8 Things That P*** Me Off About Copywriters

Thanks for that gnarly pontification.

This is just ego.

Everybody's got one.

Veteran copywriters tend to believe they KNOW IT ALL (regardless of the fact that almost everything they learned is from other people!)

Now, we ALL know that nobody has ALL the answers.

But when you're accustomed to perceive things in a very particular way, for a long, long time, it's easy to argue with everyone and say, "YOU'RE WRONG!"

Of course, this is a trait of someone who is easily threatened by the knowledge, awareness and expertise of other people with opinions.

The point is...

Drop the know-it-all facade and LISTEN!

You don't know everything.

I don't care how much money you've made for yourself and/or other people.

REAL abundance is created by someone who is happy in ALL areas of their lives.

Likewise...

All areas of your life affect your work and money.

ANY conversation we have here on the CW Forum is about MORE than just the art of copywriting.

It's about who we are and HOW we use our unique perspectives to HELP other people overcome their own limitations to make gobs and gobs of money.

That being said...

I agree, copywriters are an interesting bunch of coconuts.

Mark

They use the terms "masterclass" and "revolution" to describe an ebook

Tina Adams says: You must be right -- wait. I just quoted myself. I just quoted you. I'd quote some"thing" but no"thing" I've ever seen talked or typed or communicated anything I'd wanna repeat, so it'd be kinda hard to quote... unless you want me to tell you my washing machine said, " ."

Yeah, I know. That was bad. I've been trying to teach him not to curse. Sorry.

Nothing new under the sun, Max5ty. No future vision goggles, either. How would you have us base things we do on something which happens five or ten years from now?

"New Ideas" like ... quoting inanimate objects? Basing our work on some proven strategy or tactic from the future? Darn, I AM a sucker.

Happens all the time for me. But then, I know I'm always right, even when I'm wrong, so... lol.

Okay, okay, so I just wanted to post something, and decided to make light of your post. Apologies. It's Sunday afternoon and I'm bored.

If someone describes himself as a "killer copywriter" - run the other way. Or throw up. Or both.

What do you have against introverts?

I find that the principle of avoiding "always" and "never" (and avoiding mass generalizations) when describing things of this nature typically works for me.

Probably the best response to that last point is anyone who wants to accomplish anything will think their way is the right way.

The people that don't think that way, from my experience, are the people who tend to not get anything done.

From your prior posts, I don't *think* you get ticked off at people who actually do something.

Marvin

Well, if Dan Kennedy or Gary Halbert is talking... I'm listening. I'll gladly cop to that. ; )

Still, I think I understand your point about being slavish to the greats and the classic books.

I've had my own run-ins with folks here after posting comments that contravene "conventional wisdom".

My take is simple... stifling innovative thought because someone else said something in a book once upon a time? Your heroes would never be bridled by that, why should you?

Question everything, often.

This one makes me shift uncomfortably in my seat a little bit.

"Creative" is a mighty dangerous word for copywriters, although it's vital.

That's why smart marketers have the wonderful escape valve of TESTING, right?

Go friggin' nuts if you want, all in the name of creativity.

The numbers are impartial.

And the best part is, if your artistically fulfilling creative wins, you can crow about it endlessly - and you will.

Yeah... copywriters hate attention. LOL

I don't think this is true at all - at least not the way it's phrased.

If anything, I think copywriters tend to respect the hustle more than others, and give ourselves permission to explore more freely - with less attachment to outcomes.

Call it "impulsive science" if you want to attach a label to it.

Sometimes that's where the breakthroughs come from.



Not specific to copywriters, just replace "copywriters" with "people".

Well, copywriting is by its very nature a solitary craft.

Ever sit at a conference table with a room full of knuckleheads chiming in about every other sentence? Writing copy by committee is one of the most frustrating punishments on earth.

So, yeah - one can expect to do lots of "quiet time" by yourself if you want to write copy for a living.

But I'm not sure how that next logical jump gets all the way over to "unhappy with others that don't fit their definition of the perfect person".

Ok, I understand your point about rigid thinking, and inflexible thinkers. I do...

But but but but...

We're not hired for our flexibility, or our creativity... or our flowing prose. You know this.

We're hired to be RIGHT more than we're wrong about what to say to create a result.

Otherwise, why on earth would any intelligent business person fork over $5k, $10k, $30k, $100k... plus a piece of the backend.. to ANY copywriter... except for a proven track record of the copywriter being right, and knowing what to do in their situation?

Anyway - this is certainly more fun that typing about jets, cars and why everyone else is broke.

