I'd have posted them.

Listen: To date, not one person who has trained with me personally has lasted more than a few months.

Once they reach a certain level they can't take any more.

I've had boxers and supposedly tough nuts come around to check out what I do. Only to leave saying it's too rough.

And I'm not making that up.

Those clips are exactly that - clips.

The closest you'd get to seeing it's violent capabilities on the screen is in a movie called A history of violence with Viggo Mortensen.

A History of Violence:Death of Carl Fogaty -...

A History of Violence (2005) - Philadelphia...

And yeah, if it came down to it, I could do that if I had to.

[The Marketeer]

Ok, that's a lot more realistic. I believe you. If anyone puts the effort in and has a natural capability then it becomes easy for them.

[CharismaticMannequin]

Originally Posted by The Marketeer

Ok, those Muay Thai guys are tough cookies. You wanna see their conditioning routines.

When selecting a teacher or team it's important to find one that you can get along with.

I've seen a bit of Never Back Down. I wasn't too impressed though. It's very similar to a classic martial arts film called No Retreat No Surrender.

I'm a big Jet Li fan. If you get a chance check out his 7 part series "Once Upon A Time in China." He's a G.

Haha, I bet man!

And yeah, I'll be looking soon for someone serious. I love Jet Li (Have you seen his film 'Unleashed' - also called Danny the Dog? Crazy ****!).

Ill have a look at his series!


Arfa, y'know how you love me an' all? Yeah, please don't kill me! if I have to, I'll write a killer sales letter on the benefits of NOT killing me


Now...to look at these epic vids Rezbi's posted....



Ben.

[arfasaira]

Originally Posted by CharismaticMannequin

Arfa, y'know how you love me an' all? Yeah, please don't kill me! if I have to, I'll write a killer sales letter on the benefits of NOT killing me


Ben.

Ha ha!! Don't worry, the only person who needs a flying kick around here is my ex

Just got back from Dubai this morning...VERY expensive and very beautiful!

Back to boring Manchester by tomorrow....off to souks now for last minute shopping

[Mark Andrews]

Weather forecast you'll be pleased to hear
for Manchester is rain, rain and more rain
with sultry highs of 47F / 9C.

Welcome home Arfa!

[arfasaira]

Originally Posted by Mark Andrews

Weather forecast you'll be pleased to hear
for Manchester is rain, rain and more rain
with sultry highs of 47F / 9C.

Welcome home Arfa!

Thanks Mark - yeah, I left scorching temperatures only to get back to a pretty cold and dull Manchester this morning. Right now, my little one is asleep in my room while I have the heating on!

Had a tough night on the plane - and had two of the most obnoxiously rude guys sat behind me who spent most of the night firing off every expletive known to man

They scared my son silly - poor thing tried to change TV channels on his console and instead switched the overhead light on a few times...only to hear them shout 'Jeeeezuz Chrissss...will you turn that f@##in light off!'

I felt like giving them a peace of my mind, but decided to ignore them instead.

Maybe I should have said something - they must have used the F word in each sentence no less than 3 times...along with a whole host of other interesting profanities.

If anyone NEEDED a good kicking, it was most certainly them, but I didn't want to have a bad end to such a wonderful holiday.

Now I know exactly why the Brits have a BAD reputation abroad, needless to say, you can bet I'll be putting in a complaint to the airline about them...

Anyway, back to work...

I met one of my long-term and biggest clients in Dubai - and managed to secure even more work with her, plus now she will be sending my details with recommendations to several of the marketing agencies in the UAE (she is a marketing and media manager).

I already worked freelance a few times with a branding agency in Dubai twice last year and had my work published in a Government investment portfolio, so I'm seriously hoping to get some really good work in...

Looks like I might need to take a few more trips to Dubai and Qatar in the interests of networking and client cultivation

[Rezbi]

Talking about brands, you guys should get this book Branding Your Business (Business Success):... .

Copywriters need to know these things. And this book is the best one on the subject.

He's also very highly recommended by Drayton Bird.

[Mark Andrews]

Originally Posted by arfasaira

Thanks Mark - yeah, I left scorching temperatures only to get back to a pretty cold and dull Manchester this morning. Right now, my little one is asleep in my room while I have the heating on!

Had a tough night on the plane - and had two of the most obnoxiously rude guys sat behind me who spent most of the night firing off every expletive known to man

They scared my son silly - poor thing tried to change TV channels on his console and instead switched the overhead light on a few times...only to hear them shout 'Jeeeezuz Chrissss...will you turn that f@##in light off!'

I felt like giving them a peace of my mind, but decided to ignore them instead.

Maybe I should have said something - they must have used the F word in each sentence no less than 3 times...along with a whole host of other interesting profanities.

If anyone NEEDED a good kicking, it was most certainly them, but I didn't want to have a bad end to such a wonderful holiday.

Now I know exactly why the Brits have a BAD reputation abroad, needless to say, you can bet I'll be putting in a complaint to the airline about them...

Anyway, back to work...

