After all the business meetings I’ve been in, you’d think that nothing would frighten me.
But something does. I’m talking about Red Flag Phrases – the simple declarative sentences uttered by clients that foreshadow doomed projects, skyrocketing blood pressure, and haunted dreams.
I’ve listed a couple below. And hope that the Undergrounders will add a few of their own. What am I talking about?:
- “I fancy myself as something of an amateur copywriter.”
- “My wife/husband took a look at this and thinks you should…”
- “We really liked your copy – we just need to add a few things.”
- “Where’s Mike? Oh, he quit. I’m in charge of this project now. What’s your name?”
- “Didn’t you get the memo?”
I could list a lot more. But I’d rather my readers added to the list. I want to know what simple sentences raise the hair on the back of your neck – the seemingly innocuous little statements that often send simple projects spinning out of control.
After all, there’s an election coming up, and if we compile a good-sized list of Red Flag Phrases, we can trade the valuable copywriter vote for legislation outlawing their use. (At least that’s how I understand the current political process.)
Simple, really. So jump in. Add yours to the list. Help us rid the world of the Simple Sentences we Hate to Hear.
[tags]humor, copywriter humor, clients, copywriter, copy, writing[/tags]
“Can you make the headline more ‘catchy’?” – If a client uses the word ‘catchy’ to describe copy – run, baby, run for your life ;-)
Great post – I want to compile a list like this too.
farrukh
True. A list would be a fun group gig, though I think the smart move would be to host the public list on a neutral third-party site… 8-)
Welcome to the Underground Farrukh! Love to have your UAE perspective, and I added you to my blogroll.