Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Under Pressure

It’s interesting how the mind works. I’ve been under a tight deadline and have more work than I really feel like doing.

I got up this morning after a very restless night and sure didn’t feel like working today. One of the joys of being self-employed is being able to take a day off when you want to. (Wanna bet?)

I worked on my new side business for a while, then spent some time on the phone with one of my partners and realized I was falling further behind.

I went out into the yard and started to do some exercises. (Not one of my favorite things, lately.)

When I came back in, I started to work and suddenly was reenergized. I knocked out my entire daily to-do list and got a good start on the rest of the week.

When I looked at the clock, 6 hours had passed. Amazing the way time flies when you’re in the zone.

Sometimes the planets just line up in your favor. We’ve even started to get a handle on this Google Adwords thing. (Maybe.)

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

World’s Largest Hurricane Party

If you don’t live in hurricane alley, you’ve probably never heard of a “Hurricane Party.” if you do live in hurricane country, then you know what it is.

For you outsiders, I’ll explain it. What happens is…a hurricane forms and is tracked. As the news of its direction and landfall are predicted, a few idiots will get together and have a “Hurricane Party” to spit in the eye of nature. No one knows who held the first party, but there are stories of people who perished because they chose not to evacuate during these monster storms. (Alcohol is a big factor in these parties.)

I belong to a charity group who came up with the idea of hosting “The World’s Largest Hurricane Party” to raise money to help victims of hurricanes. We host this party on an annual basis.

The party is held PRIOR to the start of hurricane season (we’re no dummies) and attracts hundreds of people. There is live music, free food and beer (see what I mean about alcohol) plus games, raffles and drawings.

The best part is the fact that all goods are donated (including the bands) and all workers are volunteers. In other words, 100% of the money raised goes to charity.

So if your going to be in the Tampa Bay area in May, make plans to come out and party with some of the coolest people you’ll ever meet.

You can get tickets and information by going to www.kreweskare.org and signing up.

See ya’ there.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

In Memory of Gary Halbert

I’m sure that by now everyone in the copywriting community is aware of the passing of Gary Halbert.

I didn’t know him except by reputation. But, as a member of the copywriter’s fraternity, I’m saddened whenever we lose one of the legends.

By all accounts, he was a great copywriter and a genuine person. To gain some insight into Gary, go to John Carlton’s blog at http://www.john-carlton.com/

He has written an eloquent tribute to his friend and mentor.

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

The unkindest cut of all.

We’re planning a surprise birthday party for my mother-in-law. The whole family has gotten involved and we’ve divided the chores and expense.

My sister-in-law and her husband are very busy with one kid in college and one in high school about to graduate. To top that off they care for my brother-in-law’s invalid mother.

When we divvy’ed up the duties, it was decided that they would handle the invitations, as they would be out of town during the time leading up to the party. The invitation that he designed did not meet with his wife’s (my sister-in-law’s) approval. To be honest it was creative but more suited to a children’s party.

We were asked for our input. Since I write for a living…I put all of my skills to bear on the project with help from my wife. We incorporated the theme of the decorations…”Aged to perfection!” into the invitation. It also included the caveat that this was a “very shrewd lady” so keep it a surprise.

We were told that it sounded too formal and that Mom might not like being referred to as shrewd. (Should I have said, “She’s not too bright, but let’s keep it a secret anyway, so she doesn’t catch on?”)

The upshot is that my wife is mad at her sister and I may have started a family feud.

First lesson learned: Always write at the 7th grade level or below. A college degree does not guarantee comprehension…or understanding of nuance. (Both of my in-laws have college degrees…my wife and I do not.)

Second lesson learned: Never ask family for a critique of your work. (On second thought…if they don’t get it, neither will your customer.)

Am I worried about my sister-in-law reading this post? Nah…if she didn’t understand “shrewd”, I guarantee she won’t understand nuance, comprehension, caveat, or any other words of more than one syllable.

P.S. If your degree is from the same school she went to…write and I’ll explain it to you.

Sunday, April 1, 2007

“Instant Karma’s Gonna Get Ya! Part 2

(With apologies to The Beatles)

As I said in the last post, “then it got interesting.”

I emailed him and reminded him about doubling my rate.

He emailed back saying that he would prefer the standard rate as he had only used half of my copy. (OK, lesson learned. Bill it at standard and forget this guy. I wonder if he goes to a restaurant and asks for half off if, he doesn’t eat the whole meal?)

Oh, yeah. He would be paying with his partner’s credit card.

Now, here comes the interesting part. I received an email from Pay Pal saying that I had received money from an unregistered payer. Fine, it was his partner’s credit card.

The next day I got an email from his partner asking, “What is this charge on my credit card? I never bought anything from you.” I emailed back and explained the situation. (Notice, I didn’t offer to refund his money. I’m getting smarter.) He must have talked to his partner, because a few days later I got an email apologizing for the mistake.

A day or so after that, I get an email from the original guy telling me to start thinking about the work we had initially discussed. He said he’d be contacting me soon to do this work. Yeah, right Sparky. I’ll be holding my breath while I wait.

The funny part is I am friendly with many of the influential people in this area due to various organizations I work with or belong to. This guy is in an industry where I have a lot of contacts and could have helped him.

How disposed do you think I’ll be to recommending him?