Welcome Informed Criticism of Your Work

When you come to 'know' something, there is a temptation to stop thinking about it. You put it in a box as 'known' and are happy to argue with anyone who disagrees.

This is both a good and a bad thing.

It is good to hold firm to your beliefs, to be true to yourself, to stand your ground over knowledge or a belief that is fundamental to your character and values.

That said, holding stubbornly to your point of view, allowing no space for doubt, can be limiting. Oliver Cromwell is reported to have said to Charles I, on the eve of the king's execution, "I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, consider is possible that you may be wrong." Or words to that effect. Charles I was clearly in no mood to change his mind, and the outcome was not pleasant for him.

Holding true to what you 'know' in terms of copywriting is clearly small potatoes when compared to the decision Charles I faced.

However, we are still faced with the same questions. Should we always hold fast to what we know about our craft? Or should we allow for the possibility that there are better ways to write, different approaches to take, alternative words to consider?

No and yes. No, we shouldn't back down every time a client or colleague questions our work. Yes, we should consider the possibility that what we knew from last year may not be the best choice this year.

So at least, when you have written some copy, seek out a contrarian view. Find someone who's opinion you respect. Ask them to read your copy carefully and criticize it in any way they want. And then consider their views carefully.

Discard criticism that you truly feel is not on target. But also, leave yourself open to the opportunity to grow as a writer, expand your knowledge and skills, and find new, better ways to extend your craft.

Nick Usborne is a copywriter, author, speaker and advocat of good writing. You can access all his archived newsletter articles on copywriting and writing for the web at his Excess Voice site. You'll find more articles and resources on how to make money as a freelance writer at his Freelance Writing Success site.

Project Leader Copywriting
Oneworld, Netherlands - Jul 18, 2008
The department is responsible for six projects: Public Relations, Advertising, Publicity Stunt, Copywriting, Online Media and Website. ...

Business Intelligence Middle East (press release)
Website overseers, a natural trend in the Internet world
Business Intelligence Middle East (press release), United Arab Emirates - 16 hours ago
When web professionals give quotations for a new website, they may include design, graphics, SEO, SEM and perhaps even copywriting. ...

Freelance UK
Tweaking your way to copywriting hell
Freelance UK, UK - Jul 15, 2008
Definition of tweak: “I read a book on copywriting over the weekend and wrote my own copy. It sucks. I desperately need your help, but I’m too cheap to pay ...

Leap to the top with new in-house web copywriting service from ...
Response Source (press release), UK - Jul 15, 2008
From today, Leapfrogg is offering customers the use of another great search marketing service: In-house web copywriting. Leapfrogg works to ensure your ...

Which Computing? Magazine journalist joins Prompt Communications ...
SourceWire (press release), UK - Jul 15, 2008
Terrie will be based in Prompt’s Copywriting division in its London offices, working with technology-based clients and alongside consultants in the ...
Prompt Launches Analyst Relations Practice for Technology Vendors MarketWatch
all 10 news articles

The Copywriting Institute Announces New Media Marketing Package ...
PR-CANADA.net (press release), Montenegro - Jul 11, 2008
The Copywriting Institute, a training and resources company for copywriters, announced the launch of their New Media Marketing Package. ...

Cape Peninsula University of Technology Advertising Students Use ...
Emediawire (press release), WA - Jul 17, 2008
Over 200 Advertising students are using the 19 "New" Rules of Social Media Copywriting as part of the National Diploma in Marketing, at Cape Peninsula ...

Pakistan-Based MSCopywriters Achieves Outstanding Growth as a ...
PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung), Austria - Jul 8, 2008
Com currently provides copywriting, editing and journalism projects for clients in more than fifteen (15) countries. Available services range from feature ...

Best Syndication
Search Engine Optimization and Copywriting Will Help Your Business ...
Best Syndication, CA - Jul 1, 2008
This is where Professional Copywriting and SEO comes in. Working hand in hand these 2 industries will now produce amazing results for your website. ...
Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves: Ethical SEOs and Search Engineers ... Inside CRM
Guaranteed Search Engine Optimization - Is it a scam? Promotion World (press release)
all 3 news articles

Web copywriting: setting the record straight
Bizcommunity.com, South Africa - Jun 30, 2008
As it turns out, web copywriting is a contentious issue - peppered with strongly differing views and hotly defended opinions. At this kitchen of contention, ...

Wind Chimes and more...

Windchimes for great gifts!

Dissolving Buyer Scepticisim ... A Lesson In Copywriting