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]