Posted by: Clayton Makepeace
March 3, 2008
Issue #365

Web Bums, Beggars and Deadbeats

A rant.

OK, so I lied.

I promised we’d dive into the process of turning a prospect or a client into a partner today. But something’s gotten under my skin and frankly, until I get this off my chest, I’m not going to be any good to you or anybody else.

The good news is this new format lets me publish any doggone time I want to. So this week, you get two doses of Makepeace: This one, plus a post on Thursday in which – my hand to God – I’ll walk you through the process of your first meeting with a prospective partner.

We cool? Cool.

So here’s the deal …

Last week, my 14-year-old genius daughter was invited to spend part of her summer across the pond in an extended studies program at Oxford University. So I figured The Redhead and I would just ship our Harleys to London, fly over with her, then spend a few weeks tooling around Jolly Old England and Europe.

Heck – I could even pay for the whole adventure while I was there. Maybe drop in on Drayton Bird in London and talk him into doing a two-day event with me for our limey friends.

Or swing by my pal Norman Rentrop’s HQ in Bonn and give that workshop his people have been trying to get me to do for ages.

Better yet, I could make a beeline to Stuttgart and pick up that new Porsche GT2 I’ve been Jonesing for. There are only 165 allotments in the US and all of them are long gone. But not only could I buy my next supercar in Germany; taking delivery there would save me tens of thousands AND I could crank up a little Wagner while putting my new baby through her paces out on the Autobahn and the Nuerburgring.

“No way,” says The Redhead. “Remember you have BIG PLANS (which I’ll tell you about in a few weeks) for our subscribers this summer. There’s no way we can get away.”

I hate it when she’s right. And I hate it even more when that means a huge opportunity to make major memories will be missed. Needless to say, I was NOT a happy biker.

Then, later in the week, another great money-making opportunity presented itself. A huge company asked permission to give me ten percent of sales if I’d partner with them. In our first year, my agency ResponseInk would bank ten million or more.

“No way,” says The Redhead. “Our staff (now 19 employees and still growing) is stretched too thin. If we take on another client now, there’s no way we’ll be able to do everything we have planned for The Total Package.”

Curses. Foiled again! No terrorizing the gentry in England and Europe on our Harleys. No screaming down the Autobahn in a new GT2. No new multi-million-dollar payday.

All because we’ve made the commitment to help our readers explode their businesses and careers in The Total Package.

Oh well … at least we can console ourselves with the knowledge that we’re helping good people – people who appreciate our commitment to their success.

At least I can take some satisfaction in that … right?

Fast forward to this morning:
Googling myself … finding 199,999 positive listings
about The Total Package – and one crappy one …

So this morning, I Googled myself to see what kind of scuttlebutt we’re getting on the web these days. That always cheers me up.

Now don’t get me wrong – the vast majority of the hundreds of thousands of websites that mention us say only good things.

But in one of them – just one – I found a site owner who’s bitching about the fact that we offer products <gasp> FOR SALE!

Now, this person said nothing about the more than 400 articles that we offer in our archives – thousands upon thousands of pages packed with business-building, career-building, response-building insights and advice – all for free.

… Or that we bring you the best response-boosting and money-making ideas, advice and insights from legendary pros like Drayton Bird, Gary Bencivenga, Bob Bly, Yanik Silver, Michael Masterson and many others – all for free.

… Or that we bring you tons of extra ways to intensify and broaden your understanding of direct marketing with fantastic articles about what’s working now by working pros like Daniel Levis, Troy White, Julie McManus, Tony Flores, MaryEllen Tribby, Carline Anglade-Cole, Wendy Montes de Oca, Pat Coffey and others – all for free.

… Or that we’ve also gone to the trouble to create a comprehensive direct response glossary and other online tools you can use anytime – all for free.

… Or that we spend a not-so-small fortune to pay the wonderful employees – administrators, web designers and subscriber services people to bring all of this to you — all for free.

… Or that our readers have sent us nearly 2,000 unsolicited letters thanking us for all of this and saying how much money we’ve added to their income – all for free.

… Or that neither Wendy nor I or anyone else in my family has ever taken a single solitary penny in return for all this – or that every dime earned through the sale of our products is re-invested to help more marketers grow their businesses – all for free.

No, this bitter, angry old gasbag has her panties in a knot because we also offer a handful of products for sale.

Now I’m not sure; but I can only assume that this holier-than-thou blogger gives away her work product for free – and then panhandles on street corners for change needed to stuff Big Macs into her gaping pie hole.

Otherwise, she is worse than just a harmless idiot. She’s also a brazen hypocrite.

But such is the Web. A place where millions of deadbeats have come to believe that they are entitled to benefit from the fruit of others’ labors for free. And most amusing, a place where charlatans posing as marketers can deride good people who overdeliver and undercharge for great products online.

Now, I’d like to be able say this is the very first time
anyone has said anything this stupid to us or about us.

Unfortunately, it is not.

The fact that we spend a bunch of time, skull sweat and money to create in-depth educational products for our readers – and then have the effrontery to ask a fair price for them — has offended other readers over the years.

Heck: I even included a passage for these folks in our “Welcome Aboard” letter – and I quote:

“… Every once-in-a-while, some yahoo is insulted that we have the unmitigated gall to ask for money in return for a service rendered or a product delivered.

“They’re shocked – SHOCKED, I tell you – that we would dare to advertise and market a product in an e-letter on advertising and marketing(!).

“My advice to these guys? “If you think it’s wrong to ask for money in return for bringing tremendous value to people … if you think advertising is evil … there is a very good chance that you could be … IN THE WRONG BUSINESS!

“’Nevertheless,’” I continue, ‘you can still enjoy The Total Package without getting your panties in a knot: Just resolve not to think of our ads as ads!

“’Pretend they’re like a swipe file: Real-world samples of some pretty darned effective sales copy by a top writer that you get for FREE – in addition to your free subscription!’”

“There.” I said, having written the passage above, “That should allow any spoiled-rotten, world-owes-me-a-living bum, mooch or deadbeat … any schizophrenic, conflicted, muddle-minded airhead who holds himself out as a marketer but who inwardly despises marketing … any commie bastard who believes it’s our duty to sweat, strain and spend our money to help them.

“Now even those morons can enjoy The Total Package – just by pretending our promos are just free additions to their swipe files.”

Evidently, it hasn’t worked as well as I’d hoped.

So is there a point in all this? A lesson to be learned?

Sure. Three, in fact.

First, if you’re going to do anything with your life, you need to know right up front that you will have critics.

Scratch that. First, you’ll have doubters. Friends, family, even spouses who can’t dream as big as you can. Hopefully, they’ll love you enough to support you anyway.

But then, as you actually begin to succeed, a jealous and insecure few will attempt to reduce you through criticism. Because the bigger you get, the smaller they feel. And of course, the more successful you are, the more critics you’re likely to get.

A few weeks back, a presidential candidate was heard to say, “You know you’re over the target when you begin taking flak.” When losers criticize you, consider it a badge of honor.

Second, examine your core beliefs. You’d be surprised at how many people who inwardly hate marketing have chosen to become marketers simply because they believe it’s a good way to make money.

The best marketers are those who rejoice every time a well-done promotion hits their mailbox or inbox … who study it carefully for the thoughts behind the thoughts and for the nuances that make the difference between merely great copy and truly excellent copy.

As the great Bob King is famous for saying, marketing should be the art and science of bringing value to consumers’ lives at a price that is insignificant relative to that value.

If the products you promote do that, you are doing mankind a favor. Any core belief that prevents you from feeling good about improving your prospects’ lot in life should be unceremoniously discarded.

Of course, if you don’t honestly believe the products you’re promoting provide tremendous value, you’ll be a much happier and much more fulfilled person if you’ll find another product that does.

And if you’re promoting great products and still despise what you do, please – for Buddha’s sake — find another career! No amount of money in the world is worth loathing yourself for earning it.

Third, everything in life – including a free subscription to The Total Package — is a transaction. There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch. Or as Robert Heinlein was wont to say, “TANSTAAFL.” Or, as the Apostle Paul famously wrote, “"You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing," and "The laborer is worthy of his wages."

Never, never, NEVER hesitate to require compensation that’s commensurate with the value you’re bringing to your clients.

Now, I’m thinking a few e-mails now and then that offer a high-value product at a reasonable price is a small price to pay for the value we provide every day in The Total Package.

What say you?

Yours for Bigger Winners, More Often,
Clayton Makepeace Signature
Clayton Makepeace
Publisher & Editor
THE TOTAL PACKAGE

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163 Comments »

Comment by caleb osborne — March 3, 2008 @ 4:36 pm
I totally, wholeheartedly, completely agree with everything you just wrote Clayton.

Once again–you’re the man!

– Caleb
Comment by Armando Ortega — March 3, 2008 @ 4:40 pm
Clayton: you have taught me a lot. I haven’t yet bought a thing from you. But I know that I can trust you. You have earned it. I know that soon I buy from you (I want to attend one of your seminars) and travel from Chihuahua Mexico to wherever is neccesary. Perhaps I need a little push (like a collection of all your ads and advertising letters as a BONUS in your next event -that would be worth a trip). Keep up the spirit!
Your friend in Mexico,
Armando Ortega.
Comment by Joan Huyser-Honig — March 3, 2008 @ 4:42 pm
Amen to what Caleb said. I recommend your info a lot. You give fantastic value.

Joan
Comment by Maureen Bruschi — March 3, 2008 @ 4:50 pm
Clayton,

Thank you.

Maureen Bruschi
Comment by jDavid Phillips — March 3, 2008 @ 5:01 pm
Clayton.
All I can do is say thanks for the information you provide for free. The
person who criticized you for selling something to your list of
subscribers is in my opinion looking for a free ride without
having to take personal responsibility for where their life is.
I have learned so much from The Total Package that would
have taken weeks of research and probably large sums of
money to duplicate on my own.

Another note is I like the quote from Heinlein as he has
always been one of my favorite authors. He espoused a life
where a person takes personal responsibility for their life.

So to you Clayton, TANSTAAFL, for you understand the full
meaning.

David Phillips
Comment by Ed Anderson — March 3, 2008 @ 5:08 pm
Clayton: You are right about the critics and certainly not alone being criticizied by them for selling some of your products. I’ve seen many other people trying to help others get the same comments. No matter how much free content you supply, people want more at the same price. They don’t understand that you are really in business too. I enjoy and have learned a lot from your free content. I thank you for it. I have bought one of your products and liked it too. Thanks, Ed Anderson
Comment by Criss Bertling — March 3, 2008 @ 5:09 pm
Whew! My monitor started smokin’ about half-way into your post, Clayton. And I am compelled to ask: Why did you hold back on how you really feel? ;>)

I would like to say I’m shocked at the complaints your whiner made, but I’m too old and have been marketing too long. I know firsthand that people have warped perspectives and are more than happy to share their lamebrain views with the world. They are everywhere. Thanks to the Internet they now have a global platform from which to spew.

What you give away is, well, shocking. It is beyond helpful, it is extremely valuable. Anyone with a brain should be soaking up every nugget and boulder you share so freely. As for what you sell? Priceless no matter what you charge.

It’s a waste of energy to dialog with fools. There are way too many other folks who will make your day worthwhile. Thanks for being one of the "other folks" in such a big way!
Comment by Nancy Boyd — March 3, 2008 @ 5:15 pm
Hey Clayton you touched a nerve here with every person who has any kind of newsletter, blog, or puts anything out to the public. And I gotta say, my hand is in the air when it comes to the thousands of accolades I sort of "ignore" while fuming over the ONE guy that unsubscribes, files a complaint (usually for something HE did wrong but hey the customer’s always right, right?) or otherwise registers dissatisfaction on my radar screen. Well at least they get the dignity of a response (until they prove themselves complete idiots and then that;s another story.)

But you have covered all the bases here.

And please add my thanks to you for all the great content you provide at no cost to your readers. Eventually we will make those investments in what you sell — because let’s face it, you are helping us all prosper with your advice!

Meanwhile, do you know where we can buy some rhinoceros hide for those awkward moments where the critics start chirping again? It’s inevitable and wouldn’t it be nice to just let that stuff slide instead of getting under the skin?

