13 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
13 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Do You Have CopyWriting Ethics?

by Topgunb
11 replies
I have always held the view that client communication, regardless of setting is confidential.

When someone asks you to quote on a job, do you automatically include samples of your work. While these are great in persuading the client to hire you, it also must make them wonder..... 'Are you going to tell eveyone that you wrote my killer sales letter' will you show them the sample???

When you write a piece of copy which a client asks you to write and pays you for --- do they not hold copyright??? If so you handing out the copy you wrote no matter how good to a potential client ..... is this ethical.

Now if you hold the view that it is a free for all then I guess, ethics do not enter into the picture.

If you consider your self to be governed by a code of ethics please post them here....


If think that it is not needed also post your comment here....



Parting thought......

A client askes you to write some copy for them for an affiliate program they are promoting ... amazingly it converts at 45%!

If no ethics are applied, you could rewrite sales copy and sell it off as the next guru's secret sales letter which converts at a massive 45%.

Long I know ..... but is it boring?
#copywriting #ethics
  • Profile picture of the author Tina Golden
    A lot of copywriters either have sales letters that they've written for their own products as samples or they just make up samples to show. In some cases, clients give permission for a copywriter to use the page as a sample in exchange for a bargain rate.

    Just because someone shows samples doesn't mean that they are violating their client's confidentiality.

    Tina
    Signature
    Discover how to have fabulous, engaging content with
    Fast & Easy Content Creation
    ***Especially if you don't have enough time, money, or just plain HATE writing***
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2848465].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Topgunb
      Hey Tina,

      Excellent points!

      Clients generally want samples in their niche.

      Thanks

      Brian
      Signature
      swdcomputers@gmail.com For the best real deal in town!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2848744].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author geegel
      Originally Posted by TMG Enterprises View Post

      A lot of copywriters either have sales letters that they've written for their own products as samples or they just make up samples to show. In some cases, clients give permission for a copywriter to use the page as a sample in exchange for a bargain rate.

      Just because someone shows samples doesn't mean that they are violating their client's confidentiality.

      Tina
      I make a point of asking my clients whether they're OK with me sharing the work as sample. Most of them actually say yes. And why wouldn't they? They get free traffic from people who are actually comfortable with buying stuff online.

      Best regards,
      George
      Signature
      The Persuasion Expert: Capture. Solve. Create. Persuade
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2848958].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author DanielleLynnCopy
        Originally Posted by geegel View Post

        I make a point of asking my clients whether they're OK with me sharing the work as sample. Most of them actually say yes. And why wouldn't they? They get free traffic from people who are actually comfortable with buying stuff online.

        Best regards,
        George
        That's exactly what I do. And yes, most clients really don't mind. Of course- they may ask to wait until their product is released, or after it's been out for a while, but unless they're proclaiming to have written the copy themselves, I can't see many reasons they'd pass up on the opportunity for extra traffic!

        -Danielle
        Signature
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2849052].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author RickDuris
          Years ago, I made a decision not to show my work to anyone except who I was working with.

          It is not a matter of ethics for me. It's not even a matter of legal, unless a non-disclosure agreement is part of the transaction.

          It's a matter of trust--on both sides.

          I just get really upset when people plagiarize/steal my work for their own gain and my Clients, Partners and I do not get a piece of the action.

          Amazingly, I have had people pose as potential Clients, requesting to see my work. To see samples. Usually, I can allay concern. But sometimes I can't, and I can live with that.

          My decision stems from an early experience.

          When I first got started in software development, I spent two years working on an accounting system that ran on mini-computers.

          At the time, I was 20 years old and vice president of software development for a small software consulting company.

          One day, a man set an appointment with me, wanting to show me his software. I did not know him. He said he's be willing to give me an unlimited license for use and modification. Only $15,000. Source code included. Back then, software like that was running for $50,000.

          He mounted the disk packs and as we sat behind a terminal, my jaw dropped. I was speechless. It was MY software he had just loaded. I wrote it all.

