A small but (I think) important request

21 replies
Hi fellow Internet Marketers,

I've noticed something interesting and I have a small request.

If we, as copywriters and fellow marketers have contributed to you in a meaningful way in this sub-forum, please do us a small favor in return:

Hit the "Thanks!" button, please.

It's a win/win all 'round.

First, we who contributed to you, feel acknowledged at the highest levels. You literally make our day.

Second, you will (by default) get even more insight, advice and information, because we feel we have contributed and been acknowledged. And we may have even more to share.

Third, those folks just "listening in" on the conversation will learn even more.

Yes, you may say thanks in a reply post and we're absolutely grateful.

But what some people (usually future Clients) focus on is the "Thanked X Times in X Posts" numbers. That stat shows enduring credibility, acknowledged expertise and a strong desire to add to the knowledge-base of the community at large.

In other words, it represents reputation, expertise and authority.

All it takes is the click of a mouse--and worlds of knowledge, expertise and experience will open up to you. And everyone else.

I promise.

- Rick Duris

#important #request #small
  • Profile picture of the author jpf239
    Hi Rick

    I just thanked you:rolleyes:

    That because it is a good idea to get people not to forget to do this, there must be thousands of times one reads good information, and just plain doesn't even think to hit the thanks button.

    I personally am careful not to let the numbers drive me in any way, meaning; someone could have numbers in the forum as just started, and very small, or zeros, but that doesn't measure the success of that listing or person, the forum just doesn't know them yet.

    This is about credit where it is do though, and there is nothing wrong with that.

    P.S. shoot us a wav file of some of those shreds and scorches and melts Rick Yes I jam too...

    Jon Fox
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    • Profile picture of the author Ken Strong
      Come on, Rick -- I've seen at least TWO THREADS that were started for the sole purpose of thanking you. Don't get greedy.
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      • Profile picture of the author Raydal
        Originally Posted by KenStrong View Post

        Come on, Rick -- I've seen at least TWO THREADS that were started for the sole purpose of thanking you. Don't get greedy.
        That's funny! On a more serious note I think Rick has the highest
        honor in that regards. I can't remember any other copywriter
        who had whole threads to thank them for the help they
        provided. I almost thought that a subcult was hatching
        in this subforum.

        Anyway, there was an older thread with the same topic that
        Rick raised. Most people tend to think that "thanks" should
        not be solicited, while others said "thanks" for the reminder.
        So it cuts both ways.

        -Ray Edwards
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        The most powerful and concentrated copywriting training online today bar none! Autoresponder Writing Email SECRETS
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        • Profile picture of the author grayambition
          Originally Posted by Raydal View Post

          Anyway, there was an older thread with the same topic that
          Rick raised. Most people tend to think that "thanks" should
          not be solicited, while others said "thanks" for the reminder.
          So it cuts both ways.
          -Ray Edwards
          I agree that thanks shouldn't necessarily be solicited, but if you're going to take the time to post a reply saying thanks, why not take an extra millisecond to click the Thanks button?
          Signature

          Jan Weingarten
          Substitute "damn" every time you're inclined to write "very"; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be. ~Mark Twain

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          • Profile picture of the author AustinLadyTam
            Thanks for the timely reminder, Rick...it's just good courtesy!
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            Find out how you can produce powerful, fist-pumping profits with a rock-em, sock-em sales system created by a former robotics engineer who rips apart winning sales copy to see what makes it tick so she make yours even better…PM me for details
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            • Profile picture of the author jpf239
              If you are well pleased with something in a forum, if you read something that you thought you would have had to pay for that information, then thank the Gal or Guy. Even if they just kinda helped you with something, thank them, I'm just saying you can also thank someone by not holding their worth to numbers.

              Just because the guy on the stage is the most popular and will go home with the most earnings, doesn't mean he is those things It just means it swang his way that night. Tomorrow swings someone else's way.

              Thank the people

              Jon
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              • Profile picture of the author RickDuris
                Hi all,

                Here's all I'm saying:

                If you go to a concert, what's the best part?

                The encore. (And amazingly, the performers give more. If you've ever been to a Springsteen concert or a Stones concert, you know the feeling of 10,000+ showing their appreciation.)

                If you go to a play or musical, what's the part that gets everybody out of their seats, assuming the performance is great?

                The standing ovation.

                It's that part of the program where people publicly show their support and appreciation for their performance that brings tears to my eyes, knowing the performers have just done their best work.

                And you know what it took for them to perform like that. Years, decades, of dedication to their craft.

                People are giving their best work on this sub-forum. I see it and I bet you do too. And I personally just want them to get the acknowledgment they deserve.

                In performing arts, encores and standing ovations are long standing traditions. I just think it would be wonderful if we really had a simply tradition/ritual of formally acknowledging people who contribute their time and expertise on a consistent basis. And I think a simple enduring thanks is a very modest way of starting.

