This is Gary Halbert's 1979 ad copy for a book of the same title. Gary wrote several ads for Milburn Publishing, founded by Frank Sarcona, out of leafy Maplewood, New Jersey. One of the takeaways here is to make sure your i's are dotted and t's … [Continue reading] about Gary Halbert Ad #13: “The Amazing Diet Secret of a Desperate Housewife”
Britney Spears Amazing Diet Pills (Weight Loss Ad #27)
Diet pills are something I prefer to stay as far away from as possible as a marketer. Not only are there intense regulations and oversight that varies drastically from state to state and country to country but at any moment, a law suit (or worse) … [Continue reading] about Britney Spears Amazing Diet Pills (Weight Loss Ad #27)
How To Live Your Dreams (from a Man With 6 Months Left to Live)
Announcement About the Announcement…
Happy New Year. Just a quick announcement about my 2007 announcement. I've recently been infused with a most unexpected dose of inspiration. So the announcement I made about an irresistible 2007 offer will take some more time because I'm … [Continue reading] about Announcement About the Announcement…
Are There Any Long Copy Advocates Left?
Are there any long copy advocates left online? Last week, I awoke from a lengthy marketing slumber and scanned a few dozen online promotions from the direct response giants: Phillips, Boardroom, KCI, Forbes, Rodale, etc. They all seem to … [Continue reading] about Are There Any Long Copy Advocates Left?
Can This Curmudgeon Change Your Life In 2008?
Robert Ringer reminds me of the director at the all boys high school I attended who was ominously named, "the dean of men." My friends and I adapted to the constant anxiety of being cornered by him for smoking, drinking or some other … [Continue reading] about Can This Curmudgeon Change Your Life In 2008?
Changing Your Life With An Accountability Blog
A few months ago, I discovered a fascinating accountability blog by an Australian fellow named, Adam Waters. At the time of this post, his video appeared near the top of YouTube for the term "weight loss" and it seems he's translated the success … [Continue reading] about Changing Your Life With An Accountability Blog
Weight Loss Through Accountability Blogging
Ready-Made Public Domain Products Via the Freedom of Information Act
First, the general disclaimer: I'm not a lawyer and can't offer legal advice. Second, if you plan on creating Public Domain products, you must have this on your bookshelf: "The Public Domain: How to Find & Use Copyright-free Writings, Music, … [Continue reading] about Ready-Made Public Domain Products Via the Freedom of Information Act
Gary Halbert Ad #9: How To Collect Social Security at Any Age
Gary claims this ad netted three quarters of a million dollars during its lifetime of ten or so years. A classified version of this ad buried in the back of the Canton,Ohio newspaper supposedly led to numerous inquiries to the newspaper by its … [Continue reading] about Gary Halbert Ad #9: How To Collect Social Security at Any Age
Makepeace Magalog Feast
John Newtson over at Clayton Makepeace's corner sent the most delectable snack over the Thanksgiving Holiday: magalog and mail insert scans from the biggest names in the business including, Dan Rosenthal, David Deutsch, Parris Lampropoulos, Gary … [Continue reading] about Makepeace Magalog Feast
Drayton Bird’s “Bird Droppings”
A couple of months ago, I began exchanging messages with a subscriber. I'd post my usual fare, like a David Ogilvy or Gene Schwartz full page ad and this fellow began regaling me with tales of working closely with both of these legends. Little … [Continue reading] about Drayton Bird’s “Bird Droppings”
The Best Space Ads of the Last 25 Years
Here is an ad from Hume Financial written 25 years ago. When I first came across these ads a few years ago, I knew there were some heavyweight pens behind them. Here's how I discovered more. I was lucky to be an attendee as well as exchange … [Continue reading] about The Best Space Ads of the Last 25 Years
More Copywriting Fascinations from Mel Martin
A few weeks ago I posted an ad from the pioneer of copywriting fascinations: Mel Martin. My subscribers wanted more so here goes. There is no area in copywriting that'll pay you bigger dividends faster than crafting great bullets. And who better … [Continue reading] about More Copywriting Fascinations from Mel Martin
Who Else Wants This Headline Template Put to Sleep?
I haven't run into a recent print ad sporting a "Who Else Wants?" headline in a long time. Maybe there's a reason for that. Online however, it seems like most offers for yesterday's obsolete doohickey come today's big launch, embrace this headline … [Continue reading] about Who Else Wants This Headline Template Put to Sleep?
How Marketers Can Profit from the U.S. Currency Collapse
"Most Of What You Have Will Be Wiped Out In the Coming Currency Collapse -- Unless You're Ready For It" Hits you right between the eyes, doesn't it? It seems like every few years, an economist comes out with a book predicting the … [Continue reading] about How Marketers Can Profit from the U.S. Currency Collapse