What’s the best swear word? Clare Barry will tell you. And she’s 100% convinced…
Everyone’s favourite Australian marketing satirist, Ryan Wallman (aka Dr Draper) shares his thoughts on copywriting and more…
Good copywriters are always trying new things. Here’s why they must…
David Ogilvy or David Lynch? I ask. “As a copywriter,” Gareth replies, “I’ve got to go with Ogilvy. He’s the main man on Main Street. The don. I did enjoy Twin Peaks as a kid, though.” Charles Bukowski or Charles Saatchi? I continue. “Tough one that. Saatchi has done loads in copywriting and in art, but I’m giving Bukowski the nod. I like that downtrodden, underdog realism stuff. He championed the marginalised brilliantly. A good…
“Sell, or else,” pronounced legendary ad man, David Ogilvy many a decade ago. And, ever since, this unflinching commandment has been passed down from copywriter to copywriter. It’s the great leveller; the simple reminder that whatever the media, your aim remains the same: you sell, my boy, you sell if it’s the last thing you do. But is it the right aim? Or rather, is it the right message? Is the perceived wisdom of ‘a…
Let’s take a field trip… Indeed, I’m editing this following a field trip of my own to Delray Beach, Florida. I was there for the annual copywriting conference held by @AWAI_online. As it’s the home of many Agora affiliates, I’ve been visiting Delray for many years to regularly catch up with some of the top writers in the direct response industry. But that’s not why I’m suggesting we take a field trip today. The thought…
As the rain pelts down outside, we take our seats in the main hall. I guess this is what they call a buzz. To me, I’m not so sure, it’s more of a warmth. A glow maybe? It might just be the lights bouncing off the wood-lined walls. Maybe it’s that most people have a day off work. But I think it’s more than that. Looking around I get the sense others feel the same. This isn’t just an online platform…