Thanks Clayton! You’re a class act, man!
Comment by Irene — March 3, 2008 @ 5:16 pm
Copywriting & marketing & ’selling’ go hand in hand in hand. Anyone who doesn’t ’get it’ is definately in the wrong business. You just go right ahead and keep giving the folks all those great ‘free’ lessons. I expect many of us have no idea how valuable those lessons truely are.
And you & the ‘Redhead’ go right ahead & see your daughter at Oxford. It’s not everyday one’s 14 year old daughter gets invited to Oxford. I’m sure you can fit a week’s sabatical into your summer plans. That’s why the internet & laptops were invented wasn’t it? We won’t mind, (just post the pics). And your staff can handle it can’t they?
Have fun & thanks.
Comment by Rolland — March 3, 2008 @ 5:22 pm
Clayton & Family,

Even we short-timers know how valuable your "Total Package" is to those of us who are still learning Marketing. I have only been a subsciber for a few months. Have not purchased a thing from you or anyone else for that matter. You are my kind of Guy! A straight shooter. NO BS and no crap. I always know I will learn something when I sit down to read one of your many free emails.
Keep it up! Don’t let one crybaby out of 10000000 turn you off.

Rolland
77 and Still Learning
Comment by Michelle — March 3, 2008 @ 5:23 pm
Well Clayton, a few months ago I emailed the Redhead to tell her how awesome you guys are, and that still stands true. At that time I was in the middle of a major venture and now have another one on the go. All thanks in part to all your FREE articles in the TP. I love all the info from you, Troy, Julie, Daniel and the whole lot of them you have featured in there.

I think I speak for all us "little guys" when I say thank you! It’s not always easy in the beginning to be purchasing everything and anything required to help us get started, so having the TP makes it much easier and you guys make a hugh difference!!

And as for those 3 steps you listed at the end, well the first one rings very true for me…my family and friends do not think on the same level I do, they think I’m nuts and waste my time working long hours trying to put all these things into action (I’m a single mom of 3) and it does make things harder for me, but hearing about successes from you guys makes it easier to take it all with a grain of salt and continue on to reach my goals! And I won’t stop till I get there!
All of you there at TP are GREAT!!!!
Thank you so much for all your hard work!!!
Comment by Lydia Mills — March 3, 2008 @ 5:23 pm
Well, all I can say is that like a lot of the letters I see in the Letters to the Editor section of the newspaper, bloggers also sometimes show how ignorant they are by what they write. All we can do is read it and shake our heads in disbelief (or just refuse to read it at all).

You offer a wonderful value for all your information (I’d say FREE was pretty wonderful!). I have purchased some things from you and no one forced me to! So what’s the big deal?
Don’t let people like that get your blood pressure up! There’s plenty more of us that appreciate what you do and know the true value.
Keep it up!
Lydia
Comment by Melody Wigdahl — March 3, 2008 @ 5:33 pm
I feel your pain! My main site, Womensnet.net, has been live since 1998, and is 99.99% pure content and resources - I even offer several grants every year to women entrepreneurs (yes, the real deal!) BUT I do sell products and (GASP!) actually have an ad or two in my newsletters.And without fail - every issue I get a least one email from a reader telling me how disappointing it is that I am trying to sell to my members - and of course, the email always comes from someone who has a site that does nothing BUT sell ’stuff’……..LOL I guess it’s okay for THEM to make a living online but not us?Thanks for the rant - it home home!!!Melody
Comment by Tom — March 3, 2008 @ 5:36 pm
Hi Clayton,

"you da man!" (I know Caleb said it first)
Your article provides a healthy dose of common sense.
It’s just a shame that common sense is so uncommon.
Keep up the good work and let the "naysayers" be damned by their short-sighted vision…who needs ‘em.

Best Wishes,

Tom
Comment by Willy — March 3, 2008 @ 5:40 pm
Clayton,
You are definitely the go to guy on line. I wish I could meet you in person, to see how much you actually wear your character on your sleeve.
I say that in a positive tone.
I agree with your rant but why even give him the recognition? It will motivate him to P you off even more.

Remember , you are Direct marketing responding to direct market responders.

In a sense you are selling to the competition.

in a way kinda sort of you know eh

But bottom line, you give great info!
As for Europe. Why don’t you fly in, spend two qualities days with your daughter only and fly back?
If need be rent a couple of Vespas.
What do you think?
Comment by Karen — March 3, 2008 @ 5:55 pm
I agree 1000%. In the past I read on another blog something along the lines "Clayton sends out too many emails….". I thought to myself what an idiot. Where on earth do you get so many ideas and swipe files like you get in The Total Package. Then they look for the holy grail when it is right in front of their nose, more accurately their inbox.
And people call themselves marketers and copywriters. Ah, well ….. their blindness is their loss.
Comment by Gerard LeBlond — March 3, 2008 @ 6:08 pm
It doesn’t matter if you are: the first man to walk on the moon, or the best marble sculptor in Renaissance Italy, or the best neurosurgeon at The Johns Hopkins Hospital or even "God Incarnate-walking-on-earth-and-doing-miracles-easier-than-the-USA Congress-Can-Spend-Money"… There will always be:a group of people who don’t care;another group who will hate your guts; another bunch who are very appreciative of your efforts.So, play for the crowd that likes you and don’t let the other guys get you down…After all, those who can’t appreciate you "simply aren’t in your market." "Don’t worry about people who aren’t in your market"… Life is too short and too beautiful.Respectfully,
Comment by Herb Pagano Jr — March 3, 2008 @ 6:11 pm
Clayton,The choir sings Amen.

Today (3/3/08) Michael Masterson addresses the same issue in his ETR. Read it at: http://www.earlytorise.com/2008/03/03/does-etr-give-away-too-much-free-information.html#more-607

Herb
Comment by Glen Kohlenberg — March 3, 2008 @ 6:11 pm
Clayton and the Redhead your family should come first!This is a life changing event.With 19 employees I am sure they can hold the fort down for a couple of weeks.You have told us at times that you need to take a break to refuel let the mind clear out at times.
With as much as you do for all of us for FREE there are times when you need to override the Redhead and take a stand and pack up those hogs and the family and take that long needed vacation.
Plus that GT has your name all over it.Go for it and have some fun.
Comment by Norm Ford — March 3, 2008 @ 6:21 pm
G’Day Clayton,
And I thought it was only Australians who suffer from the Tall Poppy Syndrome.
Keep up the good work and don’t let those poppy slayers get under your skin. Just give them the "flick". OK the land of free speech etc., but just give them the flick.
But one saving grace is that lady did put pen to paper. So she’s not all that bad is she?…… so maybe you should still keep her on the books.
Life is sweet and never boring is it?
I wonder if her life is boring? I think it must be. Poor soul.
But Clayton, I bet she reads everyone of your articles.

See ya mate.

Norm from sunny Brisbane.

P.S. You should read & listen to the comments being made between the Australian & Indian cricket teams….. weeds, monkeys and unprintables. How can life be boring with all this going on around us. "Wouldn’t be dead for quids!"
Comment by Margaret — March 3, 2008 @ 6:25 pm
Hey Clayton,
You have an excellent newsletter and I look forward to the information that you provide and I print out 90% of your newsletters and read them more than once and then put in swipefile.
I like the no-nonsense way you get to the meat of the articles and the common sense way you write so that even a someone like me can understand what you are getting across.
Thank you for the many freebies that you provide for your readers, it helps. No, I haven’t purchased anything from your website but will sometime in the future. Keep up the great work and yes, go to Europe with your family for a few days. It would be a great time to relax and just breathe new air. Have fun and thank you again.
Comment by Allen — March 3, 2008 @ 6:34 pm
Clayton,

A couple of stories come to mind as I think about what you wrote.

The first is the one about trying to please everybody.
The man and his son riding on a donkey along with the goods they were going to trade in the next town.
They met a man who criticized them for abusing the donkey. Having the nerve to make the donkey carry the weight of a man who was healthy enough to walk, and his son, and their goods as well.

So the man got off the donkey and led it, and his son riding on it.
They soon met a woman who criticized the man for making that poor donkey carry the weight of his son… along with the goods they were bringing to market.

So the man made his son get off the donkey and walk.

Soon they met another man who criticized the man "Two healthy fit people making a donkey slave under that burden of goods you have loaded on his back."

So the man, aiming to please the one criticizing him, unloaded 2/3 of his goods from the donkey, gave 1/2 to his son, and he carried 1/3.

They reached the bridge into town. There the donkey was afraid of crossing over the rickety bridge over the river. They met another person who berated the man for making his scared donkey cross the bridge, and for making his son carry goods and walk…

So the man picked up his son, and the goods his son was carrying, and then picked up the donkey, and carried them both across the bridge to the laughter and cat calls of the people in town. All laughing at the man.

Moral: Do what pleases you and forget about trying to please everyone.

We sell an ebook on one of our sites. It is a "Stop Smoking ebook" I wrote it, based on my experiences of quitting smoking cold turkey, no weight gain, no cravings (I was a 2.5 - 4 pack a day smoker and had been for years).

I know the method works because it has worked for me and many others.

Every now and then we get emails complaining we have the gall to charge for our information. Some are quite nasty swearing at us, and calling us all sorts of names. We just laugh them off.

Final story…
I was in a Gary Halbert seminar one time. He was relating a story of how he had attached a dollar bill to a letter. In his sales letter he said something like "attached you see a crisp new one dollar bill…"

He said he actually got a letter from someone who received this, complaining the dollar was wrinkled and used, not brand new.

Some people just can’t be happy unless they make everyone else as miserable as they are. Then no one is happy.
Comment by Mark Semple CCC — March 3, 2008 @ 6:35 pm
Hi Clayton - well said.
You provide a great value and are appreciated.

All the best
Mark Semple

ps: If you’re too busy, I’d be happy to nip over to Europe and drive your GT2 for you …
Comment by John Scola — March 3, 2008 @ 6:37 pm
Hi Clayton,

To be honest with you, I have a hard time believing that a super-successful guy like yourself is upset with one (1) measly anti-capitalistic moonbat.

Truth be told, isn’t it the more successful you get — the more enemies you will pick up along the way? I believe Robert Ringer calls those losers the "discouragement fraternity."

And these days, any yahoo with a few bucks can put up a website and write whatever they want to their heart content…

So come on now, I think you are really upset that you cannot go to Europe because of your obligation to your readers — THAT’S US!

I don’t know what exactly are you planning for us but can’t you pull off a "Jim Roger" and email us from the road?

If that dude can drive all around the world with a bow-tie and in his yellow Mercedes and put up regular updates on his website — I certainly don’t see why you can’t!

John
Comment by Jon — March 3, 2008 @ 6:40 pm
TTP is great!

You and your staff is giving us great value. and please give us more editorial "ads" for my swipe file..

Nothing beats reading world class great ad, sales letter or Clayton article…
Thanks for sharing… and selling!
Regards from a Norwegian addicted long form copy nerd!
Comment by Scott — March 3, 2008 @ 6:41 pm
That chick better not subscribe to any internet marketing lists. She’d have a coronary but her head would explode first. The sad truth is - this manner of attitude is a travesty. A travesty of a mockery of a mockery of a sham.

The unassailable fact is, Clayton’s the ultimate….uhmmm…… uncoverer of utility you can usurp - unquestionably. He’s the Warrior of the Wasteland, the Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla. And he’s a gentlemanly scholar to boot….when he’s not going off on a rant, that is. Right On!
Comment by Bob Abbott — March 3, 2008 @ 6:44 pm
Clayton:
Thanks for sharing the no-nonsense can of whup-ass you opened up on that ingrate crybaby!
You are an inspiration. You are a rare gem of "for real" in a world drowning in BS.
I’ve bought from you and will do so again. I am glad to see you value yourself and your world-class team enough to sell on your site.
Rock On!
Bob
Comment by Sharon B. — March 3, 2008 @ 6:46 pm
Hi Clayton–
I would tell that lady where to go, but you have already done a beautiful job of it. My monitor is still sparking!
Your generous information is the reason I am still moving forward–when I am more financially solvent, I will give you the financial compensation you deserve. Until then, know that all you offer is deeply appreciated. Thank you!
Comment by Richard Jacobson — March 3, 2008 @ 7:07 pm
Clayton,
You know you’re doing a good thing, and 99.9999999% of your readers know you’re doing a good thing for us. You just have to realize God put a few (well maybe more than a few) fools on this earth. Be amazed and amused by their stupidity, or feel pity for them. But they’re not worth getting you blood pressure boiling over. We need you healthy.

