It's late on a Friday afternoon and as Holden Caulfield might say,
"It's cold as a witch's tit" outside. Much of the New York ad world
is thinking of leaving the office for the long Martin Luther King day weekend.
There's the faint clack and click of computer keyboards, some account people laughing
in the distance, but all in all, people are getting ready to shut down.
I don't blame them.
That said, I think Friday afternoon can also be the perfect time for a simple, brilliant
lesson in copywriting. That is if you find the right inspiration.
I found it today in "The New York Times" obituary of
Bob Levenson, who died last Wednesday at the age of 83, after 30+ years in the
business and countless great ads.
You can read his obit here: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/18/business/media/robert-h-levenson-a-visionary-adman-dies-at-83.html?smid=fb-share
The copywriting lesson comes at the end of the obituary.
Dominik Imseng who wrote a book on DDB’s great VW ads asked Levenson about his approach to writing copy. Levenson replied:
“I always started by writing Dear Charlie, like
writing to a friend. And then I would say what I had to say, and at the end I
would cross out Dear Charlie, and I was all right. ”
Did Bob do any banner ads?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteHey Bob,
ReplyDeleteMake it more search friendly, cos nobody reads any more and besides, nobody will get the boat references in an airline ad; research will tell us that, I imagine.
kthxbai!
Yr ECD
http://theescapepod.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/ad1.jpg
Hello. And Bye. Thank you very much.
ReplyDeleteHello. And Bye. Thank you very much.
ReplyDeleteSimply desire to say your article is as amazing. The clearness in your
ReplyDeletepost is just nice and i can assume you're an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.
Review my web page ... Coral Store
We're a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your website provided us with valuable info to work on. You've done a formidable job and our whole community will be thankful to you.
ReplyDeleteHere is my web page :: saltwater aquarium store brandon fl
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is
ReplyDeletea really smartly written article. I'll be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info. Thank you for the post. I'll certainly comeback.
Visit my weblog ... las vegas country club instructors
Whoa! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It's on a totally different subject but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Excellent choice of colors!
ReplyDeleteLook at my blog :: Karaoke Bar
I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This paragraph posted
ReplyDeleteat this web page is genuinely fastidious.
Visit my web-site :: chiropractic care electrical stimulation
Hi there. I'm sorry to hassle you but I happened to run across your weblog and noticed you're using the exact same theme as me.
ReplyDeleteThe only problem is on my site, I'm struggling to get the style and design looking like yours. Would you mind emailing me at: shay_centeno@gmail.com so I can get this figured out. By the way I've bookmarked your web site: http:
//www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6072420181476584961&postID=4929979710350425728
and will be visiting frequently. Many thanks!
Feel free to visit my web-site - furnace brands central air
Hello! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site
ReplyDeletewith us so I came to look it over. I'm definitely enjoying the information. I'm bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
Terrific blog and great style and design.
Feel free to surf to my site: home repair yourself
Valuable information. Lucky me I discovered your site unintentionally, and I'm shocked why this accident did not took place in advance! I bookmarked it.
ReplyDeleteAlso visit my weblog; how to hit a golf ball lower
I don't know if it's just me or if everybody else experiencing issues with your site.
ReplyDeleteIt appears like some of the written text in your content are running off the screen.
Can somebody else please comment and let me know if this
is happening to them too? This may be a issue with my web browser because I've had this happen previously. Many thanks
Here is my web page exercise physiology mcardle
Also see my webpage > fashion bug credit card statement
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you?
ReplyDeletePlz respond as I'm looking to create my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from. thanks a lot
Stop by my weblog the 80's
workout gear
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to do
ReplyDeleteit for you? Plz respond as I'm looking to create my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from. thanks a lot
my web-site: the 80's workout gear
My webpage: fitness pump price
When I initially left a comment I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are
ReplyDeleteadded- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I recieve four emails with the exact same comment.
Perhaps there is a way you are able to remove me from that
service? Thanks a lot!
Feel free to visit my web page - chiropractor-orlando.com
I visited several websites but the audio quality for audio songs
ReplyDeletecurrent at this web page is actually marvelous.
Here is my blog post shoulder injuries in baseball players
The other day, while I was at work, my cousin stole my apple ipad and tested to see
ReplyDeleteif it can survive a 40 foot drop, just so she can
be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now broken and she
has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share
it with someone!