          I got so angry. To think he was profiting from my work...

          I've also had dealings in the art world as well, where unscrupulous people take advantage of someone's ignorance and naivete.

          As a result, I take intellectual property very seriously. Maybe too seriously at times.

          On the Internet, people have taken things to a whole new level.

          I am not saying my decision is right for everyone. I occasionally pass up great opportunity because it. But everyone I do end up working with understands and respects my preference.

          - Rick Duris
          Signature
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2850484].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author arfasaira
            Originally Posted by RickDuris View Post


            He mounted the disk packs and as we sat behind a terminal, my jaw dropped. I was speechless. It was MY software he had just loaded. I wrote it all.

            I got so angry. To think he was profiting from my work...

            - Rick Duris

            That reminds me of the time I wrote an article about skincare and sent it off to a TOP magazine...when I rang and followed up, the lady was damn rude to me and put the phone down saying they didn't have time to deal with newbies.

            What infuriated me was that I sent a SAE thinking that if the worst came to the worst, I'd simply have it returned to me. What shocked me was that two months later, I bought the mag and guess what?

            A similar version of my article with the exact same title and product recommendations! I showed my husband in tears, and he was just as angry since he knew it had taken me a week to research and write, and they had basically ripped off my idea.

            I couldn't even prove it was mine, since they had basically used the same ideas and simply re-written it.

            nowadays, I simply send off a proposal instead.

            But, as far as copywriting goes, its hard when someone asks for samples and you don't want to give them any because you are worried they may rip them off. Best to point them to a live version of your letter on whichever website its on, and ask them to contact the website owner for feedback.
            That way, they know you haven't made it up and they can get feedback of how you worked on the project.
            Signature
            "Sales Letter Conversion Rate At 19%??" Get Your Own Kick-Ass Converting Copy Here!
            Need More Clients? Click here...
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2852184].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author thatgirlJ
    Hi Brian,

    I once ran a special offer where I made it clear that I was offering such a low price to get samples. The ones who ordered were aware I would be Like Tina says, it's not always unethical.

    This is much more of an issue for ghostwriting, in my opinion. I try not to mention clients I've worked for (hard because there are some names I'd love to drop, LOL!) because of confidentiality. I try to steer other writers away from using samples they've written for others...it's surprising how few realize it is an issue.

    Very important stuff
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2848827].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Scott
    Brian,

    If you're a copywriter with any sort of "name"... clients WANT people to know you wrote their copy.

    I'm consulting on a soon-to-be-launched project at the moment. One of the reasons the client hired me was to be able to use my name as a drawcard for potential affiliates.

    Personally, I'm yet to experience a client who wanted to keep the fact I wrote their copy a secret. I know they're out there; but they seem fairly rare (in my experience).

    -Dan
    Signature

    Always looking for badass direct-response copywriters. PM me if we don't know each other and you're looking for work.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2850322].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author vanmed
    I believe the technicality here is much like photography, the end user only purchase rights to use, not the acutal copyright. That being said, I do not provide any client information to any outside source. If I happen to write the holy grail of sales letters for one client, I may change the identifying information and sell the same form to a different client if applicable, but would never show the exact copy to a secondary entity. The same is true when I write business and marketing plans, but in all cases I let my clients know that their documents will be used for internal marketing and sales purposes but all identifying information or specifically confidential information will be changed.
    Signature

    Web and Social Media Marketing Coordinator, Writer and Content Reviewer, Latest Reviews @: anastasia date anastasiadate review black dating sites

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2857536].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Topgunb
    I've always held the view that all discussons between you and client are not to be repeated.

    All work developed for client is for clients use only

    Let the client decide if they credit you with writing it.

    If client wants too let them put my name on it... I have found this worth its weight in new business.

    It makes me the provider of the service they want .... They are buying as opposed to me selling ---- I think it is powerful.

    Brian
    Signature
    swdcomputers@gmail.com For the best real deal in town!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2858103].message }}

Trending Topics