Jake
Comment by Bob Oni — March 3, 2008 @ 7:28 pm
Hi Clayton,
You’re a great guy and an inspiration to copywriters and Direct Marketers all over the world. Anyone who reads The Total Package frequently knows that you know this business inside out. Please don’t let negative comments from a sad minority knock you off course. Just ignore them. The Total Package gives more value than many paid membership sites. Your true subscribers understand & appreciate the knowledge you’re passing on to us. Please keep up the good work.
Comment by Brian Keith Voiles — March 3, 2008 @ 7:30 pm
I get almost as much value from your free information as I have gotten from your many wonderful products. Anytime you come out with a new product — dude — I am all over it.

Your stuff it "top of the heap" every day on my desk. You are brilliant… and I can’t tell you just how grateful I am to have you as part of my life.

You truly are an immense blessing in my life.

Warmest Love and Respect,
Brian Keith Voiles
Comment by Ruth — March 3, 2008 @ 7:45 pm
Well, Clayton, please take it easy..stress not good for the heart. You really ripped it out, didn’t you? Now sit back and let me tell you how much you help us poor, floundering, wanta-be copywriters. In the beginning stages, some of us are struggling to just get started a little, and we appreciate all the help we can get. I think I have ordered (paid) for a few of your sales, but I was happy to do so. Keep up the kind deeds you are doing, and for goodness sake, have a glass of wine! (and take a few deep breaths)
Comment by David Van Hulst — March 3, 2008 @ 8:09 pm
Clayton,
You are brilliance personified! Thank you so much for every bit of wisdom you have poured into our meager brains. As for your detractor, there’s an A–hole in every crowd. My highest respect for everything you do.
Peace,
>> David Van Hulst
Comment by Bill — March 3, 2008 @ 8:21 pm
Hey Clayton,
You’re right on all counts. Maybe the one sour apple needs to look in a dictionary (if she has one) for the definition of "marketing."
Thanks for all you give every one of your Total Package subscribers.
Comment by Linda Pizzitola — March 3, 2008 @ 8:27 pm
Clayton,
You are my coach, guiding light, support system, and hero. I bought your latest book and have read EVERYTHING you’ve sent out in the last 3 months. I’m new to copywriting, in the process of offering it alongside the graphic design services I’ve been providing for 12 years. Love your partner model. You give ’til it hurts and I, for one (of thousands), am grateful. Thank you for everything!
P.S. Go to Europe. We’ll wait.
Comment by Chris McMorrow — March 3, 2008 @ 9:04 pm
This mindset of always wanting something for nothing stems from the lethal virus of socialism, and liberalism, which are infecting (and destroying) the minds and souls of tens of millions of Americans. Well, Clayton, I’ve been blessed enough to be able to able to afford to purchase a couple of your products. But what I have paid for those items is NOTHING compared to the value I’ve gotten in return. Once again, I’d like to thank you and all the other fine people involved with The Total Package for making this web site possible, and for sharing their insights, strategies, and experience. The Total Package is truly a marketing gold mine!
Comment by Brij — March 3, 2008 @ 9:23 pm
Clayton,

Your rant flows beautifully.

You provide mountains of value. You know that there are plenty of malfunctioning units wandering the world. When you run into one, about all you can do is take a deep breath, get centered, and move on. Juicier options are illegal.

Your site and your writing is an absolute treasure. Thanks for the words of wisdom in this rant as well.

Brij
Comment by Dan Gallapoo — March 3, 2008 @ 9:32 pm
It amazes me how many commie losers like this seem to be lurking out there online. I’m sure if we were able to examine her life we would not find her to be a successful upwardly mobile happy and well adjusted individual pursuing her goals and dreams. A person happily involved in going after their dreams doesn’t usually have time to tear others down.Dan
Comment by Steven Gibbs — March 3, 2008 @ 9:40 pm
Mr. Makepeace,
I just recently joined "The Total Package" newsletter. I have yet to read the information you so graciously offer for my email in return. I feel I got the better end of this deal. I have heard of you before this time and now know why. The way you express yourself is very refreshing. Straight to the point! Can’t wait for more. And as for the gasbag. I believe you reap what you sew.

Thank you Clayton
Comment by John Dziak — March 3, 2008 @ 10:04 pm
Thanks for all of your your help and free advice. When my web site starts to make money I will buy your products because of the value of the free stuff.

Your client partnering ideas are great. The Wall Street Journal reviewed a book about the subject. On January 28, 2008 they featured, on page B3, a book about partnering with your customers. The Journal interviewed Ram Charan to discuss his new book "What the Customer Wants You to Know". Charan’s tips, as reported by The Journal, describe your operation.
Know how the customer makes moneyLearn the customer’s decision making process.Build many relationships with the customer, not just through sales.Focus on the customer’s business needs, not product features or price.Show how your offerings meet customer needsThanks!
Comment by Allan — March 3, 2008 @ 10:28 pm
Hey Clayton
Just wanted to say thanks and
I appreciate you
Comment by John Lee — March 3, 2008 @ 10:33 pm
Thank you for this interesting and informative rant.

I just finished reading a book, "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand, that addresses this particular type of person.

She appears to be the type who wants to ride the back of those capable of producing while not having to think or produce on their own. These are the people who will take your ideas while they tell you that you are no good, and that you owe them all of your knowledge.

If you get messages from this group of people, just remind yourself that you are a trader. In this case, you are trading your knowledge for something of value, and that no trade can be equitable unless both parties self interest is satisfied.

While I am still trying to learn the copywriting profession, in the last 62 years i have come across people like this many, many times. The answer to them is "…and your point is?"

I have yet to find someone of this persuasion who can give me a valid reason for me togive away my knowledge and/or abilities because they feel their need is greater than my values.

Keep up the good work. I look forward to reading your e-letter every evening. It is one of the high points of my day.

Thank You.

John Lee
Comment by AdamG — March 3, 2008 @ 10:38 pm
G’day Clayton,
I’ve been a subscriber for a while and bought the copy writing package which I find really worthwhile.

The TP is a must read everyday and I get great value and learning from it. You do indeed offer a great deal of knowledge free.

Now if you only rode a Triumph instead of a Harley….
Comment by Mark — March 3, 2008 @ 11:01 pm
Clayton,

There are many more that appreciate what you provide than there are those that don’t. Therefore, you win. Simple as that.

No matter how good you are, how hard you try, how honorable your intentions, there will always be someone who can’t understand. Take pity on them for it’s hard for them to see what is real with their head up their butt. And nothing you say or do is likely to make them change, so…shine ‘em on. They’re not worth your time.

Thanks for the value you constantly deliver. Useful information and wisdom is never lost on those capable of receiving it. Your karma’s definately heavily loaded on the plus side…even if you don’t get your new Porsche.
Mark
Comment by Simon — March 3, 2008 @ 11:37 pm
Nice rapport building… I feel such a sense of collegial ‘us against them’… it almost feels like… well… reciprocol obligation; you should offer me the opportunity to invest in something right now!! Joking of course…. your tremendous content stands head and shoulders above others in your market. Keep up the awesome work.

Thank you,

Simon.
Comment by Pastor Bob P — March 4, 2008 @ 12:02 am
Very interesting article. We do the same thing. We our a ministry that offers free online courses, free Bible study software, web seminars and we do not accept any donations or tithes of any kind. We did not want to take away from small churches or charities. We make the money needed by advertising and selling products. With all the free things we provide we still get people complaining that we have advertisements and sell products. And this comes from a Christian audience.

Pastor Bob
Sr. Pastor
ChristianLivingMinistry.com
Comment by Alex T. — March 4, 2008 @ 12:18 am
It Could Have Been Far Worse…
Clayton,
With just a few change in the roll of the dice, you could have married that gasbag, which I presume would have made you the bitter and angry one.
Should that unfortunate circumstance have been your plight your beautiful redhead would have written this post with 18 employees in her stead, and her pen busy wondering what the heck you were thinking!
So, such is the life of sacrifice, when a charmer like your blogger above decides that you should subsidize her big macs with only free info. You constantly provide a wealth of incredible information and only occasionally monetize your efforts. We’re are all the better for it and it is absolutely appreciated.
Now Sir if you’d kindly provide her URl , I am sure there must be at least 43 very satisfied TP enthusiasts, who would be more than happy to leave a post on her blog and set her straight!
Sincerely,
Alex T.
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — March 4, 2008 @ 1:42 am
Wow. You guys are incredible!

Feedback like this is the best compensation we could ever ask for.
I’m proud to have every one of you in my foxhole!

As for me, just writing this rant was my therapy — so please be assured: We’ll take plenty of opportunities to "smell the roses."

But Willy — a Vespa? A VESPA? You gotta be yankin’ my chain! A Ducati or Moto Guzzi, maybe. The day you see me on a Vespa, please do me a favor: Put me out of my misery!

Adam G has a much better idea: Triumphs are cool. From the time I was 14, my fantasy was a 650 Bonneville. Ride up to any biker bar — even the roughest ones — on a Triumph and you’ll get plenty of respect. Swoosh up on a Honda or any other rice-burner and you’re likely to get your head handed to you.

And Scott: "Gentlemanly?" Gotta admit — I’ve been called a LOT of things in my life. But you, my friend, have the distinction of being the first to use that adjective to describe me!

John Lee: Congrats on completing Atlas Shrugged. Ayn Rand is my #1 economic and political hero. If you haven’t already, take a look at The Fountainhead and Anthem, too. I think you’ll love ‘em.

If every high school student was required to study these books, there would be much more liberty and far less poverty in this world.

Which would mean we wouldn’t need government to solve our problems for us.

Which would mean nobody would need politicians.

Which is why they are studiously AVOIDED in our public school systems that rely on politicians for their funding.

But hey — Pastor Bob: You obviously have contacts at the top … maybe if you pulled a few strings, we could get Atlas Shrugged tacked on to the end of the New Testament? Parse it in Wednesday night Bible studies? Have hundreds of millions of Sunday School kids able to recite John Galt’s amazing speech?

Really; it’d be a huge win-win. Suddenly, Christians would be the richest people on Earth … huge tithes would come rolling in …

No? The powers that be won’t buy it? OK — well, you can’t blame a guy for trying.

So I’m working on the partnering article I promised you now … I’ll probably post it in installments this week — so be sure to check back often!

And thanks again, guys — you all made my week!

– Clayton
Comment by Markus Trauernicht — March 4, 2008 @ 3:59 am
I guess every self employed person has experienced what it is like to work and not get paid. Project fails, learning curve, doing it wrong, getting cheated, being gullible - seems it’s all part of the normal equasion of getting better and ahead. Doing it for “free” is sometimes part of the game - especially right at the beginning. But obviously the goal of doing it for free is to make more money. Leveraging what you do for free - to make money.

More like getting paid decently for the pain, risk , humiliation, being ridiculed, disciplin, long hours, courage etc. Exactly the things the complaining-crowd is not willing to take or handle.

It is the poor mindset that says money corrupts people. Money is neutral, just like a knive. You can kill someone or smear the butter on your bread with the same knive. But what money definitely does - it shows the character and thinking of people.

It is a poor mindset to expect others to work for free. And it is hypocritical. The same people demanding it would never walk the second mile and what lies after that. Just because their thinking will not allow it.

It is the poor mindset that demands more, and demands it for free. But not without results. The poorest parts in Germany are those with the give-me-more-for-free-mindset. Go into any part of Germany. The further left the ruling party of a state, the poorer the people. That is no secret. It’s not the result, it’s the reason! Every year about a quarter of a million highly qualified Germans leave Germany. Perhaps I am a bit sarcastic, but least that gets the unemployment rate down as space is made for others…

Right now whole companies move from Germany to Switzerland and Austria. This free-poor-mindset which results in stupid laws is slowly draining this country.