Here is my homepage ... ryka studio shoes
When I originally commented I clicked the "Notify me when new comments are added" checkbox and now each time a comment
ReplyDeleteis added I get several emails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove me from that
service? Bless you!
Take a look at my blog - flexx studio shoes
Also see my site - studio shoes with heels
Have you ever thought about creating an e-book or guest authoring on other sites?
ReplyDeleteI have a blog based upon on the same information you discuss and would love to have
you share some stories/information. I know my readers would value
your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me
an email.
Take a look at my blog post - avia fitness apparel for women
my web page: fitness clothes
This is really interesting, You're a very skilled blogger. I've
ReplyDeletejoined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post.
Also, I've shared your site in my social networks!
Here is my blog ... callaway golf preowned promotional codes
Howdy! This is my first visit to your blog!
ReplyDeleteWe are a collection of volunteers and starting a new
initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on.
You have done a wonderful job!
my homepage :: Steak and Seafood
Heya! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers?
ReplyDeleteMy last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing a few months of hard work due to no back up.
Do you have any solutions to stop hackers?
my weblog :: home glass repair houston
Howdy! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group?
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot of folks that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Thanks
Feel free to surf to my weblog basic electronics tool kit
Please let me know if you're looking for a article writer for your blog. You have some really great posts and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I'd really like to write some material for
ReplyDeleteyour blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast
me an email if interested. Kudos!
My web site ... toshiba tv replacement parts
Hi! This is my first visit to your blog! We are
ReplyDeletea team of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in
the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on.
You have done a outstanding job!
My blog ... memory cards for digital cameras explained
I'm really enjoying the theme/design of your site. Do you ever run into any browser compatibility problems? A couple of my blog readers have complained about my site not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Opera. Do you have any suggestions to help fix this issue?
ReplyDeleteHere is my web blog: home depot tile installation
I think this is one of the such a lot important info for me.
ReplyDeleteAnd i am satisfied reading your article. However should commentary on few
basic things, The website taste is perfect,
the articles is really excellent : D. Just right activity, cheers
Also visit my web site: gallbladder surgery pictures
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme.
ReplyDeleteDid you make this website yourself or did you hire someone
to do it for you? Plz answer back as I'm looking to construct my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. thank you
Here is my site :: golf simulator for home use
Do you have any video of that? I'd like to find out some additional information.
ReplyDeleteAlso visit my blog - willowsgolfresort.com
This design is wicked! You obviously know how to keep a
ReplyDeletereader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was
almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost...HaHa!
) Fantastic job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
Too cool!
Feel free to visit my webpage - corporate housing chicago downtown
Hello, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar
ReplyDeleteone and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam responses?
If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you can suggest?
I get so much lately it's driving me crazy so any assistance is very much appreciated.
Take a look at my web page - destin vacation rentals with private pool
Hi! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if that would be ok. I'm undoubtedly enjoying your blog and
ReplyDeletelook forward to new updates.
Visit my site - continental golf flagstaff az
Good blog you have got here.. It's hard to find high-quality writing like yours nowadays. I seriously appreciate people like you! Take care!!
ReplyDeleteHere is my homepage yamaha golf carts ocala
First off I want to say wonderful blog! I had a quick
ReplyDeletequestion in which I'd like to ask if you do not mind. I was interested to find out how you center yourself and clear your thoughts prior to writing. I have had trouble clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out there. I do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or tips? Thanks!
Stop by my homepage: hottravelworld.com
You actually make it appear so easy together with your presentation
ReplyDeletehowever I in finding this matter to be really something which I think I would never understand.
It seems too complicated and very large for me. I am taking a look
forward on your next submit, I will try to get the hold
of it!
Here is my weblog - Short game classes
Great post.
ReplyDeleteHave a look at my blog post - golf short game classes
At this time it sounds like Expression Engine is the best blogging platform out there right now.
ReplyDelete(from what I've read) Is that what you're using on your blog?
my blog post - Las Vegas Golf Schools
Greetings from Carolina! I'm bored to tears at work so I decided to browse your blog on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the info you present here and can't wait to take a look when I get home.
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I'm not
even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, good site!
Look into my homepage :: cervical neck injury
Hello There. I found your blog the usage of msn.
ReplyDeleteThat is a really well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to learn more of your useful info.
Thank you for the post. I will definitely return.
My web page - upper back spasms pinched Nerve
Hey there! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site?
