Not really… More like, “A Few Copywriting Blogs; which we’re unsure whether are in the top 5, or best read, or most viewed.” None particularly crafty, praiseworthy, or enthusiasm-generating. Most fail to be literally appealing.
A humorous one is as rare as a reformed terrorist. All written to gain marketability (touché), to sell their ancillary product or service. Unabashedly SEO.
But hey, that’s the reason why we’re in it too. So no urge on our part towards casting the first stone. All these just…exist. And they are being recommended and reviewed nonetheless.
Bob Bly
Veteran Bob Bly largely talks about the pros and cons of using online media such as Blogs, Social Networking, Twitter, etc. to promote businesses and services. Often, he compares and contrasts online and offline marketing techniques. Very light-hearted, which is generally the preferred demeanor when heeding the advice.
Copyblogger
Copyblogger is The hub for copywriters across the blogosphere. The website scans through the Top 10s and Best Men across the internet and lists the pick of the bunch regularly. It garners widespread discussion and comments galore. The pride of a copywriter’s blogging career is to have hits on the website. Since it’s an anthology on copywriting, the topics are truly varied from the technicalities of English grammar and usable words/phrases to a fair share of ‘Top 10 secrets…’ and ‘Number One Rules…’
James Chartrand, Harrison McLeod, Charlie Pabst, Tei Lindstrom
Written to promote the website and services; depending on who is in charge of the ink out of the quartet, the topics vary. Often it involves the philosophy of buying and selling. The odd casual musings about anything but copywriting provides an important humane touch. Comments are interactive rather than feedback oriented.
Bob Younce
The heartfelt approach of Bob Younce is a refreshing change from the intellectual brainstorming done in most blogs. If anything, Writing-journey is barely intellectual. It gives a writer much-needed encouragement to progress in his craft, a virtue which ideally a good mentor/editor provides. Of all in the list, Bob Younce best captures the true spirit of blogging.
Michel Fortin
The best of the lot. Michel Fortin probes into the practices involved in online marketing and advertising. What generally is a well-accepted norm, Fortin convicts its glaring wrongdoings and makes a much-needed case for cleaning up the internet’s existing mess, especially the advertising dump. Issues such as Forced Continuity, a borrowed list of Ethics check-list, unpalatable Auto-follow practices, all receive justified questioning. Yet, while he questions, never throws a self-righteous air of moral policing. He quietly underlines the need for a better online society, like the old days where the internet was a wonderful daily experience. It is one of the main novelties that distinguishes it from the bricks and mortar world. Budding copywriters fret not. Michel Fortin also has ample tips on landing a successful copy.
One needs to draw the line between advise and too much advise. The former directs the latter takes us copywriters in concentric circles.
If you have a comment, disagreement, advise, tip, blog on copywriting to share, please feel free to list, start a discussion on the comments box below.