What is a Swipe File?

by 5 replies
8
(Sorry for my naivete. )

I am not new to IM ,but relatively new to the Art and Science of conventional Copy.

Is a Swipe file a tangible kind of object you use for Copy and have on hand some good Copy to use as your own for templates in the future. ( hopefully in a non-plagiarizing way?)

Or is it an abstract term used in a general sense to have Copy on hand you can refer to in the future ?

And does the term denote something negative and to avoid ?

Thanks,
Robert
#copywriting #file #files #swipe
  • Here's the full replay (1 hour 43 minutes) of a monthly live training session from inside Fast Effective Copy called "The Ultimate Secret To Swiping" with myself and David Garfinkel:

    Fast Effective Copy: The Ultimate Secret To Swiping with David Garfinkel & Brian McLeod - YouTube
    We recorded this a while back, but just as relevant today as that day.

    Answers damn near any question one might have about swiping - what it is, if it's ok, if you should do it, if it's effective, etc., et al.

    Enjoy!

    Brian
    • [ 6 ] Thanks
  • It can be any kind of copy you use for ideas and inspiration. Could be clippings you keep in a tangible file or online copy in a digital file.

    Nothing negative about it, most copywriters have a swipe file of some kind.

    Tim.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • Good question. A swipe file to me is inspiration for your own stuff. It's examples of other's writing you keep for reference. I keep almost everything I think is good, or all things from writers I respect and like. Not intended for clear plagiarism, however.
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • I use my swipe file for ideas when it comes to headlines, blog posts...you name it! I even invest in magazines and cut out great headlines that I might want to use for myself! You'll start to notice good copy everywhere from brochures to posters to billboards. Jot it all down and go for it!
  • Your swipe file can include any type of website (or offline reference material) that will help you come up with unique blog posts, headlines/ad copy or whatever it is you are working on. The key to a good swipe file is to be inspired by the material there in but not to allow it to influence what you write, such as you should be originating your own unique content, rather than copying others.
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