We’re a funny sort us copywriters…
You see, I turned 33 this week.
Having spent most of the previous year being 32, I’d been expecting it.
But I wasn’t expecting a card from my auntie with my face plastered on Don Draper’s body. (What did we do before Moon Pig, eh?)
Of course, it was a lovely thought, showing they knew I worked as a writer in advertising in some way.
But, in reality, the suggestion is wildly wrong.
Not because we’re not both handsome gentlemen (cough-cough).
And not because we’re not both high-functioning alcoholics.
That’s not not a lot of double-negatives. Ah well.
Anyway, it’s wrong because I’m a DIRECT RESPONSE copywriter.
Don Draper is INDIRECT.
“Er, Glenn. Chill out. No one knows or cares what you’re talking about. Direct, indirect, what the hell does it matter?”
Ah ha!
And here we have it – until last year I would have agreed with you. I knew I was a weird sort and would have happily conceded that no one else really cared about the difference. I would have sulked and mumbled about a ‘call to action’ and ‘the importance of click-through rates’ as those around me quickly lost interest.
But then I was invited to attend the first annual Professional Copywriters’ Network Conference in London and the curtain was drawn back.
Truth is: there are loads of weirdos just like me who care about the very same issues.
These weirdos come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes. Some are old. Some are young. Some are serious. Some are fun. But all of them care about copywriting and everything else that goes with it.
It was a pleasant discovery…
And one I wrote about at the time here.
But I’m writing to you about it again now because Tom recently got in touch to tell me it’s all going off again.
Tom is also known as Tom Albrighton aka @tomcopy and he muddles around with a pleasant chap called Ben Locker aka @benlocker to organise this sterling shindig every year.
Actually, they did it last year and this. Perhaps next year they won’t and it’ll make that previous statement a lie. I apologise on their behalf if that becomes the case.
But hopefully, after the positive reception it received last year, I can only believe this event will take place for many years to come.
And good oh, I say.
They’ve put together a good selection of speakers again and I expect it’ll be just as big a hit with all those in attendance as it was last year.
You can see the program of speakers and book a seat here.
I should be down there again myself, so don’t hesitate to say hello if you’re able to make it too.
As I say, aside from getting to see some very interesting people talk on different aspects of copywriting, the real pull of the day for me is the opportunity to meet with so many like-minded people.
So, if you’re able to make it, I would highly recommend you do. And if you want any further information, I’m sure Tom or Ben would be more than happy to answer your questions.
Otherwise, you can email me and I’ll pass them on for you.
Hopefully see you there!
Best,
Glenn
P.S. I should add that I expect seats will sell out pretty quickly, so if you’re interested in going, don’t leave it too long before you book.
You can quickly reserve a seat right here.