So whoever complains that Clayton is selling stuff should think about this: Do you think he could do this for free if he wasn’t making money somewhere else? Duh? No money, no options.

Regards Markus Trauernicht from Berlin
Comment by Kerry Atma — March 4, 2008 @ 4:02 am
Hi Clayton

There’s some people that look at the 99% full cup and focus their lack of gratitude on the 1%.

For me your 1992 Wellness Today blockbuster opened my heart to copywriting and marketing - thank you, you’re worth every damn last cent you charge.
Comment by Gary Raimo — March 4, 2008 @ 4:14 am
Hell Yeah!
Comment by Ekene — March 4, 2008 @ 6:23 am
The comments looks like a gratitude strings, everybody is given a vote of thanks to you Clayton and the Total package crew.

I feel I needed to at least pay you for all the wonderful information I have recieved from you so far, but my location Nigeria has not helped much because of the e-payment problems.

I would also want to extend your services to customers/clients in Nigeria. Please let me know if there is any possible partnership not affiliate. contact me by email.
Comment by Dreyfus — March 4, 2008 @ 7:01 am
Clayton, when you and The Redhead are bickering online inside your newsletter. Makes for pleasurable reading, like some kinda primetime soap-opera LOL. Keep it up until Summer will ya?

Happy for you genius daughter. Why don’t the whole family for for it. Promise I won’t get angry but don’t forget sending us your pics, once a week Not many have the wherewithals to make something highly memorable outta such a trip. I wanted to say: "Yeah go for it!".

However The Redhead is right. You promised us something.

If you can help us realise what you visualize, then one day the whole class could all go terrorize the Autobahn in GT2’s. That would be the slickiest display of your money training power btw… Enjoy and have fun, then skullwork will also improve by leaps and bounds.

Cheers!
Comment by Val — March 4, 2008 @ 7:15 am
Your articles are brimming with insight and good humour, as our all the others on The Total Package.
You’ve got my vote
Comment by Gregory Barros — March 4, 2008 @ 8:59 am
Hey Clayton,

Your defense of that which requires no defense in a free society – FREE ENTERPRISE – is right on the money and an eloquent defense of liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Your querulous complainant is equally free to tune out and turn off your attempt to engage with her for the mutually beneficial exchange of value.

Evidently it’s not obvious to your self-anointed prosecutor that your right of pursuit of your happiness through totally voluntary commercial exchange impinges upon none of her rights.
A reasonable person would simply decline your offer and move on.

She should be grateful that in dignifying her protest with a response, you’ve raised her stature momentarily, however infamously, from that pedestrian back-alley it more appropriately inhabits.

Cordially,

Gregory Barros
Comment by Sue — March 4, 2008 @ 9:23 am
Hi Clayton! Your story was heartrending… I have bought a few things from your list (including your terrific new copywriting book), but I don’t want to feel guilty that I read your incredible free stuff at the expense of your family relationships…However… IF you’re as good as you say, isn’t there a way you can go on that trip to England AND keep The Total Package going? The Internet ’tis a thing of beauty… and– trust me on this– 14 is a golden age where what you say still has some influence. If she actually deigns to spend time with her parents, treasure it, because once she hits 15 you may be radioactive… even if you raised her with great privilege, discipline and love. ;-)It’s a temporary stage, but very vexing for all parties…And England is so gorgeous in the summer!You have a couple of months to get up to speed on any technology that might help– and you can BLOG ABOUT IT, thereby adding value to your business as you learn how to run things from partway around the world… Check out Tim Ferris’s book on ‘The 4 Hour Workweek’ — which is pretty ridiculous if you are passionate about your work…What use is business if your family suffers? (Or fails to be optimized?)And if you were REALLY hot, Clayton, you could figure out how to grab that $10 million dollar opportunity by hiring some A-list players to run most of it. And then you could almost retire, and spend lots more time with The Redhead and the Brilliant Teenager, etc. Best Wishes, and with great respect and concernSue
Comment by Linda Byam — March 4, 2008 @ 9:57 am
Clayton, Wendy, Martha and all the Packagers: Sometimes simple words say it best: Thank you for the information, the opportunities and, most of all, the incredible insight and inspiration you provide - and the personal responsiveness! I’m grateful to all of you involved with The Total Package. Why would you even allow the complainer to clutter up your radar screen? This is America! There’s NOTHING - no matter how seemingly uncontroversial - that SOMEBODY won’t complain about. Best wishes to you all, Linda Byam
Comment by Linda Byam — March 4, 2008 @ 10:03 am
PS, Clayton, I say ship the bikes, cruise the Continent, gain new and exciting insight and then come back and share it with those of us who can’t go. You deserve it. You’ve trained us well; we can exist for a few weeks on our own, thanks to you. You’re a complete stranger, yet so many of us regard you as a personal friend and trusted advisor. Linda Byam
Comment by Sara — March 4, 2008 @ 11:24 am
An excellent post. I have only been reading TTP for a few weeks. After 27 years in high-tech Corporate America, I’m searching for my next financial adventure. In that quest, I stumbled upon your site and have found the information very valuable.

Your rant reminds me of a situation over 20 years ago. My husband was selling a software program, and to protect his code, he required a hardware key. Many people would not buy the software because they could not copy it and pirate it to others.

Somewhere along the way, people have developed the mistaken idea that "intangibles" such as software, MP3 files, ebooks and intellectual property on the internet should ALL be free.

Ridiculous. In the meantime, thank you and your TTP team for all that you provide - free and not-so-free.
Comment by Dreyfus — March 4, 2008 @ 11:45 am
Clayton when you have a school of Makepeace-trained A-list players working for your ResponseInk projects and you want to retire, I will vote for you as the next USA President. And I like to see The Redhead as the First Lady, and the prodigy daughter the Press Secretary, or maybe The US Ambassador to the UK (eventually she can run for your post too)
Comment by deanna — March 4, 2008 @ 12:45 pm
Clayton as President? I like it!
Comment by Lara — March 4, 2008 @ 12:48 pm
Thank you Clayton! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: thank you thank you thank you.

I’ve been a TTP reader for almost 2 years now and I recently joined your Easy Writers Club - I love it! I love the value, content and info you share with us in all your products and services. And I’ll continue to be a loyal reader & paid subscriber!

Thanks again,

Lara
Comment by Al — March 4, 2008 @ 12:49 pm
ROTFLOL …

OK, try this: you entirely stop selling anything at all … provide everything for FREE … then I’ll bet you a brand new Harley (or that new Porsche GT2) that you’d get someone saying:

"Why listen to him … he doesn’t sell anything himself, so how would he know what works?"

Without idiots, how would we recognize genius?
Comment by Olive — March 4, 2008 @ 1:00 pm
Hi Clayton and Wendy:
So glad we met at bootcamp! it was an honor and you’re teaching me so much.
That said, here’s a quote from Harv Eker at Peak Perfomance (another of my heroes): remember that other people’s opinion of you is just THEIRS, not yours so fuggedaboutit (as they say in NJ)!
Go on that vacation; we can spend the time rereading the archives and working on improving our copy with the lessons you teach!
Comment by Carroll — March 4, 2008 @ 1:00 pm
Gotta love ya Clayton! You’re the best!

With all your money–and clients waiting in line to pay you more–the only reason I can figure that you GIVE so much to those coming behind you is that your heart is as big as your Harley.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Comment by Larry Mekus — March 4, 2008 @ 1:06 pm
Honestly, I can’t imagine even one day goint without all of the information Clayton provides. I have purchased lots of his products - why I even went ahead and paid for an entire year’s membership all at once into the Easy Writers Club - and I will continue to purchase more items without blinking an eye. By the way - get his "Two hours to more profitable copy" - it is worth it’s weight in gold, and I absolutely love it - you will also. I would back Clayton and his team in a heartbeat - there is no one better.
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — March 4, 2008 @ 1:34 pm
Dreyfus: President? And have to learn to talk slow for all those idiots in Congress?

I think I’ll pass on that one — but if the job of dictator opens up, I promise I’ll be benevolent!

Wow, Gregory — great post … I think. I’ll let you know for sure as soon as I can look up some of those five-dollar words.

Al: Great quote: "Without idiots, how would we recognize genius?" I’m going to steal the heck out of it and claim I made it up myself.

Thanks again for all your encouragement everyone!

Big post tomorrow — watch for it!

-Clayton
Comment by Warwick — March 4, 2008 @ 2:35 pm
I don’t have a site. I’ve read The Total Package since November 2006.That’s when I started the AWIA 6 figure copy course. The information provided in The Total Package has given me enough confidence to begin building my own website and supercharged my copywriting skills.
The "Insanity Files" lit a blaze under my butt and scared the hell out of me after finishing the AWIA course. Keep up the excellent work. I love it.
Thanks
Warwick
PS I don’t remember the source but as you know, a+ plus a- = 0.
Some will like TTP + Some won"t like TTP = So what! It makes no difference. You have to do what you have to do.
Comment by James — March 4, 2008 @ 2:42 pm
Great linkbait Clayton.
Now I could be wrong, but I have a hard time believing that you were actually offended by this person.
Perhaps you saw a perfect opportunity to present an object lesson to your readers on how to inject your message into a marketing piece by using anger, or righteous indignation, to power your words with energy and enlightenment.
And, from reading the responses, it worked like a charm.
How many of your readers fessed up and admitted that they have yet to buy a product from you, only to promise to do better in the future?
Awsome marketing!
You ARE a Master.
James
Comment by Tommy — March 4, 2008 @ 3:17 pm
Methinks she is just trying to gather traffic and some fame for herself from getting into the mix with you.

Your name = credibility by association. At least she has learned something from you! Got ya!

James may even be on the money. Who knows what is going on in between those ears of yours?

Seriously though, you have made a saying untrue:
"You get what you pay for"

If you had to charge full value for everything that you give away currently and in the past, very few people would be able to afford it at all. The value in your free stuff beats the pants off what others are charging an arm and a leg for, and all your knowledge and skill is hidden in there. It must just be read, studied
and applied. It all works.
I have bought a few of your products in the past (exchange rate USD1 = 7.82 our currency, and that leaves a mark) but man!!! All worth many times the price.
Even in the toughest of times here, I have used your stuff with great success to chop my competition down to size in my offline business.

Keep on trucking (harley-ing or is it porsche-ing?)

Great stuff
Tommy
Comment by lawton chiles — March 4, 2008 @ 3:42 pm
Big C, at least you don’t have to wade through a bunch of High School’s and Middle Schools before you get to YOUR content. My grand-dad has MONOPOLIZED my Google rankings

See, I can rant too…

Seriously, great post about adding value. People just don’t understand the value and worth of an idea. They need to see it on paper to realize what they get when they implement it.

Funny.
Comment by Ron Schmidt — March 4, 2008 @ 4:11 pm
Hey Clayton,

Some will! Some won’t! So what!

I had a friend of mine, Mike Hickey, who was heavily involved in MLM companies and Mike got me involved in some of them and we agreed to take all kinds of time and teach people how to become part of For free of course, Of course, both Mike and I had spent our corporate careers with 7 Fortune 500 companies and sold literally hundreds of millions of dollars of products to customer across a wide array of businesses.

Clayton, as I always like to say to my customers - “You really can’t afford my services, BUT you’ll get my expertise for FREE and that means my knowledge of marketing and sales and especially what all of each of my customer’s competition was working and not working. All I ask in return is that you try my products and if they work great and if they don’t suit your needs, that’s okay too because I’ll still provide the wealth of information that’s in my head to help you improve your business.

It would be nice to think that transactions always work both ways. Truth is they don’t. I certainly don’t want to be limited in terms of what kind of harvest I’ll reap from God (for doing the kinds of things you and I normally do and that’s give freely of our time and expertise) versus what one tiny little critical person might do for me in return.

You alluded to the Apostle Paul earlier with regard to the workman being worthy of his wages and what the Good Book says about muzzling the ox while threshing.

Clayton, I wouldn’t be worried about someone who is only interested in themselves. AND, I certainly wouldn’t be worrying about whether or not they could possibly influence my reward for the work that I do.

Clayton, you and Wendy and your staff certainly have more of a giving heart than most. EVERYONE knows that!

One last thing.

God always takes care of His own.

Why?

For taking care of others.