                If you want to see this copywriting sub-forum take off like a rocket... if you want to attract more talent to contribute here... if you want to learn even more about about what really works in copywriting... just invoke one emotion...

                Being grateful... appreciating... acknowledging and showing it.

                I can promise you, that simple form of encouragement of hitting the "Thanks!" button, will so make the difference.

                You will be absolutely amazed.

                - Rick Duris
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                • Profile picture of the author Raydal
                  Originally Posted by RickDuris View Post



                  People are giving their best work on this sub-forum. I see it and I bet you do too. And I personally just want them to get the acknowledgment they deserve.

                  Hi Rick,

                  Some time ago I made a post here about the difference between
                  copywriters and other professionals on this forum. Copywriters
                  give for free what other people pay for.

                  I'm not sure you can find our equivalent on the forum anywhere.

                  For example, article writers are not asked to write free articles,
                  graphic artist are not asked to do free ecovers and coaches are
                  not asked for free coaching sessions.

                  Yet, copywriters are asked for critiques, new headlines etc all the
                  time. For example, I provide critiquing services at a fee but also
                  give free critiques here. And that's what makes the copywriting
                  forum different.

                  So I'm with you that a "thanks" is the least you can expect, but
                  at the same time if people know that you expect it then that's
                  another story. So I take them as they come but if you ask for
                  them then they are not thanks anymore.

                  At the same time some newbies overlook that feature of the
                  board. The old WF didn't have that feature either.

                  -Ray Edwards
                  Signature
                  The most powerful and concentrated copywriting training online today bar none! Autoresponder Writing Email SECRETS
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                  • Profile picture of the author RickDuris
                    Originally Posted by Raydal View Post

                    Hi Rick,

                    Some time ago I made a post here about the difference between
                    copywriters and other professionals on this forum. Copywriters
                    give for free what other people pay for.

                    I'm not sure you can find our equivalent on the forum anywhere.

                    For example, article writers are not asked to write free articles,
                    graphic artist are not asked to do free ecovers and coaches are
                    not asked for free coaching sessions.

                    Yet, copywriters are asked for critiques, new headlines etc all the
                    time. For example, I provide critiquing services at a fee but also
                    give free critiques here. And that's what makes the copywriting
                    forum different.

                    So I'm with you that a "thanks" is the least you can expect, but
                    at the same time if people know that you expect it then that's
                    another story. So I take them as they come but if you ask for
                    them then they are not thanks anymore.

                    At the same time some newbies overlook that feature of the
                    board. The old WF didn't have that feature either.

                    -Ray Edwards
                    Hi Ray,

                    Before I get started, you are one of the gems I speak of.


                    Last night, I hung out for a bit at a local bar in Laguna Beach. It was an upscaled version of "open mic night." First time for me.

                    The lady who manages the talent and the performance does it brilliantly. She doesn't get paid nearly anything to do it, compared to the talent she is and the talent she brings in.

                    Amazing. It's free, and there were maybe at max 50 people in the audience on a Tuesday night.

                    When I got there, I was chatted up by the most wonderful of people.

                    Giving me coaching on the protocol.

                    For instance, "You should know, this is like a concert that serves drinks. Not just like a bar that has live music. Somebody last week was talking during the music and it was driving us all mad!"

                    Or... "If you have to leave early, can you leave in between performances? It's kinda rude to leave in the middle of a song."

                    Although I did have to leave early, I appreciated and respected their wishes.

                    They (and when I say "they," I mean multiple people) made it clear this was almost like a sanctuary for local music talent.

                    And then after each song, oh my goodness... you should have heard the applause. I am talking standing ovations. It really was that good.

                    And you could see how grateful the singer/songwriters were. They melted.

                    Sometimes, people drop by this part of the forum and I just think it would be nice if we could include them in the group and make them feel welcome and one of the things is "to show them the ropes." In a gentle, encouraging sort of way. And allow them to contribute back in the simplest and most powerful of ways.

                    - Rick Duris
                    Signature
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                    • Profile picture of the author The Copy Nazi
                      Banned
                      Originally Posted by RickDuris View Post


                      Sometimes, people drop by this part of the forum and I just think it would be nice if we could include them in the group and make them feel welcome and one of the things is "to show them the ropes." In a gentle, encouraging sort of way.
                      Why? I say apply the blowtorch to the belly. That'll sort them out. They've no business hanging round a Copywriters Convention anyway. Things could get ugly. And they usually do.
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                      • Profile picture of the author Kay King
                        Carefully covering my tender belly as I type:p
                        Signature
                        Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
                        ***
                        Helping Both Ends of the Leash
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                        • Profile picture of the author RickDuris
                          Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

                          Carefully covering my tender belly as I type:p

                          Hi Kay, without knowing you personally, you are indeed a copywriter.

