State of the Art: Copywriting a D.

Ha!

That is the last time I look in a mirror an' behold the world's most arrogant harpy.

You lost me at "I could be wrong."

Worst kinda nightmare happens when two people hold up their mirrors face to face an' their reflections strike up a secret pact.

Thing is, the internet has produced a demand for media types of all persuasions an' freed workers to work remotely, an' this process is really ridin' on an exponential right now.

Gotta figure there is gonna be a massive increase in demand for words, images & narrative, jus' so we don't all get sucked into a vacuum.

That is when a Tutu comes in handy.

If you gotta breaststroke through the swill, it pays to don aerodynamic clothing suffused with a glitzy aura.

It's not despite the great numbers but because of it.

And like Princess B said, the barrier to entry into many fields is lower, so the ones needing copywriters, there's more of them, and not all of them really know or care to know good copywriting: it (whatever it is they sell) sells enough with poor copy for them to make more than what they made when they had a 9-5 job, so they're so happy they can't even dream that a good copywriter can double or quadruple their income.

It went from something like this:

5 women in the middle of a football field; 20 men in the benches and you, looking for the most beautiful woman in the football field

to

20k women in a football field, one on top on another; 30k men looking for an ok-ish or better woman. You're still looking for the most beautiful one... (Hint... She's the 274th from the left, burried 3 down.)

Meh. I don't care about the Ds.

I'm over here working my ass off to get to A.

I think you are missing a vital component.....

There are probably hundreds of people each year who enroll in the AWAI Copywriting program...

Out of that group, only a fraction go through the entire course, complete all the exercises and submit all the assignments.

Being generous, AWAI enrolls 800 people per year..... 3% complete everything..... They "graduate" 24 Copywriters a year. Given the demand for quality Copywriters, that is a drop in the ocean.

Quick question, Gordon, to satisfy the skeptic in me and to address the bigger skeptic when I introduce something like this to my better half:

After 30 weeks, all the money the students paid in will be given back if they've done assignments. How are you making money on the transaction? Is that fair to ask?

Incidentally, since the fee is considerable (albeit returned weekly upon assignment completion), it's not something that some can/would hand over lightly without thought as to the expense and commitment.

Thanks.

If ever there was a better time than right now to stoop to a whole new level of humiliation, I know it not... for if I had $3k Gordon, I'd respectfully accept your challenge, though I know not; if my desired outcome (and the ignorance it carries) qualifies?

Whilst I have no formal training, and my mind's a blur as to the future writing offers - should I be so privileged to entertain, it would be measured greater then the financial reward, for without a purpose to which to write for, I remain lost, as do my skills...bound only by the gift, I remain cursed to this wretched escape.

Seriously, that my friend is one hell of an enticing offer, and, an "intimidating offer" at that! - It's no wonder most cannot meet the grade, it's a tall order to fill.

Sadly, money and I have been at odds for years now, not because I am unaware "How to make money" - rather in a state of denial that I can do so with the "gifts" I've been given, respectfully.

A fool's pride, indeed.

[Buries head in shame, goes back to writing... "We're all in search of....]

My ears are 'ringing"...

Have you ever written out a powerful message, and "go advanced" only to have that message be erased due to a drop in connection?

For whatever might that reason be - it just now happened, woe is me!

While I intend to further research your proposal Gordon, and feel your frustration towards the grade you've given the overall responses you've received thus far, I believe; they are commensurate to the need in which you seek.

I'll just say this; the only 'chip' I have in the race is a similar "distaste" for what I experienced in my offline industry some years ago.

Something has definitely gone dim among men (and women alike) whereby, the principles from which business was once conducted may not have changed, albeit, the players have.

As such, despite my willingness to serve a greater purpose, I cannot do so based upon a measuring stick comprised of some superficial scales (create by man) which in any light does paint a D(ismal) rendition upon the canvas of my mind, and leave me to question; "To whom am I to be in service to, if not the greater good of the whole?"

Clearly, my discipline affords me many talents, yet my integrity has never been at greater risk, than right now. I've (silently) studied under some brilliant minds, and yet what intimidates me the most is not making the grade, it's whether or not I can surpass the knowledge I was privileged to attain?

Servitude requires empathy, which most do not possess... just look around. If this forum doesn't paint a clear and concise image upon the canvas of one's mind regarding the conclusion you've drawn (or opinion, as you called it) to wit, most are unwilling to relentlessly pursue their desired outcome- thus, what hope for the student remains?

In my sincerest rebuttal to "be that difference" - what measure would money bring, if not to supply temporary sustainment to a much deeper internal hunger?