And no one is ever going to be able to outgive God and His goodness and blessings.

God abundantly bless you Clayton.
Comment by Daniela — March 4, 2008 @ 5:01 pm
Sure, God when touch is flowering and
thanks for the share, Clayton, Wendy!
and for the girl in Oxford Go on girl with all the tunning power!:)
Best Wishes,
Daniela
Comment by Chris — March 4, 2008 @ 6:17 pm
About your tight-knotted-panties-gasbag…it’s entitlement mentality.
Oh what a putz.

Rock on, Clayton
Comment by Chris — March 4, 2008 @ 6:19 pm
WHOA! Just saw the reader comment "Clayton for President"

WHY NOT?

Um, Clayton?
Comment by Michelle — March 4, 2008 @ 8:15 pm
Clayton,

You and your gang is my daily hit of "mental java." I get so much crap in my email in-box but I LOVE The Total Package. I’m a new copywriter and I read and re-read EVERYTHING that comes out of your newsletter. I find the content to be fabulous. Sell, sell and sell–you guys ( and gals) are marketing geniuses and deserve to make any amount of money you can through your site !This gal should move to Bosnia or my home land country Cuba and then she’d be able to see how much freedom she’d have to even "sell" her opionion without getting tossed in the klinker!
Keep up the great work fellows and gals!
Michelle QuintanaLong Beach, CABulldog Creative Copywriting
Comment by George Maiga — March 4, 2008 @ 8:49 pm
Hi Clayton, Wendy, Martha and The Total Package,
I can’t stand fools like her. They "know the price of everything and the value of nothing."

I love The Total package. You always do a great job.

Thanks a million!
George - Drayton’s copy cub, London, Jolly Ol’ England
Comment by Karen Lynch — March 4, 2008 @ 9:13 pm
Excellent Rant!
(and you packed in the comments too!)

Good Job!
Comment by Barry — March 4, 2008 @ 9:46 pm
Clayton,

Why even acknowledge this person? Certainly you realize that statistically you’ll get a few wacko ingrates in the general mix, right? You’ve also got to realize that the majority of your audience won’t ever speak up even though they also appreciate your generosity.

But this does give those of us who have never thanked you a chance to do so. You’ve given so much for free that I’ll never have time to digest it all. I truly do enjoy and appreciate it and hereby offer my sincere thanks.

I’ve also bought a product or two from you in the past and they were certainly worth the price. And I know I’ll be back for more in the future.

So if that comment truly got you down, I hope you enjoy the kudos you’re receiving here as a result. I’m going back now to read the rest of them.
Comment by Douglas Kelly — March 5, 2008 @ 1:02 am
Willy– I have met Clayton. A couple of times, in fact. and actually had several conversations with him. He’s the most un-pretentious, ordinary guy you’ll ever meet.

Surprised me. I couldn’t imagine someone with his abilities and accomplishments not being just little too proud of himself (uppity) to talk and joke with me at an AWAI Bootcamp. Who am I to him? No one. I offered nothing but questions. I know many who would have shot me a sideways glance and walked on.

But that’s the difference. Those who give us beginners the cooler-than-thou attitude are not the people we ought to be listening to. Obviously they have themselves on their mind more than anything or anyone else. These kinds of people don’t dare to raise you up. It’s themselves that they want to raise up. And you learn nothing but excuses from the likes of them.

Clayton just gave us an object lesson in value and worth.

Pay attention folks. He’s the master. And he has something to say.
Comment by Bard Thomas Hesvik — March 5, 2008 @ 4:37 am
I couldn’t have said it better myself. Honestly! But for heavens sake man, get the Porsche!
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — March 5, 2008 @ 5:59 am
How to talk to a prospective client

Again: Thanks for all the great comments guys and gals — you’ve just written one heck of a great new sign-up page for The Total Package. The Redhead will be so happy!

So … you’ve seized the attention of a potential client. He has a project and he wants to make sure his promotion sings and soars. He’s seen your samples or heard your rep and he thinks you might be a good choice.

The next step is for the two of you to discuss the project, set your fee, sign the deal and get started. He’s taken the bait, he’s flailing at the end of your line; now it’s time to reel him in.

So let’s stop right here for a moment and think about what’s really going on in your prospect’s mind.

Nine times out of ten, your prospect will either be:

1) A business owner who is hoping that your work will make him richer, or …

2) A marketing person who hopes your promotion will make her a heroine, get her a promotion, a big raise, a corner office, a hot personal assistant and – who knows? – maybe even a huge Christmas bonus.

But seven times out of ten, you will NOT be the first freelance copywriter your prospective client has hired.

Some of these other writers may have been hall-of-famers and others, raw but promising noobs. And frankly, their experience with these other writers – ALL OF THEM — has been spotty at best. And I do NOT just mean in the response department.

Some freelancers delivered on deadline but others promised copy in a month but took three.

Some delivered sparkling first drafts that ultimately failed and others delivered sloppy drafts that, with a little work, became huge winners.

And some delivered such lousy copy and/or proved so clueless or difficult to work with that the company just paid them off to make them go away.

Get it? For your client, the act of hiring a new freelancer is much like a second marriage: The triumph of hope over experience. He’s playing the odds:

His experience tells him it’s unlikely you’ll hit one out of the park.

Nevertheless, his hope for success and the huge money it would bring him compels him to say “I do.”

Now, as your prospective client contemplates his first meeting with you, he also has at least seven expectations, all based on past experience with other writers.

He expects, for example, that …

1. Your personality will be similar to that of other writers he’s met …

2. You will be available to begin now or at least soon …

3. Your fee will be in line with what he’s paid other writers …

4. You will focus your discussion entirely the project at hand …

5. You will probably know next to nothing about the company’s history, its product or its target market …

6. The meeting will result in the two of you agreeing to work together, and …

7. That you’ll ask him for certain things in order to begin work.

OK – so that’s a sneak peek inside your prospective client’s bubbling brain. That’s who you’re about to meet. So how do you prepare?

First, you get some clarity time – an hour, half-hour, fifteen minutes; what ever it takes to get real with yourself about what you really want from this client.

In short, THINK.

Because your mission is NOT to get this job. Sure: You may want it … you may even need it — desperately – to pay the rent. But the fact is, if you’ve got the meeting, you probably already have the job. Why else would a busy company owner or marketing exec take time to meet with you?

So take a deep breath and relax. You’ve got the work. In a day or two, you’ll be depositing the advance.

Now, how do you leverage this meeting into more – much more than just a job? How do you prepare to transform it into the beginning of a long-term relationship that will result in the client happily cutting you checks for ten percent or more of every dollar you produce for him?

My advice:

1. Don’t rush it. When setting the time for the meeting, make sure you have several days to do some homework.

2. Ask questions. Determine what medium the client is thinking about having you write for and whether the point of the exercise is to attract new customers, sell more to existing customers or (hopefully) both. Who is most successful competitors are. What major challenges and frustrations the client faces in promoting his product.

3. Ask for information. Ask the prospective client to give you as much information as possible before the meeting. Depending on the type of product, you might, for example, ask for …

A. A sample of the product and all available premiums (if it’s a subscription product like a newsletter for instance, ask for a year of back issues) …

B. Samples of his biggest winners, worst losers and any copy he already has and/or is using now to promote the product or products you’ll be discussing …

C. Samples of the most successful promotions his competitors are using now …

D. Performance data on the product including track records, test results, testimonials, complaint letters – anything else that could trigger ideas for headlines or copy …

E. Data cards, media kits and any other materials that will educate you on the demographics and psychographics of the audience you’ll be writing to.

F. If the promotion you’re contemplating is for the purpose of attracting new customers, ask for some samples of what happens after a new customer comes on board: The welcome materials, package stuffers and direct mail pieces, e-mails and online sales pages the company uses to market to existing customers.

Conversely, if the promotion is for the purpose of selling stuff to existing customers, ask for the sales materials they use to create new customers.

If your prospective client asks why you need this, just explain that sales copy doesn’t exist in a vacuum and that better understanding the entire process will help you create a more effective promotion.

4. Get thee to a library. Make a beeline to the mail list SRDS (Standard Rate and Data Service) for mail lists and flip it open to the section in which your client and his competitors advertise their lists for rent.

Scour the listings for clues to who’s buying these kinds of products, how much they’re paying, how they’re paying (cash up front, soft offer, continuity, etc.) and who has the biggest list of hotline names (the guy with the biggest list is adding new customers the fastest).

5. Jump on the ‘Net. Google your client’s product, your client’s company and every competitor. Click every AdWords link on search pages and scour every website you find.

6. Sleep on it. Give that quart of mush at the top of your neck a day or two to chew on what you’ve learned. Take an hour a day to record your thoughts, ideas and additional questions for the meeting. If you have friends in the biz, buy them a beer and pick their brains.

Now at this point, you probably know more about your client’s business and his competitors than any other copywriter he’s ever worked with.

You’ll be set to shamelessly drop names – his competitors, his products, his offers, his history – to demonstrate the depth of your knowledge.

And unless I miss my guess, you’ll have a bunch of helpful ideas he can turn into cash in several areas of his business — which will demonstrate the value you bring to the party.

In short, you’re primed to instantly establish that you are more than “just a freelancer” – much more. And as you offer your insights and ideas at your meeting, you won’t have to sell your prospective client on anything. He’ll instantly begin thinking of you as a valuable potential partner in his business.

Of course, like most things in life, it’s not so much what you do as how you do it – and how you present yourself and your ideas at that meeting is everything.

So be sure to tune in tomorrow for that.

And in the meantime, if you have any questions, comments or suggestions to help us in this preparation process, POST ‘EM!

Cheers,

- Clayton
Comment by Andy Bacon — March 5, 2008 @ 7:41 am
Dear Mr. Makepeace,
Thank you for letting us share in your rant. I am sure it must feel like you have been kicked in the gut to get a comment like you talk about after all the great info you give out.

I had too feelings after ready your post.
1. I had a strange desire to address you by your first name as if we were buddies who were sitting around a couple of beers after work. This seemed rather odd since I have only been reading your blog for a little over a week and you don’t even know who I am.
2. I had an almost irresistable need to buy something from you, anything. All though I find you very informative and in touch with marketing I don’t even know yet what products you offer.

Would you be willing to talk about the psychological drivers behind these feelings at some point? I think it would be very informative to your audience to understand how powerful this tactic of spilling your guts can be.
Thank you and I look forward to your future posts.
Comment by Nick Leo — March 5, 2008 @ 10:18 am
I’m a new guy on the block and I love all your inspirational education. However….I think it would help new guys like me if you could show samples of contracts, the best way to contact new clients, dress codes,etc.
Comment by Michael — March 5, 2008 @ 10:23 am
Great rant, Clayton!
Bob Bly had somebody bitch to him about this very thing about a year ago. And, get this — it was a copywriter!
I told Bob something like, "… if the copywriter’s too stupid to recognize a great FREE SWIPE when he sees one, he’s in the wrong business in the first place."
Keep up the good work. It’s much appreciated.
Michael
Comment by David — March 5, 2008 @ 10:33 am
At first I was skeptical of any thought of partnering with a client. After reading your post it is becoming more realistic. As a novice in the copywriting arena, planning on re-entering the business after another contract opportunity completes…I still have doubts. What you say seems to make it possible for even a much less experienced freelancer to still work into the partnership concept.As you progress with posting about this concept, please remember those of us, who can at this point in their new career, only aspire to your success.Thank you for the fantastic post…You have turned "on" the lights in this "quart of mush."
Comment by D. Scott Elder — March 5, 2008 @ 10:52 am
Clayton,

Once again you gave (at no charge) exceptional and valuable information to your readers. I do save online marketing campaigns in a "swipe file" and I regularly purchase from these offers… so keep them coming! My most recent purchase is the "Teaching Sells" online course. This program is worth many times its cost. In an earlier blog I commented that the best product to market is your own. Well I’m convinced that anyone taking this course could come up with their own online service to market. I hestitated saying this because I’m thinking I should keep this a secret.

