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-----Original Message-----
From: Cindy Parker <cparker -at- fuse -dot- net>
To: TECHWR-L <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com>
Date: Friday, June 01, 2001 11:48 AM
Subject: Questions about marketing copy
>As a Technical Writer, I tend to be very "rules-oriented" when it comes to
>professional copy I write, manuals, web content, and even the marketing
copy
>I write. My question is, do the same rules apply for marketing copy as
with
>other written documents? I know the answer is probably, it depends but I'm
>not sure I buy that answer.
>
>Let me give you an example of something I came across and see what you
>think.
>
>Printed copy in a page of a magazine exactly as it appears:
>
>When you subscribe to ACME*, you get high-speed Internet access and two
>months free service. Which means instead of wasting time waiting on pages
to
>download, you're surfing at light speed. So you can get to where you're
>going and get on with life. Just call XXX-XXX-XXXX today or visit any
>store -at- ACME to get two months free service, free installation, free
equipment
>and our 30-day money-back guarantee.
>
>Blah,blah, blah.... last couple of fine print sentences read:
>
>Service cancellation within 12 months of installation may result in
>equipment charge. Available in most areas. Call for availability. Expires
>xx/xx/xx.
>
>*company name changed
>
>Now, here's my dilemma, I saw this and was absolutely horrified. Am I
being
>a nut or what? My stance on this is that the writing team could have
easily
>taken this copy and slightly changed the punctuation and a couple of words
>and kept the message the same. The debate between myself and another
>writer is that with Marcum, the rules don't apply. The example I was given
>is that "WINZIP" isn't a word and it's perfectly fine. I see a major
>difference between "WINZIP" and fragments etc.
>
>Any thoughts? I can't wait to see the debate on this one.
>
>Regards,
>
>Cindy Parker
>Information Engineer, Online Architecture
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