                          The belly is the seat of all emotions and where the best copywriting emotes from.

                          - Rick Duris
                          Signature
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                  • Profile picture of the author Manfred Ekblad
                    Originally Posted by Raydal View Post

                    Some time ago I made a post here about the difference between
                    copywriters and other professionals on this forum. Copywriters
                    give for free what other people pay for.

                    I'm not sure you can find our equivalent on the forum anywhere.

                    For example, article writers are not asked to write free articles,
                    graphic artist are not asked to do free ecovers and coaches are
                    not asked for free coaching sessions.

                    Yet, copywriters are asked for critiques, new headlines etc all the
                    time. For example, I provide critiquing services at a fee but also
                    give free critiques here. And that's what makes the copywriting
                    forum different.
                    Perhaps you are not sure about it but I guess that is because you never spent hours debugging other programmers code (no charge) while you put that $120/hour project on hold for a while, just to help out a fellow warrior.

                    But... if you ever write a shining piece of brilliant software and you need some help to kill one of those ugly bugs, feel free to post in the programming sub-forum, and you'll see how helpful we can be.

                    PS. Perhaps I'm not sure either, since I can't find that thread you mentioned...
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    • Profile picture of the author RickDuris
      Originally Posted by jpf239 View Post

      Hi Rick

      I just thanked you:rolleyes:

      That because it is a good idea to get people not to forget to do this, there must be thousands of times one reads good information, and just plain doesn't even think to hit the thanks button.

      Jon Fox
      Thank you!

      Frankly, I let the numbers drive me. I want the numbers to drive me. They are stats and when I see someone who's contributing, I am sincerely grateful and inspired. And a bit selfishly, I want to see more from them.


      Now candidly, when I first got started here a few months ago, I didn't know ANYTHING about how all this forum stuff all worked. I never participated on a forum in a meaningful way. And even though I have some experience, I was unknown. I had zero stats.


      But now that I have a bit of the "lay of the land," I want to "give a leg up" to people all involved.


      There's so much leverage here on this sub-forum, it's amazing--be you a copywriter or an Internet marketer.


      The key is contribution and then acknowledgment. That's how we can all get to the next level, no matter where we're at or where we start from.


      - Rick Duris
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      • Profile picture of the author dorothydot
        Rick, you are absolutely right.

        A heartfelt "thank you" to folks who took time and effort to respond intelligently deserve no less.

        And this is how we copywriters learn best, in the end. Each of us has our own strengths and weaknesses... in early days, mostly weaknesses; as we grow in experience and expertise, our strengths grow accordingly. (Duh!)

        Our questions target our individual need at that point in time. The responses fill the need for at least the individual asking - and very often for others who anonymously read the post/responses.

        This is vital for each and every one of us copywriters to grow. And as many of us know all too well, we never stop growing as copywriters; that's one of the wonders of this profession. I for one love learning!

        I also dearly love helping others to learn the way people helped me when I needed answers. Giving is every bit as fun as taking!

        Thank-yous are small payment for such help.

        Thank-yous are easy to give. And very much deserved!

        Dot
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        "Sell the Magic of A Dream"
        www.DP-Copywriting-Service.com

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  • Profile picture of the author ericthered
    Rick , thanks for reminding me. Often I read fantastic stuff in this forum and just breeze on by . . .forgetting this is freely given !
    Eric
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    • Profile picture of the author grayambition
      I just thanked you, Rick, AND I wish you'd post this in the main Internet Marketing Discussion forum

      A thread I started this morning has received (so far) six "thanks so much!" replies, but not ONE click of that darn Thanks button.

      I wish it didn't matter, but as you said, people do pay attention to those silly statistics.
      Signature

      Jan Weingarten
      Substitute "damn" every time you're inclined to write "very"; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be. ~Mark Twain

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  • Profile picture of the author The Copy Nazi
    Banned
    Tanks for the memories
    june 5, 1989


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  • Profile picture of the author MelMAC
    I thanked you because I'm new here and your post added value to me by informing me about the importance of the thank you feature.

    So, thanks!
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      For example, article writers are not asked to write free articles,
      graphic artist are not asked to do free ecovers and coaches are
      not asked for free coaching sessions.

      Yet, copywriters are asked for critiques, new headlines etc all the
      time. For example, I provide critiquing services at a fee but also
      give free critiques here. And that's what makes the copywriting
      forum different.
      I agree with both paragraphs. But also true is that copywriters often offer critiques as a way to demonstrate their own skill. Posting a thoughtful, well written critique here builds cred for the copywriter and can build his business, too. That said, it's incredibly useful to both the person who requested a critique and to others who are reading it.

      I give a lot of "thanks" - when I agree, when I approve, when I appreciate a helpful post. I never give them when someone asks for them That's just me....

      kay
      Signature
      Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
      ***
      Helping Both Ends of the Leash
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