| Jun. 12 2006 at 4:53 PM |
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H. Dean,
Couldn't agree more on your "corporate speak" comment. The copy has to communicate a connection with the reader. Learning to paint a picture with words is the biggest obstacle I see - all the time. Vivid detail is needed. It ain't brain surgery but many approach it as if it was.
Thanks for your comments.
R@ Richard Arnold · Key Concept Writers · Business Communication: The "Key" To Success· Law of Attraction Blog · Life Ain't Brain Surgery Blog
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| Jun. 14 2006 at 9:46 AM |
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As a writer/copyeditor by profession, I find it amazing how many spelling mistakes and misused words I find on websites. I agree with Richard. It makes my skin crawl. When I see poor writing I wouldn't even consider doing business with the owners of a site. My thought is, "If they don't care enough about their own company to make sure it looks professional they probably have other drawbacks as well."
VickiJ
www.freshairjournal.com
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| Jul. 08 2006 at 6:45 AM |
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It's amazing to me that so many people think that graphics and clutter will help seell their site.
I admit, I am guilty of using the ocasional Flash or Java based tool...but when I do, I always "double program" my website to allow for those who would like to read the content with base HTML, and a few pertinent graphics.
I like using frames when programming, because I progra by hand, don't like the "WYSIWYG" editors. I might be an oddball, but I hope to be a welathy oddball!
I'm glad I found this community, it seems most people here have a firm grasp of their subject matter, and those that don't seem to move on. I enjoy the fact atht there isn't a lot of senseless bickering, just people trying to help other people. Cool. -- Rojgiean
"Creating tomorrow today!: It's not as easy as it sounded!!!"
www.cafepress.com/thebrainsprain
The sword's real, I use it to cut through the lies I find in business and making money!
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| Jul. 29 2006 at 9:14 PM |
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Depend of lots a factor
1= english langage is universel but not the other if tomorrow it was french universel language it would be hard for all of you to now the right spelling.
2=depend your budget how mutch your website cost.
3= depend if you understand the tranlation they made for you.
But for me I dont approve because they are some error of spelling in a website that dont prouve this is a bad compagny.
Even in that letter I did some error but the most important thing it's to communicate dont you tink so?
From Stephane Stephane Dube INVENTOR
http://www.windowwashingsystem.com
Cordially thank you to Startupnation .
This invention will revolutionize the window-washing process.
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| Dec. 08 2006 at 4:26 PM |
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The primary issue is that poor copy distracts me from the message you're trying to communicate. I can certainly understand the difficulty for those whose primary language is not English, but I can't help the fact that as soon as I start reading something that is poorly worded and/or filled with errors, all I can think about is "this is poorly written!"
You can have the most legitimate business on the planet, but if you throw roadblocks up that prevent me from getting the message you're trying to convey, you've lost me. Seems like it would make it worth the cost of having someone proof your copy for those common errors.
chuck fuller
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| Dec. 08 2006 at 5:14 PM |
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I posted a short treatise on copywriting.
http://www.startupnation.com/pages/community/forum_posts.asp ?TID=2997&PN=1
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| Dec. 12 2006 at 12:22 PM |
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I love seeing all of you copywriters and editors and such around here!
Both writing and graphic design (full disclosure, here: I do both) tend to get overlooked by entrepreneurs who are so focused on bootstrapping that they forget a business must incur expenses in order to grow.
Whether we're talking about web copy, or sales brochures, or even business letters and print ads, these are the one and only voice of your company. You can be the most well-meaning, friendly, efficient company on the planet, but if a potential customer doesn't understand this immediately when reading your materials—any of your materials—you'll never get to chance to prove it to them.
It's hard not to sound like I'm pitching here, but I see so many really quality businesses struggle along because the voice they use to communicate with the public is amateur, poorly thought-out, or poorly executed.
CookieMonster, your treatise on copywriting via the link you posted is great. But I would emphasize that if words are not your strong suit, find a way to squeeze it into your budget. Those of us for whom tax forms read like Greek invest in a good accountant; there is no reason you should hobble yourself by skimping on shaping your company's public voice, either.
Roughstock Studios | Notes From the Rodeo | Newsletter
Strategic communications without the selling of souls.
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| Dec. 12 2006 at 5:09 PM |
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Great information Roughstock. I agree with your position on copywriting; it is a necessary expense. The "voice of the company" point is especially important. Poor copy is the foundation of poor communication. Copywriting is something that "seems" easy, and the lure of "easy copy" leads many entrepreneurs to assume that they can/should write the copy for their site. The entrepreneur does not often realize that a poorly written site, the "voice of the company" as you say, has the effect of forcing a visitor to sit and listen to someone ramble on and on and on and ... to information of questionable relevance. Most visitors prefer to hit the "Back" button when they cannot make sense of information available on a web site.
There are lots of big businesses with very poorly written copy. Maybe we should make a list of web sites with great copy?
I really don't care for a lot of the "Web 2.0" products/services as many of these services seem like a blatant attempt to cash in on hype. That said, a lot of these sites have great front page copy. The following link contains a list of many web 2.0 copies with great copywriting. http://www.techcrunch.com/company-index/
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