Happy Advertising Orgy Day,

Brian

3, Most are Introverts.

Most copywriters by nature are introverts...they're not the most popular person at the party...they're usually the one that hangs back and is shy.



Speak for yourself darling, I'm certainly NOT one of those shrinking violets...and in any case, introverts tend to be pretty wise as they listen and observe more than just talk...




4. They're Suckers for any new idea...

Since most copywriters are salesman at heart...they usually will be the first to fall for any scam or scheme.


Not really - I like 'falling' for new ideas because I like to dissect how effective the copy is...

And I like to see all elements of the copy like the report and the video blah blah


5. They're always talking about themselves...


You mean like you do about your Bently's and jets?



6. They're easily led astray...

Most copywriters can easily be led astray with someone pitching a new idea or selling a new course...how many have you bought?


Ok, you got me there....



7. They're usually loners...

Most copywriters are usually unhappy with others...if they don't fall into their definition of the perfect person.


Rubbish. Copywriting is a lonely skill because most of your time is spent working for yourself from the sanctuary of your own office...but that doesn't make us loners at all!


8. They're all knowing...

Most copywriters think their idea of doing things is the right way.

Try and challenge their way of thinking...you've lost them.

Just a couple thoughts


Well, I've seen enough scraps on this forum to say that's probably true...

WOW! All of that describes me PERFECTLY!

Did you think anyone would admit that?

I read through most of the first post and I was like, "Pfft, whatever. That's not me."

Then I got to Number 7 and I was like, "Alright. Touche."

Are you talking about ALL copywriters, or NEW copywriters?

Either way, seems like a sweeping generalization to me, even if you're talking about NEW copywriters.

But if we're playing that game, then I'd like to add:

9. They write misleading headlines.

Seriously Max?

Give them power much?

Just saying.

Guys, this whole post was about my personal thoughts.

No matter what any say, most of what I said is spot on.

If you disagree with the post...I appreciate your feedback.

I still stand by what I wrote.

So what's the point you're trying to make -- that copywriters are human, all too much so?

So what, even if all that you say is true -- and you hire a copywriter that is all that and more (or worse) but yet lifts your conversions, increases your sales -- makes you money -- exponentially more than you paid said copywriter -- why would you care whether they are... less than humble?

Broad strokes much?

Hey, about 6 of those 8 apply to me Wish I would've found this thread sooner, but I was too busy being a loner. Oh hell.

Ah, and there's me strolling in here for some light relief... after dealing with a nightmare client...

Don't get me started, no, don't even go close to that place!

I mean who, what kind of... No Alan.. Noooo..



*sigh*



AC

Hello,

thanks for this post and i like the gnarly pontification.

People who fall into this category can't consider themselves as copywriters, can they?

Someone has to sell. I'm sure that pisses a few people off.

-Simon

Is there something wrong in being an introvert and what does it have to do with copywriting anyway? Well, almost the entire list mentioned talks about human nature in general (almost all points). There are people with all these traits and still doing something other than copywriting, right?

BTW, one has to be a coconut to be a "saleable" writer. LOL

Wow, what a great post. Wherever can I subscribe for your newsletter and get more of this valuable wisdom?

LOL all I can say is if you hire a $1 an article copywriter you get a dollars worth of article, if you buy a $5 article you get $5 worth of wisdom, experience and writing, if you want everything done the way you want it and want someone to spend hours researching and writing the perfect copy , you really have to be willing to pay for it.

You get what you pay for.....

On the flip side you should hear what I a lot of copywriters say about Internet Marketers, it is amusing to say the least.

Say, Max5ty, did you mean for us to take you seriously?

Ever sat down at the keyboard over and over again to give blood?

Didn't know we have to have BIG, BULGING, BODACIOUS egos to do what we do? Like, we have to feel real good about ourselves to enter "the zone" and stay there long enough to do what our clients can't?

Didn't know we have to know a whole lot about our craft plus whatever topic/client/client requirement walks in the door?

What do you care about the copywriter's personal traits, so long as h/she can put your sorry a** on the map and make you rich?

Got the brains to know what should REALLY p you off about copywriters?

Ever consider getting a life?

Oh well. What's the use of being pessimistic about you? It wouldn't work anyway.

The one on the left at

MBDirect

P.S. DougBargerKiller Copywriter to The Copy Nazi... my first ROTFLOL du jour!

All in that list are just clichés and stereotypes historically associated with the writers.
Undoubtedly, a topic created to provoke the writers. It has achieved its goal.

I am an INFJ.
I just found this forum yesterday.
I must be in the right place.