I’m at a point in my life where I don’t need to be looking for "new opportunities" anymore. But I enjoy learning and trying new things… just for the experience. I thoroughly enjoy The Total Package and appreciate all that you do… keep up the great work!
D. Scott Elder
Comment by John Scola — March 5, 2008 @ 11:46 am
Hi again Clayton,

After reading your recent post how to talk to a prospective client (which by the way, I thought was extremely helpful), I wondered about something that wasn’t said…

What happens if the client balks and doesn’t want to provide any or all the information you requested? They may say, "it is too much work to gather all those things for you" or perhaps they may say, "I can only get you the minimum what you asked for."

Can I assume that you don’t want to work with this client because this is an indication of how committed they are to fostering their business relationship with you?

In short, would you say based on your experience — don’t just walk away but run away from this prospective client?

John
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — March 5, 2008 @ 12:44 pm
It kind of depends, John …

They may demure on some of these items because they don’t have time to get it all together before the pow wow. That’s understandable.

If this is the case — and if the client appears to have great promise – you can either give them a couple extra days or go with as much as they can give you before the meeting.

But if you get the sense that the client is just too lazy … to disorganized … or too contemptuous of the value of great copy to do the work, then yes: Don’t walk away from the client — RUN away from him.

Cheers!

– Clayton
Comment by Cie Lowery — March 5, 2008 @ 1:29 pm
Great rant, Clayton.

Perfect how you turned an "ad" into an opportunity, a learning experience, that woman’s self-righteous negative into positive "gold." (She’s liberally putting her hand in your pocket for your free stuff…hum…let me think…to make money?)

What a great lesson.

Love you, Clayton, and your Redhead,
Cie
Comment by Kevin Adam — March 5, 2008 @ 1:50 pm
Hi Clayton,

Chiming in with my two cents worth of thanks for all your fantastic insights. So, thanks!

I also have a question. I’ve recently had the above meetings with two clients, and in both cases they later reconsidered and went with a different approach or provider. Is there something I need to be certain to say to close the deal?

I know there’s a lot of info missing, but when the potential client agrees they like the ideas and are interested in doing business, is there a "best"response? Should I try to schedule to job right then? Or, is there something entirely different to do? Thanks for any ideas you may have to share. I genuinely enjoy all your sharing.

And, just to mention it, I have happily purchased some of your products. Anyone fool enough to complain about you having products for sale ought to quit right now instead of cutting down someone trying to help them. Take care!
Comment by Gene — March 5, 2008 @ 2:53 pm
This is just a quick bit of advise to Keven Adam who was disappointed that they could not close a deal.

If you have done your job correctly and have done your best to inform the client of the benefits of using your service and still you have not gotten the client to commit, then I have one question for you. Did you assume the sale? No matter what I am selling I always go in with the thought that the sales is done and with this attitude you will find that most times the sale will be done. Did you ask for the sale, and if you did and got a negative response did you ask them what if any objection or concerns they might have?

No one can ever close every sale but what I have learned is that there are many reasons why someone would even take a meeting with you, IE: #1 and in my opion the most likely reason is they need to justify their jobs “See boss I am working hard for you”. #2 Fact finding to determine if they can do the job in house. #3 Bored with all the free time at their job and need some distractions, this is also connected to #1. #4 A real interest in using your ideas but you failed to relate why they need you.

I used to chase down people for many months only to find that at the end there was no sale. I failed them! I was not able to give them the tools they needed to make a decision. I have a saying and that is “If you cannot make a decision in 1 minute you will never be able to make a decision that you will be happy with. Why 1 minute because I gave you everything you need to make that decision NOW and even if you do decide to use my service you will be filled with self doubt and that kind of client will use up all of your mental resources and actually “cost” you more then you can make.

Every sit you go on should be a learning experience both for you and the client. If you go on a sit like a beggar you will be viewed as a beggar and no one hires a beggar. Go with confidence and you will close more deals. At every sit there is a sale made! Either you sold them or they sold you!

Sales is a numbers game and the more sits you do and the more confidence you have the more successful you will be.

If what you are selling is a good deal for both of you then there is no reason to not get the sale.

A little story to prove my point. Years ago I decided to supplement my income and buy and sell cars. I specialized in Ford Escorts and went to the auctions and only bought Escorts. I did no repairs to any car. I would by them from $500-700 range with a book values of at least $1500-2000.

I would advertise them for $500 above what it cost me and when people came to me (and lots did) I told right up front that the price was nonnegotiable and that every time they tried to lower the price I would raise the price $50 and not back down. I sold %80 of the cars at a higher price then my original asking price and most of those people brought others to me and told them the rules. Why did they pay a higher price? BECAUSE IT WAS STILL A GREAT DEAL AND THEY KNEW IT! I have also practiced this when selling other things. WHY? Because my time is valuable.

I hope I have given you some insite here.

Good Luck

Gene
Comment by James — March 5, 2008 @ 3:57 pm
Clayton, you’ve just given everyone who reads your blog a blueprint on successfully selling themselves to a prospective client….For FREE.
I mean, how many of your readers even know about the SRDS?
I just learned about it recently and, I’m pretty sure, most libraries have it to peruse…for FREE.
Thank you for all the great content Clayton.
Comment by Brian Duvall — March 5, 2008 @ 4:06 pm
Clayton, You Bonehead!

Do you mean to tell me that you have a business opportunity to make millions over the next year or so and you declined it because you don’t have enough help on hand?

Is it really that hard to hire talent to handle the job for you? Is it really that hard to sub-contract it out to those you trust?

You are always talking about your copy cubs who have gone off on their own and made fortunes. Aren’t any of them available to help with this big project for a piece of the pie?

You should be ashamed of yourself. You are letting down a client. You are letting down your allies who just might like a nice bonus payday. You are letting down yourself for not taking advantage of the opportunity that this project brings. And finally, you are letting down your readers with such a short sighted position. I hope it’s just you making a big claim to illustrate your dedication.

Take my advice, find some strategic partners to do the job for a piece of the action, pocket the rest and tell us about it in an amazing case study.

Sincerely,
A loyal reader in Virginia

PS: I love your work.
Comment by Kammy Thurman — March 5, 2008 @ 4:07 pm
Some clients may not have all of the materials Clayton mentions, but they should have most of them in PDF format that their designers send for approval prior to printing. I ask for any PDFs they have first, because they can get these to me in a matter of minutes w/no mailing cost.

I like to see hard-copies too, but those can come later. PDFs will get the samples in your hands fast so you can study the concepts and move onto that client meeting much quicker than if you wait around for the mail.

A smart marketer will be collecting samples from his/her competitors, so ask them to scan the samples and email those to you too. Again, saves them time and postage.
Comment by Dave Martin — March 5, 2008 @ 4:29 pm
"Lazy Man’s Way to Market Research"

Another fast and easy (ok, lazy) way to prep for a client/job is to go onto Amazon and look up all the top selling books related to his category. No, don’t buy or read the books (remember, I said "fast, easy and lazy!")… Read the REVIEWS to get inside the head of your client’s prospects. You’ll instantly learn the answer to fundamental "Problems / Solutions / Objections etc"… pick up on common threads as to what the readers say is "hot/not hot" … the things they want and like, and the things that turn them off… psychological triggers… and possibly, any unique nomenclature for that market. Now when you talk to your future gravy train conductor you’ll know more about his buyers than he does.
My work here is done:-)…
Comment by Dean Kennedy — March 5, 2008 @ 4:33 pm
Another blockbuster post that reinforces why I tell everyone I can to get to this website and get reading as much as they can!!!!

I looked up "over-deliver" in the dictionary and found a beaming picture of you and the whole team. I was a guest copywriter at a small business meeting last week and made sure everyone wrote down your URL. I hope they buy your stuff too … the ads, like you suggest, are great lessons … the email campaigns that go along with a new promo are brilliant swipes.

Sending you copywriting love all the way from Melbourne downunder, THANKS so much again for what you (over) deliver!
Comment by Ruth — March 5, 2008 @ 10:06 pm
Why, sure, Clayton, why not hire some of your above buddies to help you with that big deal above mentioned by Brian? I’m sure there would be lots of offers from them, including me! Maybe too much work to critique all the orders? My stuff would definitely bear critiquing, since I’m a cub too, and you might remember how it was when you first began to write.(BTW what is the big deal?)Thanks for all you do for us,ruthless
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — March 6, 2008 @ 5:18 am
Great question, Kevin — and great ideas, Gene!

Kevin, I think you need to review your mindset and how it affects your sales process.

REMEMBER: There’s a real Groucho Marx component here.

Groucho said, "I wouldn’t want to join any club that would accept someone like me as a member."

Your prospective client has a similar bias: "I wouldn’t hire any writer who isn’t too busy to accept me as a client." In other words, he believes that if you were any good, you’d be too busy to hire.

That means any hint of desperation in your selling process is a killer.

Try finding honest ways to create the perception that …

The client is not doing you a favor by taking a meeting. You are doing the client a favor by taking time out of your busy schedule to help him grow his company.

Your time is valuable. You only take meetings when you are convinced you can help the company and that the company needs you NOW. Find ways to compel your prospect to feel as though getting your time would be a coup.

Your time is scarce. You are booked up months in advance. The only time you have available to take shorter-term projects is when another client’s project is postponed.

You do have a writing slot that just opened up; but two other companies have already talked to you about it. You’ll grant the time on a "first-come, first-served" basis. You’d prefer to work with THIS client — but bizness is bizness — so whoever gets the advance check to you the soonest gets your open writing slot.

And yes — by all means — knowing when to shut up and accept the order is essential. And getting the commitment on paper — and in dollars in the form of the advance — is critical.

Never, never, NEVER procrastinate when it comes to closing the deal or invoicing or accepting a check.

BRIAN DUVAL: Yes, it really is that hard to find and train schedulers, marketers and copywriters who have the chops to explode my clients’ businesses.

And frankly, I don’t have time to train beginners or the money in the budget to pay "A"-listers. But I am trying to hire every in-betweener I can lay my hands on.

Even there, we’re somewhat limited. It takes time to bring everyone up to speed and to abso-freakin-lutely guarantee that we’ll produce stellar results.

By the way: Wendy heartily agrees with the "bonehead" remark. She also offers, "stuborn," "curmudgeonly," and "intellectually arrogant."

DAVE MARTIN: YES! This is a tip that Rich Schefren gave his readers a few weeks back. A great way to zero in on what prospects are reading, thinking and even their vernacular.

I’ll be posting more on my partnering thoughts — preparing for and getting through THE MEETING — later today, so be sure to check back!

Cheers!
Comment by Dave Martin — March 6, 2008 @ 4:46 pm
I stole it from Jay;-)

BTW: Show me another blog where you’ll find the words "nomenclature, vernacular and curmudgeonly" all in the same thread!

Forget it. It can’t be found. (Why can’t everyone be as cool as us?)
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — March 7, 2008 @ 3:56 am

How to Build a Six-Figure Copywriting Business
— a $299 value, FREE!

(This is NOT a pitch … it’s a PROPOSITION)

OK - I lied … again.

I promised I’d post more on partnering yesterday and I didn’t.

What a flake, eh? Well, it’s not my fault.

The dog ate it.

Actually, yesterday was a zoo. The office is in an uproar.

They’ve got part of the roof torn off of to install our new three-zone heat pump system. Since the Web department has a giant hole in the ceiling, most of the guys are taking the rest of the week off or working from home. My son has strep so The Redhead’s working from home, too.

Plus, I had to write three e-mail blasts … a short AND long script outline for a new video … and host an hour-long webinar meeting for a client — and now, I have to write an e-zine issue for him for Sunday.

So instead of adding my next partnering installment this week (it’s about half-done), I’ll finish it up over the weekend and make it Monday’s post.

In the meantime, want to have a little fun — and maybe win a free copy of my course, How to Build a Six-Figure Copywriting Business?

It’s a seven-day course that walks you through my complete process for finding, qualifying and closing the deal with great new clients (including actual contracts I use) … has made hundreds of thousands of dollars for buyers … and goes for $299 in our online store.

But on Monday, I’ll give away three of these high-value courses to any of you who make the most compelling posts here:

http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=703956&highlight=makepeace+legit

Just:

1. Click the link above (or copy and paste it into your browser) …

2. Answer these guys’ cynicism about me, The Total Package and/or our EasyWriters Marketing Club in the most compelling way possible, and …

3. Copy and paste your post here — in this blog — as well (required).

If your post is one of the three best, I’ll announce your name on Monday and Martha (our customer service babe) will rush How to Build a Six-Figure Copywriting Business to you — also on Monday.

