Category Archives: Advertising and Copywriting

A break due to illness – and a gift

You’ve probably noticed how spectacularly I’m failing at my resolution to blog every day. Embarrassing. Part of the reason for this is that I’m not in particularly good health at the moment and, despite my attempts to pretend everything’s OK, … Continue reading

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Inappropriate suggestions from McDonald’s concerning double cheeseburgers

It’s January of 2005. McDonald’s wants a new banner to promote the double cheeseburger on its dollar menu. So the company instructs the ad agency of the day to come up with something special. The bright sparks in the copywriting … Continue reading

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How to stick out like a duck-billed platypus, Part II

Trivial things amuse me. Like the fact that we all say “duck-billed platypus”… as if there were some other type of platypus it could be. Kind of like saying “European Germany.” What other kind is there? Anyway: We’re talking about … Continue reading

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Professor Moody’s life-saving mantra

Read the Harry Potter series? I love Harry Potter. And one of my favorite characters is Alastor Moody, the grizzled and paranoid Auror. (In the Harry Potter world, an Auror is like a terrorist-hunting Federal Marshal.) Anyway: It just so … Continue reading

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Wisdom from my screaming bratty cousin

My favorite niece’s birthday is coming up. And, because she’s my favorite, I decided to organize something special for her. I tried to get the entire family to perform a song she loves. (“Don’t Stop Believing”, by Journey.) Three-part harmonies; … Continue reading

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Copywriting lesson: Why Napoleon won every time (almost) and how to break out of prison

Napoleon. He’s a modern-day icon of military genius – and for good reason. Before his defeat (when he was outnumbered 3:1), he led his army to victory after victory with remarkable consistency. How did he pull it off? In his … Continue reading

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April Fool’s Day: spaghetti tree, anyone?

April 1st, 1957. The British TV show “Panorama” runs with this piece: … because there’s nothing quite like home-grown spaghetti. In response to the segment, the BBC received calls from hundreds upon hundreds of people. They all wanted to know … Continue reading

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We sell or else

Still not sure about the whole “advertising must sell” thing? I can’t say I blame you. Why not? Because – from a strictly psychological point of view – changing the way you look at things is hard. So here’s what … Continue reading

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