A hunger that cannot be quenched, without a thirst for new knowledge. Too many times, we encounter the "close-minded" who cannot see the real privilege we share stock in, and if I were a gambling man (which I am to a degree) - my current fear rests not with the intelligent means in which you are offering... rather How would I benefit others with it, should I be privileged to acquire this knowledge?

In removing money from the equation (momentarily) in a sabbatical of sort (despite having no formal education) I've awakened to believe; "You sir are aware, we deserve to pass our knowledge to those most likely to succeed us, and your frustration grows (as does my own) - for the 'content' refuse to moved by seeking new challenges... Hence, I refer to my original closing argument; "we are all in search of...."

For though I thought to have entered what appeared a "locked" door to an opportunity beyond my reach, I clearly have possessed the key, a key to which legends are formed, and to mark the path upon which "they" seek, words may seem a familiar whisper... for those who create the maps do so with a "purposeful intent in mind!"

If nothing less, I respect your purpose Gordon, and not by measure of flattery, rather for the manner in which you put to use... your words.

Despite my first reply (the one that got erased) being more "simplified" - I do sincerely hope "it" can be considered "if" we can be of benefit each other, whatever the "it" you seek is, which remains a bit vague, considering I cannot measure what "training" you intend to include?

The proposition is certainly viable, as I am aware you possess expertise, the question that arises in my mind; "can your expectations be found?"

All the Best,

Art Moran

[crushed out his cigarette, and faded off to sleep...]

fun fact - any real copywriter, even if just starting out, is just too busy to dedicate a year to weekly assignments.

I've been a copywriter more years than I care to remember, at least 10 years, and still consider myself learning. But pay $3k to get my own money back again, over the course of a year, whilst sucking up all my time?

Strangely, I don't find that entirely enticing?

The real killer for me though is the talk of deadlines. I'm allergic to deadlines. They make me giggle.

The only time I'll accept a deadline is for a print publication, and even then I'll bully the client for not arranging things earlier.





AC

5 hours for 30 weeks?

Well you failed at communicating that, didn't you?

I have to say though, if your copywriters are completing entire assignments in 5 hours or less, then... how can I put this delicately...? They're &%$#.

A serious sales writer will spend a full day, week or even more on just the headline - and that's AFTER the basics of researching, persona development etc.

I'm not peeing on your parade; I'm just curious as to what exactly you're trying to do here or whom you're trying to appeal to? Obviously not an experienced writer like me but who, exactly? Maybe I need more coffee but it's not making much sense.



AC

I'm kinda sick of "pro copywriters" being lumped into some sort of end-all, be-all group. And like everyone outside this set list of criteria is somehow less. I'm echoing Marcia, for sure.

It's this kind of bullshit posturing that had me convinced for years that was somehow a failure as a copywriter, a sham, not an expert at what I do...

...all because I'm not full-time freelance.

You know what I AM though?

A multi-million dollar seller, several times over.

An experienced multi-channel marketer.

A mentor to junior writers.

A mentee to a VERY experienced copywriter who's taught me a lot about the work, reaching people, taking chances, and aiming VERY high.

I just happen to do it from a cube in an office for a company you may or may not recognize if you heard it.

This dick-slinging and trying to tier copywriters is pure and utter garbage.

I'm not better than someone sitting at home on his couch on his last night in his apartment, wondering where his next meal will come from and where he's gonna sleep tomorrow. I've been that guy.

I'm not better than the freelance consultant helping companies attract and retain more loyal, high-paying clients. I've been that guy.

I'm not better than someone sitting in a cube banging away their best words for "the man". I've been that guy too.

I'm simply at a different stage in my journey. Tomorrow I could be full-time freelance. Tomorrow I could be the guy losing his home.

This is not one checklist. This is a spectrum. Money is not the only gauge, the only rule we're playing this game by, guys.

So put it back in your pants and stop pretending like attacking your peers makes you look like a ******* rockstar.

Hint: it doesn't.

^^^ My sentiments exactly^^^

I think theres a whole new wave of people who believe they can make a living freelance copwriting, i mean you can but you have to build up a reputation and that takes time, it isn't just instant money

there is no definite criteria on what makes a content better, same goes for a content writer.. your idea should be new, should be correct, should be all inclusive, should be entertaining, should be for the readers of all classess.. and should be BRIEF.. lets make the sense of it...

Here's another AWAI trained Copywriter...

You may have heard of him...

Anik Singal...

I attended a Copywriting Workshop in Del Ray Beach, Florida put on by Michael Masterson (Mark Ford)

Chris Haddad is also an AWAI trained Copywriter....