(Video) How to Write Copy for William Shatner
Today marks the debut of REALITYcopywriting TV. Depending on your feedback, it may also be the series finale…
My son Jonah and I spent a half-hour rehearsing this 6-minute video out in the woods (okay, he was sleeping in the backpack for a good part of it). Not only will you find the production…
- Provides several much needed laughs (laughter helps produce creativity)…
The video also…
- Contains a valuable copywriting lesson about the use of the controversial exclamation mark!!!
- Requires much more lighting…
- Shows you! how to! write copy! for! Captain Kirk!
- Features several technical glitches…
To view the video, click the button with the triangle below…
In the comment box, please let me know what you think. What did you like? Didn’t like? How could it be better? Would prefer to see more of these once in a while — or should I just stick to writing e-columns?
Also, would you prefer we provided transcripts with these videos?
Also, do you agree or disagree with me about the use of the exclamation mark?
P.S. Remember to leave your comments below…
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9 Responses to “(Video) How to Write Copy for William Shatner”
Comments
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October 24th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Enjoyed exclamation points advice. Keep it up.
October 24th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
John,
Thanks for the video tutorial. To me, it provided some much needed clarity to this dilemna. Like you, I can’t stand the overuse of exclamation points in copy. I beleive they do add appeal, only when used sparingly and appropriately. Great job on the video. I vote for more. Only one criticism - your son Jonas is very cute but his antics did distract from the message a little. Maybe next time he could just make a cameo appearance. Just some constructive criticism…overall I loved it. I’m currently in the middle of the AWAI program and anything like this is much appreciated. What were your experiences with the program?
Kind regards,
Eric Dell
allendell62@aol.com
706-387-0114
October 24th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Everything I Need To Know About Exclamation Marks I Learned From Google Adwords
First, never put an exclamation mark in the headline!
Second, only one exclamation mark in the body.
(Notice how I’ve already used my one exclamation mark - I can’t add another one here)
Signed (please forgive me for the anchor text)
- Goji
P.S. I even follow this rule in a 40 page sales letter.
October 24th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Agree with Eric Dell. Jonas is gorgeous but distracting for you and me. As a journalist learnt that exclamation marks were the mark of amateurs - that if your copy couldn’t convey excitement, you had failed. And that’s when you used exclamation marks, italics, underlinings, bold font, etc. However, must admit I have resorted to these very techniques myself when push comes to shove. Still very averse to using exclamation marks however and strongly mistrust them in ad/web copy…
Thankyou so much for doing all of this. And think you and Jonas and Mom in the background are wonderful for doing this video.
Very best wishes to you all,
M-L
October 24th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Hey John…
In copy terms, it could have been a bit more fluid but the content held my attention anyway.
The piececontains an excellent mix of persona, curiousity and useable information.
But most of all, I have to say…
“What a crescendo!”
Sensational!
Indeed Jonah — Ka! Ka!
: ) : )
Shaune
October 24th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Hi Juhn
I loved your little video! And your son is simply gorgeous!
I agreed with all you said, especially your opinion on exclamation marks. I like using them (as you can see), but only when appropriate.
I really enjoy all the emails you send. They especially make me feel better (and Offer invaliable info) as my copywriting business is just not working currently. Very hard to get new customers in this prevailing economic climate. I have to find new ways of promoting myself, networking for almost a year has done nothing to earn any money.
Thanks for putting a smile on my face and, even more importantly, making me laugh today!
Regards
Sharon
October 25th, 2008 at 7:43 am
Apology for all the errors I have made in the above piece, not feeling myself today.
October 25th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Hi John,
Very good and very enjoyable. I completely agree about exclamation marks. I definitely think you should keep doing these videos.
I really do enjoy your emails, too. Your take on writing in general is right on in my opinion. I love the honesty and the total lack of BS. I think that’s why in your emails, as in this video, you come across like the kind of guy people genuinely like. Keep it up, man. Best to you always.
Fred
October 28th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Hey John -
Great video! Loved the fact that it wasn’t done on a professional level. It was down-to-earth. I resonate with that as it makes you appear more human.
Cute son you & Nicole have there. Another resonating point as I remember not long ago when my youngest was that age.
Full of energy - full of enthusiasm… what a blessing!
My view on exclamation points is simple: I understand who I’m writing to - after I just FEEL it.