The American writer and public intellectual, Gore Vidal, once quipped: "As one gets older, litigation replaces sex." If Vidal had made it to the gym in his later years, he would've switched "litigation" for "CNBC." Let me explain. This … [Continue reading] about CNBC Replaces Sex
Why “Armageddon Advertising” Sells
From 1979-1981, Doug Casey's full page ads proclaiming "the Great Depression of the 1980s" were in newspapers all over America. His book, Crisis Investing, became the bestselling financial book in history, hit #1 on the New York Times Best Seller … [Continue reading] about Why “Armageddon Advertising” Sells
The “Billionaire Bonehead” of Direct Mail Marketing
"$100 Million Wasted On Ads That Never Pay" was written by Claude Hopkins in 1909. Hopkins was possibly the highest salaried copywriter in history -- he pulled down today's equivalent of $4.5 million a year. There was a reason his boss, Albert … [Continue reading] about The “Billionaire Bonehead” of Direct Mail Marketing
Mississippi Man Discovers Long Lost Tapes Made By Elvis Presley Before He Became Famous
Mississippi Man Discovers Long Lost Tapes Made By Elvis Presley Before He Became Famous! Here's a one-off insertion in the L.A. Times from 1988 that Gary Halbert wrote and published. I don't know of anyone who's ever seen this one … [Continue reading] about Mississippi Man Discovers Long Lost Tapes Made By Elvis Presley Before He Became Famous
Jack3d Article in the New York Times
Anyone in the alt-health and supplement business can't help but notice the growing trend of wrongful death cases. A few weeks ago, I wrote how Manoj Bhargava, founder of 5-Hour Energy, went on the assault when his company came into the spotlight due … [Continue reading] about Jack3d Article in the New York Times
Cushioning The Claim
$25,000 Dollars For a Few Hours Work Doesn't Seem Fair! This ad had widespread insertions in the early 1980s and was written by one of the most successful operators in the biz-op category, a man named John Chriswell of Sterling Virginia. Even at … [Continue reading] about Cushioning The Claim
Mystery Monk’s Brand Battle
The "mystery monk" got his first taste of energy drink ten years ago at a trade show. From his first sip, he knew he wanted a piece of this market but wasn't ready to take on emerging giant, Red Bull. Nor did he care to share fridge space with Coke … [Continue reading] about Mystery Monk’s Brand Battle
Killer Campaigns: “The Power of the Printed Word”
In late-2012, I had a client, who was a cold name on my house file, buy six months of my time. Worth it? Yes, but I've gotten a severe case of withdrawal. So, for those who asked why I haven't been posting, I'll be more than making up for it … [Continue reading] about Killer Campaigns: “The Power of the Printed Word”
From Mail Order Copywriter to Dating Market King
If you picked up a magazine or newspaper in the 1970s or 1980s, you would've encountered an ad like this from Eric Weber's Symphony Press. Weber was a timid young advertising copywriter when he decided there had to be a better way to meet … [Continue reading] about From Mail Order Copywriter to Dating Market King
Simple, Red Hot Offer
It's hard for those of us attached to long copy to admit it's not always the answer. One of the greatest direct response hits in years is a product created out of thin air. It rarely gets more than a line or two of copy, yet sales of over a billion … [Continue reading] about Simple, Red Hot Offer
In Memory of Christian Godefroy
Earlier this week, I received the belated and sad news of the passing of my friend and colleague, Christian Godefroy. I last heard from him on November 2nd and he suffered a fatal heart attack two weeks later on November 17th. Christian Godefroy was … [Continue reading] about In Memory of Christian Godefroy
Christmas Department Store Advertising
This is a 4-page Christmas advertising spread from Marshall Field from 1950. Growing up in and around New York City, I recall what a big deal the department store windows were around Christmas time. Fascinating and nostalgic advertising in the … [Continue reading] about Christmas Department Store Advertising
Don’t wait until Doomsday… (The Mayan Apocalypse)
Here's a half-page vertical insertion for How to Survive a Nuclear Disaster -- apropos for today's apocalypse foretold in the Mayan calendar. Don't wait until Doomsday... You can protect yourself and your family NOW! The first authoritative reference … [Continue reading] about Don’t wait until Doomsday… (The Mayan Apocalypse)
From Yesteryear’s Beauty Controls… Into Today’s Spots
The ads for SilkSkin in the 1980s-1990s were part of a long running campaign in the beauty and cosmetics markets. What made them so memorable? The ads were fronted by Hollywood make-up artist, Bob Sidell, who worked on the sets of some of the most … [Continue reading] about From Yesteryear’s Beauty Controls… Into Today’s Spots
Catch More Bass and Bigger Bass
Jason Lucas—Legendary Fishing Editor of Sports Afield Magazine—Reveals How To Catch More Bass and Bigger Bass ...Return to the Dock Loaded with Bass—Even on Days Other Fishermen Keep Coming Back "Skunked" How would you like the inside … [Continue reading] about Catch More Bass and Bigger Bass
Monday Morning Sex Change
A few months ago, I was having dinner with a friend in New York. He works for a large investment bank and shared an interesting story about an unusual conference call. He told me all the US personnel were instructed to get on a conference call for … [Continue reading] about Monday Morning Sex Change