A Wacky Idea For Those Wanting Critiques

Great idea, you might also remind the writers on here to "ask" for video testimonials from satisfied clients...maybe for a small discount? Then again, maybe they don't need glowing testimonials from satisfied clients

A statement like that is the EXACT Reason why I never do Free Critiques

people don't value Free

I'm with Bruce on this one

I say that we let all the "Critique Required" Threads
die a slow and painful death

Jack

Wow! da' balls on this guy. LOL!

<Mental note>
Jason The Webmaster
</Mental note>

Obviously you don't know who Bruce is.

Here, let me help you with that - his simple opinion? on changing this guys headline increased his conversions by over 1%. And the copy by itself was already converting like crazy.

Just advice on the headline alone, helped him MAKE MORE MONEY.

I like this idea a lot and will refer people back to this thread when I get the chance too.

Thanked.

-Ross

Considering the time many people spend giving critiques it would be an idea.

Or if the critique giver is doing it out of the kindness of their hearts - ask for a donation to their favourite charity.

Only if you sold them for $7

98% of WSO buyers don't even have a website TO critique.

I think pretty much every forum here -- except those designed specifically for the purpose of selling stuff -- is based on the premise that people with valuable information to share will share it freely and openly.

I know I've gotten tons of good, useful info out of the main marketing forum. Ditto the CPA one. Info that certainly could have been charged for.

So I don't think it's inappropriate to come here and request a critique.

I also don't think it's inappropriate to decline if you feel like you're being imposed upon.

I do agree, however, that it would be nice to see the average request presented with a touch more humility. And sure, an offer to barter services in exchange every now and then would be nice, too.

A lot of new (hungry) copywriters mistakenly assume giving free critiques will get their name out there and get them clients.

I don't think it usually works, but I could be proven wrong.

There are tons of guys who have open schedules willing to spend hours of their time in hope of a $200 gig.

Probably not the guys you want doing your copy.

Personally, I charge $500 for a critique ($397 for Warriors)... and that's not a lot. Vin Montello charges around $3k, I think.

It's all about finding the kind of client who has the cash, and is willing to spend it.

Cheapskates don't usually turn into decent clients.

Just sayin'...

-Daniel

I see your point, however...

The only difference is, with copywriting critiques, you're offering exact, detailed and specific changes that can - and usually will - improve someone's bottom line within minutes.

With other areas of the forum, the kind of advice is more "big picture" stuff, or generic strategy, or just a little tip off to help someone along...

It's not always the same as immediately altering someone's marketing material and therefore giving them an instant pay rise.

I agree Bruce...however, we all need to acknowledge our part in creating this "free consultant" problem. We need to stop rewarding people who are looking for something for nothing.

Hi Bruce,

Good post. I appreciate the wacky idea, truly.

A few cool things about doing critiques "for free" that's true for me:

One: You really get a chance to see what your value is. Because in my experience, people will gift the stuff you, Bruce, describe when you do a good job. At least, they send *me* cool stuff. They do cool stuff for me. I have access to services. I'm forever appreciative.

Reciprocity kicks in. Both ways. In my world, it can't be helped. Either way. For me OR for them. I want to give more, they want to give me more.

We become fast friends. In time, it leads to profitable endeavors.

Now does it turn out all the time? No. Absolutely not. But the odds are strongly in your favor when you do.

Let's put it a different way: Occasionally I lose my wallet. Happens regularly. It's part of being me. And always some soul, an angel, will return it, including the money. On that I can depend. Honest to God, I have never lost a dollar of money in my life for as many times as I have lost my wallet.

In this day and age, you can call it a fluke.

But when they return my wallet, I give them the money that's in it. How can you not? They just saved you from a solid month of turmoil.

I had an uncle. Uncle Jim. A trucker. A mechanic. I am not mechanically inclined. He replaced the engine in my Pinto. My first car. No charge. To this day, he's forever in my thoughts.

What was easy for him, was impossible for me.

What I've learned, is at least in person, it's hard for people to say "Thank you." They are overwhelmed by gratitude. Their gratitude chokes them. They're speechless. But you can see it in their eyes and hear it in their voice.

And that's good enough for me.

---------------

Second, while parts of the piece you critique may not convert, occasionally, there are however pieces to the puzzle which if you knew how they worked, the strategy behind them, how they integrated, their resources... you just *know* you can improve them.

They're opportunity-rich. Plus in the process, you learn all sorts of cool stuff and different ways of doing things. It's eye-opening.

Personally, that's valuable to me. Whether I'm compensated or not, it's a fair trade.

----------------

The third thing, and for me it's important: I want to give back. I want to see the people around me successful--more than anything.

There was a time in my life when I didn't have anything. And I needed "a leg up."

There was a time when I didn't understand why wealthy people would give all their wealth away. Now I do. And on the Internet, part of that wealth is information, access to resources and opportunity.

Personally, I'm content with the way things are, critique-wise. Forcing compensation or barter (as opposed to reciprocation) while a nice gesture, seems a rather hollow victory.

I would feel cheap, I would feel like a whore, giving $5 BJs.

If someone wants to create a business model out of it, I'm just not that interested.

Plus. To me? It runs "against the grain" of the Internet.

But that's just me thinking out loud.

- Rick Duris

PS: I know many people have been "burned" by providing enormous value (i.e. making people major money) and not being at least acknowledged or compensated. That's a true shame.

I have too. Happens regularly.

It's ok. It'll be alright. Trust me on this: Keep learning, keep applying, keep giving, keep racking up credits in your Karmic bank account.

It'll be all fine.

Bruce didn't suggest changing the structure of critique requests to force anyone to do anything. He made a suggestion that might lead to more participation in those request threads.

People asking for free critiques can ignore his suggestion (and the suggestions of other posters) if they choose to do so. And people who don't wish to respond to peremptory demands for free critiques are free to do so.

No one is forcing anyone to do anything they don't want to. This is not a line in the sand between saints and sinners.

Hi Malcolm,

Regarding your recent post, while I suspect the moderators have this indelibly etched on the back of their brains, YOU may need a reminder:

“The main overriding rule for this forum is this:

If you have a problem with another Warrior, a Guru, or God, take it up with them directly. Not here. No exceptions.”

I think it best if you have issue, you contact me directly. Private message me if appropriate. I do not respond to criticisms or accusations publicly. I'm here to contribute. End of story.

- Rick Duris