Four Great 90s Adverts (and What You Need to Learn From Them)
Over the weekend, ITV’s CITV channel showed a collection of retro kids’ TV shows from the 90s. But while Pat Sharp and the Twins, Tregard and his hapless dungeoneers and Julia Sawahla’s Press Gang all triggered waves of fond memories from the decade that shame forgot, something key was missing. 90s adverts. And not just...
Five Brilliant Bits of Copywriting Advice (That Bloggers Keep Ignoring)
Whether you're writing a restaurant review, ranting about the quality of political comment in this country or trying to sell your services, the rules, goals and skillsets are the same.
Please Stop Verbing Your Nouns
I'm part of the generation that was never formally taught English grammar. I don't know what adverb means, I think pronouns sound slightly seedy, and that conjunction is something that happens in a car park outside a prison.
Of Course Good Spelling and Grammar Matter
In this 200 Word Post (the first of 2012), Andy explains that despite what you may have read, spelling does actually matter. You fools.
How Not to Write a Sales Letter (with assistance from cuddly Ken Bates)
Despite telesales, despite search engine marketing, and despite social media, direct sales letters are still one of the most important and effective weapons in any marketer's arsenal. Done right, a great sales letter can deliver huge returns on a fairly small investment.
Swords, Sorcery and Snow Trolls – The Skyrim Guide to Blogging
If you find yourself within earshot of a nerd this week, the chances are that you'll hear the word "Skyrim" bandied about in excitable tones. Don't worry - this isn't some obscure lewd act known only to members of the mile-high club. It's a computer game.
Do You Know What’s The Scariest Thing About Halloween?
Apparently, the week surrounding October 31st is the scariest time of the year. But it's not because of trick or treaters. No, it's because of hellishly bad copy.
So read on and find our Bestiary of Halloween Copy Horrors. If you dare...
Swearing in Your Copy? Fuck Off.
In this 200 word post, Andy discusses the merits (or lack thereof) of swearing in your copy.
Beware, at least 2.5% of this post is swearing. But he doesn't use the C-Word. Because he's a fucking classy guy like that.
Stop Pretending that Your Blog Isn’t About Your Ego
The following is a 200 word post inspired by a discussion with @TomCopy about self-promotion, blogging and ego.
What Bloggers Need to Learn from Poets
Surely there's no common ground dark art of marketing and the creative art of poetry? You might be surprised to hear that as a blogger, you need to learn from poets.
Piss Off, Pedants
The following is inspired by @BobbleBardsley challenging me to write 200 words or fewer on grammar-dinosaurs.
The Pirate’s Guide to Blogging – International Talk Like a Pirate Day
Yarr and avast there me hearties!
It be International Talk Like a Pirate Day again, and that can mean only two things: Firstly, it be meaning that people across the globe will be saying "it be" when they mean "it is". And secondly, it be meaning that I be divulgin' the most well kept secret...
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