(Hint: The winners will give the most impressive specifics on the benefits you derive from being a part of The Total Package family.)

So knock yourself out. Good luck – and have a great weekend!

– Clayton
Comment by Chick Jabre — March 7, 2008 @ 10:06 am
Good Day Clayton,

I see you are having another contest again. Did any one win the new name for copywriters?

Chick Jabre

ps. On Jan 25, 2008 I suggested
"A new name for copywriters? Rainmakers "
Comment by caleb osborne — March 7, 2008 @ 10:57 am
Hey Clayton,

I clicked over to that page a minute ago just to see what the post was about and I started reading your reply and I about choked.

It’s so funny because it’s just like testimonial, testimonial, testimonial, plus infinity, from the most well named people in the industry, HILARIOUS!

That made me laugh, seriously, out loud.

– Caleb
Comment by lawton chiles — March 7, 2008 @ 10:59 am
Clayton, you are insane and I love your style. I already have a copy of the course so I won’t be entering. I just wanted to say what a great staff you have over there at Makepeace HQ.

John has been a pleasure to talk to and Martha couldn’t be more accommodating.

Thanks,

Lawton
Comment by Everett Ramsey — March 7, 2008 @ 11:05 am
I hooked into Makepeace at the recommendation of Ann Seig, Renegade Marketing. To tell the truth, I have not seen much that has interested or helped me. I have been a writer for over 30 years and my scruples prevent me from hype type selling.

Makepeace may be the best, but what I have learned is that unless you are willing to over emotionalize your copy, you won’t make many sales. I find that demeaning for rational thinking people.

So, I just won’t be that successful.
Thanks
Comment by Linda Byam — March 7, 2008 @ 11:08 am
Clayton, there is seldom anything to take you to task for in TTP - which I revere, as do so many others - but the reference to “Martha, our customer service babe” begs for comment. I’m disappointed. I enjoy your irreverence in general, but I wish you had chosen another appellation for this swell person who serves TTP and its readers so well and so responsively. Linda Byam
Comment by Mike Bell — March 7, 2008 @ 11:20 am
I joined the Easywriter’s Marketing Club recently for two reasons.

Firstly Clayton Makepeace is highly regarded by some of the biggest marketing and copywriting names in the world. That’s a good enough reason in itself.

Secondly there’s so much marketing material out there, much of it free, that I couldn’t get my head around how to organise it terms of a learning programme. When Easywriters arrives I let the answer machine take care of the phone, I open the envelope, read it, listen to the CD and then put it in a ring binder for future reference. It’s the ultimate marketing and copywriting course.

It stimulates ideas, teaches me things I didn’t previously know and reminds me of things I’ve forgotten (I’m unfortunately at an age where I sometimes think I’ve forgotten more than I now know).

Is it worth $66 a month? Absolutely. If I learn only one new technique or get one new idea a month it’s worth every penny.

Heavens, $66 is only about £37 in real money!
Comment by Noel Hawkes — March 7, 2008 @ 11:26 am
Hi Clayton

Posted the following on digatalpoint….

Once in a while an opportunity presents itself, unrivalled in both the individuals reputation and knowledge of the copywriting marketplace. You obviously havent looked through Claytons website and the archives to be asking such a question. In my opinion both Clayton and Drayton Bird rank at one and two in this elie profession. For Clayton to offer his and his teams expertise for $66 a month thats a measly $2.16 cents a day or $1. 13 in the morning and another in the afternoon. Tell me what else you could buy for this?Like any membership what you put in you will get back out and in Claytons case tenfold, but to live the dream it demands a matched individual to seize, cultivate it and maximise the overall chance it affords its recipient. If you are serious about copywriting then this is for you as no other site I have come across over the years offers anywhere near the content on a daily base and a treasuretrove bestowed in its archives.Do yourself the biggest favour…….Get out your credit card, join and reap the benifits that Easwriters Club has in store. It will (not may) change your life and prosperity for ever.Noel
Comment by Loralei Matisse — March 7, 2008 @ 11:34 am
Clayton,

Here is my reply to the forum.

Being a new copywriter, I appreciate learning from people who are out there already doing it and succeeding. Not wanting to reinvent the wheel, I want to avoid all the mistakes I can. That said… I have learned a lot from Michael Masterson, Clayton Makepeace, and Chris Marlow. I have found every penny I have used to purchase a program from AWAI is as valuable as the time I put into it. It is not an overnight success - genie in a bottle type program. I have to work at gaining the knowledge. If you do not want to pay the $66 for it, then don’t. What do you spend $66 a month for now? Gas to the job you dislike? A night out to forget (and complain) about the people you work with? It is your choice what to do with your money. But to complain about it before actually doing something is pointless. Is $66 worth the chance? If you don’t like it after the first month, do not go back. Cancel your subscription. It is a $66 lesson. Nothing more. Lori
Comment by Gerard LeBlond — March 7, 2008 @ 11:43 am
[Here's the text of my post at digitalpoint dot com's forum] Title: Makepeace Isn’t Only Legit He’s "The Total Package"10 years ago the top 5 copywriters were: John Carlton, Ted Nicholas, Joseph Sugarman, Gary Halbert, and Gary Bencivenga. Today that list would be: John Carlton, Gary Bencivenga, Clayton Makepeace, Brian Keith Voiles and Russ Phelps. "Ye Shall Be Judged By The Company Ye Keep." If this dictum is true than Clayton Makepeace is someone to take seriously when considering successful copywriters. Consider this: Clayton has been able to parlay his successful marketing skills, that he honed working for big direct marketing firms, to the point where he can now afford to operate a large and dynamic business around his expertise. His business is a marketing firm that employs dozens of people. Furthermore, He has more business offers than he can handle. That’s a nice position for any business owner to have. His website, TheTotalPackage.com has the perfect title insofar as it promises a complete coverage of the field of direct response marketing. From: marketing strategy, product development, product creation outsourcing, product packaging, advertising layout and graphics, follow-up mailings, list building, headline testing, copy testing, control testing, large-scale roll-outs, order fulfillment outsourcing and customer service outsourcing…. It’s the "Total Package" of products and services that a business would want to meet their marketing needs. That’s what Clayton Makepeace and his crew offer. Not only that, but he has a stable of former students, who are successful copywriters with their own businesses. These people are part of his Rolodex file and he can contact any one of them to work on parts of a client’s advertising package. Meanwhile, while running a super successful marketing company, he gives away tons of valuable information for marketing students via his website: TheTotalPackage.com His site’s article archives become larger by the week as articles, written by guest marketing experts, provide valuable commentaries and lessons on a regular basis. If you aren’t ready to buy any of his big ticket courses, offered at his website, you can’t go wrong by simply signing on to his email list for daily notification of new articles that appear free for the taking on his website. Clayton is a "Rock Star" amongst today’s best crop of copywriters. Respectfully, Gerard LeBlond
Comment by Brandon — March 7, 2008 @ 11:43 am
SportsFan–

Listen, I rarely… if ever… post responses in forums.

Frankly, and at the risk of sounding like a braggart – my time is too valuable.

As a freelance copywriter, I am juggling copywriting projects 6 days a week… with no end in sight.

But I felt compelled to jump in here, and set the record straight:

Clayton Makepeace is one of the best… period.

In fact, Clayton’s newsletter is one of the few I still read on a daily basis… and the ONLY newsletter subscription that has survived my hair-trigger “unsubscribe” impulse for well over 2 years now.

The guy is a living legend, and everything that comes out of his mouth is pure copywriting gold.

I don’t care who you are…

If you have a burning desire to write persuasive copy… that will practically force customers to whip out their wallet and give you their hard earned cash… then don’t be fooled… spending 66 bucks a month on Clayton’s program is one of the cheapest investments you can make in your future.

Seriously, how many hard is it to recoup $66 a month in either sales, or in copywriting fees?

It’s a “No Brainer” in my opinion.

As far as I am concerned Clayton can call himself, “Head Honcho”, “Biker Badass”… or even “Might Mouse” – As long as he continues to deliver the goods!

Hope this help,

Brandon
Comment by Melani Ward — March 7, 2008 @ 11:57 am
Here’s the post I put on digital forum

Hi Sportsfan!

Let’s see. Is Clayton a scam? It depends. If people think that someone who…

•    Lets you in on the [B]secrets of the best response-boosting ads[/B] that are working right now so that you can apply them to your own
•    Gives you access to [B]live interviews and Q&A calls [/B]every month with people who started where you are and are now at the top of their game ready to share their tricks and secrets with you
•    Delivers a 20 page hard copy, [B]jam packed and outrageously valuable[/B] newsletter to your door every month
•    Blows open the door on the [B]secrets for doubling or even tripling your income[/B] from one single project
•    Tells and [I]shows[/I] you what the top direct marketers are doing on and offline today and how you can copy them to rein in your own cash cow

is a scam. Then, sign me up!

So, Clayton Makepeace a scam? Scandalous! But not a chance. Though it probably would’ve made a pretty interesting story.

In an online world where everyone’s out to “get rich quick” and happily separate you from your hard earned cash to do it, [B]Clayton is the real dea[/B][B]l[/B]. It’s simply not possible to find anyone out there who is providing more valuable, insightful, and whip smart information to his readers on a consistent basis. And that’s even for the free stuff! (Which quite frankly I’d recommend you try first - you can find out what you think of him for free by just checking out http://www.makepeacetotalpackage.com)

And no, I’m not a plant. But I am a fan. In the past 7 or 8 years I’ve signed up for a gazillion e-zines and feeds but none of them come close to what Clayton has to offer. I never miss a post or article, whether from his pen or one of his guest writers. He’s still out there in the trenches every day doing exactly what he’s telling us to do. He surrounds himself with the top writers and marketers out there and [B]he consistently over-delivers on every promise he makes. [/B]

That’s tough to find these days in an age where we have self anointed “gurus” on every corner touting their [B]one [/B]big success!

But, the best thing about being a part of the Total Package Family is that you actually feel like these are people you’ve been sitting down to dinner with for years. They are generous with their time, their information and while they are raking in the dough, that’s simply a byproduct of their bigger goal – which is to help copywriters and marketers get to the top.

It’s called the Total Package because that’s what it is. [B]Complete, absolute, all inclusive and unconditional. [/B]

I’m not sure who’s claiming Clayton isn’t legit and if I were you, I’d check anything out before I gave them permission to suck from my bank account every month too, but I assure you, $66.00 is a steal for what you get. And, you’ll come away from it with loads more. If what you said is true, you want to shorten your learning curve, I’d say get going. Times a waste’n.

Best,

Melani Ward
http://www.20pointcopycritique.com
http://www.melaniward.com
Comment by Rich Cook — March 7, 2008 @ 12:00 pm
Comments from the Digital Point Forums:

If you’ve never heard of Clayton Makepeace or think his stuff is bogus then you’re WAY out of the loop. The guy is a legend in the copywriting business. He’s up there with greats like Gary Bencivenga or Bob Bly or Michael Masterson (who is one of the great & legendary copywriters behind AWAI, which is a great school with great courses).

Just because you get to see the gear head image of Makepeace next to his Harley, that doesn’t mean he’s not absolutely serious about what he does. Like any copywriter worth his pen, Makepeace knows how to make his writing come alive. A few bucks a month is a small price to pay for access to this genius.

But maybe the EasyWriter’s Club isn’t for you. Maybe you’re not the kind of copywriter who is dedicated to becoming the best he can be. Maybe you’re not ready for the power behind the advice Makepeace gives out.