I met one of my long-term and biggest clients in Dubai - and managed to secure even more work with her, plus now she will be sending my details with recommendations to several of the marketing agencies in the UAE (she is a marketing and media manager).

I already worked freelance a few times with a branding agency in Dubai twice last year and had my work published in a Government investment portfolio, so I'm seriously hoping to get some really good work in...

Looks like I might need to take a few more trips to Dubai and Qatar in the interests of networking and client cultivation

Hey up lass,

Glad you had a good time and picked yourself up some more work - good on you. Well done.

So, now you're back to the grind mill. Secret with going on your travels is to remember there's a whole big world out there just waiting for you, full of new experiences, people and cultures. All waiting to be explored. And you're only young once so you may as well get there whilst you can and enjoy it.

No point staying here any longer than you need to. Soon as you can, get yourself traveling again. It's probably done you the world of good. And you definitely needed it.

Anyway, the UK didn't feel the same without you, it's good to have you back safe and sound. And as regards those two foul mouthed louts most certainly complain to the airline. I'm just surprised in-flight you didn't have a word with the air hostess. Good job I wasn't there because they would most certainly have had a piece of my mind.

Send in a strongly worded complaint though and you never know, you might get your next flight with the same airline at a heavily discounted rate. Fingers crossed.

See you soon yeah - keep your chin old girl.

Cheerio for now,


Mark

[arfasaira]

Originally Posted by Mark Andrews

Hey up lass,

Glad you had a good time and picked yourself up some more work - good on you. Well done.

So, now you're back to the grind mill. Secret with going on your travels is to remember there's a whole big world out there just waiting for you, full of new experiences, people and cultures. All waiting to be explored. And you're only young once so you may as well get there whilst you can and enjoy it.

No point staying here any longer than you need to. Soon as you can, get yourself traveling again. It's probably done you the world of good. And you definitely needed it.

Anyway, the UK didn't feel the same without you, it's good to have you back safe and sound. And as regards those two foul mouthed louts most certainly complain to the airline. I'm just surprised in-flight you didn't have a word with the air hostess. Good job I wasn't there because they would most certainly have had a piece of my mind.

Send in a strongly worded complaint though and you never know, you might get your next flight with the same airline at a heavily discounted rate. Fingers crossed.

See you soon yeah - keep your chin old girl.

Cheerio for now,


Mark

Thanks Mark

yes, I'm going to complain today - the only reason I never said anything is because I was worried they'd give me a hard time when we got off the flight. Next time, I'm going to book first class.

I LOVE travelling and experiencing new cultures - I've already been to Egypt, Morocco, Saudi, Pakistan and seen much of the UK.

Travelling opens your mind and nurtures your soul. It helps you connect with yourself on a whole new level and enables you to appreciate what you have.

I'm already planning next year's trip - back to the UAE, next time with a stay in Abu Dhabi as this time it was just a stopover. Andalusia in Spain is also high on the agenda.

In the next few years I'm planning Malaysia, Kenya, Turkey and Tunisia.

My plan is to travel at least twice a year - it will be good for the kids too and will open their minds and their hearts to the possibilities in life and to appreciate what they have. Travel definitely makes you a more rounded individual - but not if you stick to tourist places.

One thing I do when I travel is go where the locals go and experience what they do rather than stick to tourist hot spots which are way too commercialized and don't allow you to experience the beauty of culture.

On work, I think a good strategy is to look offline in other countries for sure - for example, in the UAE, they REALLY value copywriters with perfect English and more importantly, are wealthy enough to pay you more than you're worth.

I'm getting onto local job sites in the UAE - and no, it's nothing like Elance. As my client in Dubai explained, the local businesses who look for talent are mostly million dollar corporations and not small business start-ups looking for cheap-as-chips talent.

These are businesses who have the money to REALLY pay your worth. And it's not a bidding war either - the higher you charge, the more they value you. Well, we shall see what happens because I'm completing my profile on one of the largest employment sites in the UAE...

[Mark Andrews]

For all the nagging then it took me telling you, you needed a holiday which eventually paid off you can share this site with me via email can't you?

Cheers ears,


Mark

[joe golfer]

Originally Posted by arfasaira

Had a tough night on the plane - and had two of the most obnoxiously rude guys sat behind me who spent most of the night firing off every expletive known to man

They scared my son silly - poor thing tried to change TV channels on his console and instead switched the overhead light on a few times...only to hear them shout 'Jeeeezuz Chrissss...will you turn that f@##in light off!'

I felt like giving them a peace of my mind, but decided to ignore them instead.

Maybe I should have said something - they must have used the F word in each sentence no less than 3 times...along with a whole host of other interesting profanities.

If anyone NEEDED a good kicking, it was most certainly them, but I didn't want to have a bad end to such a wonderful holiday.

You were right to play it cool. Model citizens like this are a traveling hazard. But you can ask them to lay off the language because of your kids. Don't yell and don't be cross but say it loud enough that the other passengers can hear you--you want the rest of the plane on your side. It helps a lot.