ReplyDeleteI'm getting tired of Wordpress because I've had issues with hackers and I'm looking at alternatives for another platform. I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
Feel free to surf to my weblog - sciatica symptoms and causes
I'm curious to find out what blog system you are using? I'm
ReplyDeletehaving some minor security issues with my latest blog and I would like to find something more risk-free.
Do you have any solutions?
Here is my page; vrbo houses in gulf shores al
Greetings! I've been reading your site for a long time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Humble Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the excellent work!
ReplyDeletemy web-site ... postbit.com
Having read this I thought it was extremely informative.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this short
article together. I once again find myself personally spending way too much time both reading and commenting.
But so what, it was still worth it!
my webpage - right middle back pain when breathing
I almost never comment, however i did some searching and wound up
ReplyDeletehere "Bob Levenson. Copy. And letter-writing.".
And I actually do have 2 questions for you if it's allright. Could it be simply me or does it seem like some of these responses look like they are written by brain dead visitors? :-P And, if you are writing on other online social sites, I would like to follow everything fresh you have to post. Could you make a list of the complete urls of all your communal pages like your Facebook page, twitter feed, or linkedin profile?
Feel free to visit my blog post; golf instruction certification
Howdy would you mind stating which blog platform you're using? I'm
ReplyDeletegoing to start my own blog soon but I'm having a hard time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I'm looking for something completely unique.
P.S My apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!
my weblog :: computer parts store nyc
Howdy! Would you mind if I share your blog with
ReplyDeletemy facebook group? There's a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Thanks
Feel free to visit my web page - www.silivrenstudios.com
I hardly comment, however i did some searching and wound up here "Bob Levenson. Copy. And letter-writing.".
ReplyDeleteAnd I actually do have 2 questions for you if it's allright. Is it only me or does it look like some of these responses appear like written by brain dead people? :-P And, if you are posting on other online social sites, I would like to follow everything fresh you have to post. Would you make a list of the complete urls of your social sites like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile?
My homepage: tupperware sushi maker
Great web site. Lots of helpful info here. I'm sending it to a few buddies ans also sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you in your sweat!
ReplyDeleteLook into my web page; www.mylocally.com
At this time I am going away to do my breakfast, when having my breakfast coming yet
ReplyDeleteagain to read further news.
Here is my website back 2 life therapeutic massager
It is appropriate time to make a few plans for the long run and it is time to be happy.
ReplyDeleteI've read this put up and if I may just I wish to suggest you few fascinating issues or suggestions. Perhaps you can write subsequent articles relating to this article. I desire to learn even more issues approximately it!
Also visit my weblog; Outdoor Led Lighting
Hi there! Quick question that's totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when browsing from my apple iphone. I'm trying to find a theme or plugin that might be
ReplyDeleteable to resolve this issue. If you have any suggestions, please share.
Thank you!
my web site ... laminectomy procedure
I do not know whether it's just me or if perhaps everyone else experiencing problems with your blog. It seems like some of the written text in your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them too? This could be a problem with my browser because I've had this happen
ReplyDeletepreviously. Thank you
My page: hospital for special surgery careers
I'm not sure why but this web site is loading incredibly slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a issue on my end? I'll
ReplyDeletecheck back later and see if the problem still exists.
Here is my web blog upper back ache Pms
What's up to every , since I am genuinely keen of reading this webpage's
ReplyDeletepost to be updated on a regular basis. It carries fastidious data.
Check out my site; http://www.linkedin.com
Wonderful items from you, man. I have be mindful your stuff prior to and
ReplyDeleteyou are just extremely great. I actually like what you've obtained right here, certainly like what you are stating and the best way in which you assert it. You're making it enjoyable and you continue to take care of to keep it smart.
I can't wait to read far more from you. That is actually a tremendous site.
My website golf gloves
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I have
ReplyDeletereally enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I'll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!
Also visit my page: golf lessons free shawn clement
Good day! I know this is kinda off topic but I was
ReplyDeletewondering which blog platform are you using for this website?
I'm getting tired of Wordpress because I've had problems with hackers and I'm looking at options for another platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
Here is my blog mayo clinic internal medicine review
wonderful put up, very informative. I ponder why the other experts
ReplyDeleteof this sector do not realize this. You must proceed your writing.
I'm sure, you have a great readers' base already!
Feel free to surf to my web blog ... orlando golf courses top 10