7 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
7 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Question Regarding Fair Use of Information in Sales Copy (Related to Sharing Stories)

by Steve Effron
5 replies
Hi All,

I'm trying to make the leap from article writing to copywriting, and I want to be sure I don't create any legal issues for my client.

I'm helping this client write an email to students to encourage them to start using an online fundraising tool to earn money for their upcoming school trip (educational tour). Right now, I'm looking for a good hook to get these kids to open the email, read it, and say, "Wow! This tool can really help me pay for this trip!"

This fundraising tool is relatively new, so the client doesn't have a lot of success stories to share. There is one kid who did use it to raise a lot of money, but the client hasn't been all that helpful about putting me in touch with him or getting me more details. (Dealing with overburdened clients is a whole 'nother topic.)

So, I'm looking to dig up some general online fundraising success stories that I can share in this email that I need to write. This brings me to my question: in my copy, can I tell a story that I picked out of the news and that isn't directly related to the product I'm promoting? If so, how do I frame the story without running into legal issues?

If you made it this far in my post, thanks for hearing me out. If you have advice to share, my gratitude doubles.

Steve
#copy #fair #information #question #related #sales #sharing #stories
  • Profile picture of the author sethczerepak
    Originally Posted by Steve Effron View Post

    Hi All,

    I'm trying to make the leap from article writing to copywriting, and I want to be sure I don't create any legal issues for my client.

    I'm helping this client write an email to students to encourage them to start using an online fundraising tool to earn money for their upcoming school trip (educational tour). Right now, I'm looking for a good hook to get these kids to open the email, read it, and say, "Wow! This tool can really help me pay for this trip!"

    This fundraising tool is relatively new, so the client doesn't have a lot of success stories to share. There is one kid who did use it to raise a lot of money, but the client hasn't been all that helpful about putting me in touch with him or getting me more details. (Dealing with overburdened clients is a whole 'nother topic.)

    So, I'm looking to dig up some general online fundraising success stories that I can share in this email that I need to write. This brings me to my question: in my copy, can I tell a story that I picked out of the news and that isn't directly related to the product I'm promoting? If so, how do I frame the story without running into legal issues?

    If you made it this far in my post, thanks for hearing me out. If you have advice to share, my gratitude doubles.

    Steve
    Hi Steve,

    Anyone posting a definite response to your question could be held legally liable for giving this kind of advice without license. I know, my business attorney pulled me out of the fire by the nape of my neck a few years ago on this matter.

    I'm sure you'll get some responses, in spite my warnings, but if you want to be 100% sure on this, you might want to ask a business attorney or at least try a legal Q & A site.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9552884].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Steve Effron
    Ah, that makes sense. Thanks for bringing that angle to my attention, Seth!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9552909].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author The Copy Nazi
    Banned
    Originally Posted by Steve Effron View Post

    in my copy, can I tell a story that I picked out of the news and that isn't directly related to the product I'm promoting? If so, how do I frame the story without running into legal issues?
    Of course you can. You report on it. It's called "fair use". As long as you don't make any untrue claims or imply that they used your guys methods. Like "X raised a lot of money for a school trip using (a method). We do something similar. Our method involves...blah blah."
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9553020].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Steve Effron
      Okay, I figured there are ways to be transparent about it. I'm just afraid that even sharing details from a reported story to promote another product without permission from the subject of the story could create some legal problems.

      By the way, how do you "thank" forum members? Is there a button that I'm not seeing?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9553105].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author sethczerepak
        Originally Posted by Steve Effron View Post

        Okay, I figured there are ways to be transparent about it. I'm just afraid that even sharing details from a reported story to promote another product without permission from the subject of the story could create some legal problems.

        By the way, how do you "thank" forum members? Is there a button that I'm not seeing?
        Should be in the lower, right hand corner of the post. Black button. It might not show until you have more posts though.
        Signature
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9554076].message }}

Trending Topics