If they keep it up, go to the flight attendant and explain the situation. Flight attendants will help but often people go to them with petty requests. Show them you are not one of those people. Calmly explain that you asked them to lay off the language and behavior but they kept it up and it is scaring your children. Talk about the kids. Don't act like an overprotective parent but say you are concerned for their safety. Talk about the other passengers being upset. Give specifics.

Ask if there are any other seats your family can move to. If so, that should solve it.

If not, have the flight attendant talk to them. Don't act like you are having them punished. Just take care of it calmly. That should calm them down. If they get angry and start acting crazy at all, the pilot will land the plane at the nearest airport and they will be arrested. If that happens they could be put on no-fly list which is almost impossible to get off.

If they calm down, they may still be pissed at you. Don't call your kids by their names. If you land and can call people on your cell, don't use any names of people you know in the conversation. You don't want them to know anything about you or where you live, even the section of town. Don't mention schools or friends or anything they could use to track you down later. Don't talk about where your car is parked or where you are catching a taxi.

Let them get off the plane first. Pretend you have to gather all your stuff. Or pretend you are on the phone. Do not let them follow you to baggage handling or to the pick-up or parking areas. Do not let them see you get into your car.

As soon as you can, send in a report to the airline. Describe the people giving you trouble. Guys like this often do it again and again. It helps the airline to have a record of their behavior. It also helps the police if they ever commit a crime. Don't make a verbal report. Document it on paper or email and send it to the complaint department. Just describe them as well as you can and what happened.

People like this may just be a-holes. But some are also extremely dangerous. Once they get to their car, they can also be armed and dangerous.

[arfasaira]

Originally Posted by Joe Ditzel

You were right to play it cool. Model citizens like this are a traveling hazard. But you can ask them to lay off the language because of your kids. Don't yell and don't be cross but say it loud enough that the other passengers can hear you--you want the rest of the plane on your side. It helps a lot.

If they keep it up, go to the flight attendant and explain the situation. Flight attendants will help but often people go to them with petty requests. Show them you are not one of those people. Calmly explain that you asked them to lay off the language and behavior but they kept it up and it is scaring your children. Talk about the kids. Don't act like an overprotective parent but say you are concerned for their safety. Talk about the other passengers being upset. Give specifics.

Ask if there are any other seats your family can move to. If so, that should solve it.

If not, have the flight attendant talk to them. Don't act like you are having them punished. Just take care of it calmly. That should calm them down. If they get angry and start acting crazy at all, the pilot will land the plane at the nearest airport and they will be arrested. If that happens they could be put on no-fly list which is almost impossible to get off.

If they calm down, they may still be pissed at you. Don't call your kids by their names. If you land and can call people on your cell, don't use any names of people you know in the conversation. You don't want them to know anything about you or where you live, even the section of town. Don't mention schools or friends or anything they could use to track you down later. Don't talk about where your car is parked or where you are catching a taxi.

Let them get off the plane first. Pretend you have to gather all your stuff. Or pretend you are on the phone. Do not let them follow you to baggage handling or to the pick-up or parking areas. Do not let them see you get into your car.

As soon as you can, send in a report to the airline. Describe the people giving you trouble. Guys like this often do it again and again. It helps the airline to have a record of their behavior. It also helps the police if they ever commit a crime. Don't make a verbal report. Document it on paper or email and send it to the complaint department. Just describe them as well as you can and what happened.

People like this may just be a-holes. But some are also extremely dangerous. Once they get to their car, they can also be armed and dangerous.

Joe, thanks so much for that - to be honest, I hadn't even considered half of the things you mention here, but it makes perfect sense. I wrote Etihaad (the airline) a very long email today with specific details, flight number, date and time as well as their seat numbers - so am sure they will follow up, as they take these things very seriously.

I made sure I really voiced my concern over the safety and wellbeing of my son - he is scared of flying anyway, so to have this go on when he least needed it was awful. I know if my ex had been on board, he would dealt with it VERY firmly.

I have to admit, where my kids are concerned, I never take the risk to be mouthy because I fear my kids might get hurt. On my own, it's different.

If Etihaad don't get back to me by Friday, I'll ring and follow up as well as email them.

Good safety tips there - thank you

[joe golfer]

Originally Posted by arfasaira

Joe, thanks so much for that - to be honest, I hadn't even considered half of the things you mention here, but it makes perfect sense. I wrote Etihaad (the airline) a very long email today with specific details, flight number, date and time as well as their seat numbers - so am sure they will follow up, as they take these things very seriously.

I made sure I really voiced my concern over the safety and wellbeing of my son - he is scared of flying anyway, so to have this go on when he least needed it was awful. I know if my ex had been on board, he would dealt with it VERY firmly.

I have to admit, where my kids are concerned, I never take the risk to be mouthy because I fear my kids might get hurt. On my own, it's different.

If Etihaad don't get back to me by Friday, I'll ring and follow up as well as email them.

Good safety tips there - thank you

I wrote that in the black of night. In the light of day it reads a little ominous.

You did fine. They are pricks.