Comments on: The free marketing resource you shouldn’t do without

By: thestudiosource.com » How to take the intimidation out of writing

thestudiosource.com » How to take the intimidation out of writing — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 12:08:17 +0000

[...] You can go looking for something to inspire you—someone famous, or someone closer to home who you admire. You don’t want to copy anyone, so you try to adapt her writing structure to your own voice. It doesn’t work. You try too hard and end up sounding vague. [...]

By: Stacey Cornelius

Stacey Cornelius — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 21:52:11 +0000

Kathy, I don’t like the “u” word, but it does have appropriate uses. I try like crazy to keep it out of descriptions of artwork.

You know J. Peterman is online, yes? I understand they went out of business a while ago, but they’re back. Their gorgeous illustrations and amazing catalogue copy is at http://www.jpeterman.com/

By: Kathy G

Kathy G — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:46:12 +0000

I agree about the “unique” word…there is not much that is truly unique anymore. I have to admit in the past I have used the “u” word too much but after this post I am making it a point to NEVER use it again.

Does anyone remember the JPeterman catalogs?…I admire that kind of writing, telling a store that gets you to a place and time and a certain feeling. I recently saw some amazing copy in an Etsy shop. The sellers copy was a list of adjectives, clever adjectives. I thought it was very affective

By: uberVU - social comments

uberVU - social comments — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:42:50 +0000

Social comments and analytics for this post…

This post was mentioned on Twitter by bethwodzinski: RT: @thestudiosource: New post: the surprising free marketing tool you shouldn’t do without: http://bit.ly/d1nTXN...

By: Stacey Cornelius

Stacey Cornelius — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:58:32 +0000

I agree, Libby. A strong statement doesn’t need all the extras. Your husband’s a smart guy.

By: Stacey Cornelius

Stacey Cornelius — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:57:32 +0000

That’s an excellent way to invite your audience to connect with you, Sally. People enjoy getting to know you, even if you only reveal a little about yourself. That connection matters.

By: aneyefordetail

aneyefordetail — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:49:05 +0000

Nice post! For me, the very worst offence is just plain writing TOO MUCH. My husband, who worked in publishing for years and who is truly a “word person” has taught me to cut, cut , cut. So many adjectives are superfuous and,yes “fluffing” is seen all too much!

By: Sally Mack

Sally Mack — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:47:56 +0000

Good point, Stacey, about the “fluff.” I hate writing about my photos but every exhibit forces me to, whether it’s a bio, a paragraph or two about where the photos were taken, or the equipment I use.

There are words that I never use: art, beautiful, extraordinary, unique, etc. It’s not up to me to make those determinations about my photos.

However, there is one thing I’ve learned in addition to non-fluffing: Don’t be afraid to be myself. The text I write needs to show a personal side, whether in choosing a whimsical title, the choice of a carefully-chosen word not usually associated with the subject, or a cautious use of humor that some people will “get.”

By: Stacey Cornelius

Stacey Cornelius — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:32:28 +0000

The real test is this: you read the copy, then seek out the artist and see the work. What happens then? If you’re still excited about the work, the copy was effective. But if you oversell, you make an entirely different impression. If you come away thinking “hype,” the copy has gone in the wrong direction.

By: Lynn Rotin

Lynn Rotin — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:03:54 +0000

Well put. I see what you mean now.

When I originally read the copy, I was taken in by the effusiveness and confidence of the maker. She did make her work sound highly desirable (and unique). Funny thing is that I’m a stickler for typos. They generally pop out at me but this time, for some reason, they didn’t. Could it be that her copy actually worked????….that it sold me on her product (even though I’m familiar with it and don’t think it matches her hype).

Just proves how much I need your help.