The bottom line is this - are you willing to sit at the feet of one of the greatest minds in creative copywriting and learn. But not just learn, implement the ideas that he gives you. Most people think they are and are not. You have to decide for yourself.
Comment by Kevin Rogers — March 7, 2008 @ 12:07 pm
Hi Sportsfan,I’ve been writing copy professionally for a just over a year now and I can tell you that Clayton Makepeace has undoubtedly shortened my learning curve. The best information you’ll get here today is to go grab those free gifts, including the free issue of Easy Writers that Clayton gave away for Christmas - (John N. Posted links in his post.) No B.S. Sportsfan, those materials alone are enough to fill your head for an entire month. And SAVE THOSE LINKS, because I’ve gone back to them a few times when I’ve been stuck on a piece of copy and they bail me out every time.And here’s a cool tip… That free issue of The Screaming Eagle contains a great section about the different ways to write bullets (plus examples!)…After you read the report, do what I did; cut and paste each bullet type, plus one example of how to write it into a seperate document - and keep it open when you write bullets. It makes for a great chart to remind yourself how to keep your bullets fresh.If you’re new, but serious, about copywriting, Sportsfan, (and yes it is the greatest job in the world for people who enjoy writing [I]and[/I] money) here’s what you’re going to find…The more you learn by doing, the more you’re going to need solid guidance to help you reach new levels. The incredible thing about copywriting is the many layers of persuasion that go into a letter. In the beginning, you’ll be worrying about the basics, i.e. headlines, subheads, length, message, style, tone etc. Then, as you start to get that down, you’ll start to realize there is another layer beneath that one where the phrasing of your sentences have a major effect on the reader’s mindset… And another layer beyond that where deeper layers of NLP style persuasion are in effect, and it goes on and on. It’s truly fascinating, and none of us will ever be finished learning the craft because the marketing climate is always changing, and there are always new ways to perform old tricks.So, having access to a genuine master of all these techniques - one who is ridiculously generous about taking you behind the curtain and reveling what’s inside his magic case - is about as important a tool for copywriters as the very keyboard you type on.And if you have any doubt about whether you’re getting the man himself when you read his material… Consider that although he has a ton of obligations and makes many, many millions of dollars each year, he took time to come here today and answer you personally.Having said ALL THAT… I think you should take Clayton’s advice to you and NOT join The Screaming Eagle just yet. Becuase some of it may be lost on you at this level. (I don’t say that to be insulting or presumptuous, but the fact that you had not heard of Clayton Makepeace speaks volumes about your copywriting knowledge to this point). But, the very second you click away from this thread, you owe it to yourself, and any future you have in this business, to go snatch up those free gifts from the links John N. provided. If you don’t, then you’ll know copywriting isn’t for you.Best to you for a bright future.
Comment by Ryan — March 7, 2008 @ 12:08 pm
As posted to digital point:

"I’m a new copywriter, only hired nine months ago to write for Agora (which, if you know copywriting, there’s a good chance you know us).

The first day I arrived at the job, they gave me three instructions:

1. Work through the AWAI copywriter’s course (which they provided us)

2. Read through the extensive reading list (with titles like Breakthrough Advertising, the works of Bencivenga, classics from Halbert…)

3. Sign up for the Makepeace newsletter, and devour it daily.

I can tell you, from inside the industry, Clayton is one of the top guys out there.

But, as others have said, don’t take anyone’s word for it. Read the free articles (I’ve never done more myself). Try the advice. See if it makes sense to you.

Just give it a shot, and go from there. I’m guessing you’ll be convinced - and truth of the matter, you’ll probably never spend a cent. You don’t need to. Maybe someday you’ll want to… but that’s a long way off.

Just explore for now, and the answer to your question will arise organically."
Comment by Kevin Rogers — March 7, 2008 @ 12:09 pm
Ouch! Lost my formatting.
Comment by Jay Estis — March 7, 2008 @ 12:12 pm
Here was my response. This was fun!

Hey SportsFan,

First, the easy and simple answer is, YES, your friend is correct. But, let me fill you in on why I think your friend is right about Clayton Makepeace.

You said your friend mentioned it would speed up your learning curve. Again, I agree with your friend.

Let me ask you a question. What’s most important to YOU, the $66 it will cost you to join (which is ONLY after you get to test drive it FREE for one month), or is having the ability to take your learning curve on hyperspeed, which can result in you making a whole lot more than $66 a month?

What does SportsFan want?

Is it to learn about copywriting AND direct response marketing from a PROVEN expert like Clayton?

I think you are focused on the wrong thing here. If you are going to be involved in copywriting and/or marketing you absolutely, positively must have a budget for your ongoing education.

Sure, you can read all of the books by the experts. I have, and it helped. But, it wasn’t enough. I belong to Clayton’s EasyWriters Marketing, I read the Screaming Eagle and his free newsletter/blog.

I also subscribe to and read Dan Kennedy’s monthly newsletter and I am a Gold Inner-Circle Member.

And I read everything John Carlton writes. As well as Gary Bencivenga’s Bullets. And, when the late, great Gary Halbert was still with us, I read his newsletters too.

I also buy a lot of the courses that come out from these and other experts. Most recently Frank Kern’s Mass Control.

And you know what, most of it is worth every penny. Not all, but most.

As for Clayton’s material, it’s worth a lot more than what he charges.

Do you want to be the best copywriter and marketer you can be? What will being the best copywriter and marketer mean for you? What will it do for you?

More recognition for your efforts and skills?

How much money can it put in your pocket?

Do you go out to dinner? How often? Once a week? Twice a week? If you sat down and counted what it cost you to go out to dinner last month, how much did you spend?

And what do you have to show for what you spent to go out to dinner last month? Are you a better copywriter? Marketer?

Does spending $66 a month to rapidly improve your copywriting and marketing skills sound like a lot now? You just need to put it into perspective.

Besides, you can cancel anytime if you are unhappy. Can you get back the money you spent on going out to dinner last month?

Seems like an easy decision to me. How about you?

Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck.

Jay

P.S. Don’t tell Clayton, but part of me wanted to tell you not to join. Who can blame me. I don’t need any more Clayton trained copywriters to contend with.

P.P.S. There’s enough good competition out there, so if you really don’t want to join then who am I to argue. Maybe you’re right. In fact, forget everything I said. I lost my mind for a minute.
Comment by tina williams — March 7, 2008 @ 12:15 pm
would like a chance to win
Comment by Cheryl — March 7, 2008 @ 12:21 pm
Hi Clayton,
I didn’t post to the forum as I didn’t want to join, however, nothing could be better than learning from the master. I don’t mind missing out on the contest opportunity as I have no qualms about investing in myself by investing with you. And that’s why I didn’t have one second of hesitation about joining the EasyWriters Marketing Club.

I’m new to the club, in fact, I just joined not even two weeks ago. Yet in that short time frame I’ve reaped huge actually ginormous (spin on enormous and gigantic) benefits;-) How can that be?

Well to all your Total Package members who are hanging in the perifery afraid to take the small step of making an inconsequential investment in yourself I say until you do you will continue to experience the same less than satisfactory results you’re experiencing now.

I had to shake my head as I read Everett Ramsey’s comment about how he has been a "writer for over 30 years" and can’t condone your approach to marketing. Hello…isn’t it about time you woke up and learned something here???

Every person I’ve ever known or met who thinks they "already know everything there is to know about anything" is a person stuck in mediocrity.

Every person I’ve ever known who can’t make a decision to invest in themselves is a person stuck in mediocrity.

Every person I’ve ever known who keeps doing what they’ve been doing will by definition continue to get the results same poor results.

Now I think it’s important for your readers to understand that I am not nor do I have any aspirations of being or becoming a copywriter. I wholeheartedly respect and admire those of you who are. However, as the owner of a service business I appreciate that if I can’t promote myself I can’t obtain and sustain a viable business.

I also recognize that when an expert like yourself who knows more than I even know that I don’t know gives me an opportunity like the EasyWriters Marketing Club that I must immediately take action and align myself to take advantage of that opportunity.

I also know that to get the most value from that opportunity I must come prepared, committed actually, to obtain the most value possible from that opportunity. And that my fellow readers is why in less than two weeks I’ve gotten far greater value than the ridiculously small investment to get in "the group".

The simple truth is there is something to be learned and applied from every single contact and opportunity Clayton provides. You only have to ask yourself how could I use this idea, concept, technique, copy structure, word pattern, etc. to promote me. So in two short weeks as a result of learning from this master I have:

improved my follow-up email sequence in content, structure, and format increasing retention.written an entirely new sales letter for my off-line direct mail campaign sequence, and am in the process of testing it online.have improved the conversion on my landing page by 100% from the copy ideas I’ve gleaned.improved the content associated with one traffic source that has increased traffic 30%.have collected 3 great ideas that I am working to implement now.And more. Now I don’t know if you can get the same value, or if you got the same things I have if that would be worth $66 a month to your business, but I’d be shocked if it wasn’t!

Now my question to my fellow readers is, what can you learn and adapt from Clayton about this contest?

Did you think the creators of "The Secret" were really trying to "teach" people how to be successful, or was it one of the greatest examples of the power of marketing used to promote the "experts"?

Never forget my friends your success is directly proportional to your ability to attract highly qualified prospects, get and hold their attention, and stimulate them to take action.

The purpose of communication isn’t to make others understand you the purpose of communication is to produce a result in terms of a desired action. No doubt the master of communication is Clayton. It seems to me the master can produce desired actions any and every time he wants. I’m so jealous and have so much to learn!

To Your Enduring Success,
Cheryl
Just a humble entrepreneur
Comment by Russ — March 7, 2008 @ 12:36 pm
I am currently studying the AWAI copywriting program and subscribe to Clayton’s "The Total Package" as a companion program. When I am stuck in the AWAI program, I always turn to Clayton for a different perspective and have had many "aha" moments.Just the other day, I was taking a break and decided to read a couple of Clayton’s reports that you receive for signing up for his newsletter. When I finished reading "How to Write Killer Ads and Compelling Sales Copy" and "The Eight Components of Irresistible Direct Response Offers" I immediately printed them and inserted them into my reference binder.My advice is to study the AWAI program to learn copywriting structure, thought process, and proven concepts and sign up for "The Total Package" newsletter. By the time you work through the program and by reading Clayton’s articles, you’ll know he’s for real. Then you can make an informed decision on the "EasyWriters Club" offer.Best RegardsRuss
Comment by Michael Paloy — March 7, 2008 @ 1:26 pm
Dear Clayton;

Although I think everything I have read here is right on. I just want to say that I think you not only deliver, you over deliver.
Some people will go to heaven and then complain the angels are
playing the Harps too loud. Try to figure.

Respecfully,
Mike
Comment by Steve Gibson — March 7, 2008 @ 1:46 pm
Here’s what I posted:

Quote:Originally Posted by sportsfan I am thinking of signing of for his easy writers club which costs $66 per month. My friend said this would shorten my learning curve. Anyone know of him?I agree with your friend.. but you don’t know me from Adam, so why would you believe me?

I’d suggest you ask your friend why he/she believes Clayton’s club could help you.

And, if you’re not 100% convinced by what he/she has to say, then the logical thing to do would be to sign up for Clayton’s free emails.

If those emails deliver content that helps you progress faster, then you might feel you want the paid stuff.

And, if they don’t, you just unsubscribe from the emails. It’ll have cost you nothing and there’s no hassle about refunds and cancelling payments.

So, nothing to lose… and, if Gary Bencivenga etc know how to spot a high quality copywriter, a lot to gain…

Hope this helps,

Steve
Comment by martha — March 7, 2008 @ 1:50 pm
Thanks for coming to my defense, Linda! You know, another type of girl might get pretty tired of all the compliments and affection I get around here. Not me! Thanks also for the compliments on my work. Trust me: I’ll definitely use it when it’s time for my salary review! -Martha, the customer service “babe”
Comment by Miche DuBil — March 7, 2008 @ 1:54 pm
Dear Sportsfan,How much do you pay for Cable TV? If you’re a real sportsfan, like I am, you gotta be shelling out $60-$70 per month for that wide-band Digital Premium Package with the Pay-Per-View add-on. Let’s face it, that’s the price we sportsfans pay just to watch the game. Imagine yourself playing the game: winning the race, scoring the goal, scoring with those high-breasted, scorching hot sports babes, too!How much would you pay for that, Sportsfan? How much, HUH?See, you already know the secret to being tops in your game: You gotta spend a little cash to get inside. Same thing is true in the copywriting game. Clayton Makepeace’s Easywriter’s Marketing Club is the fast and easy way to cut to the front of the pack. And that’s where you want to be, Sportsfan. Because all those wasp-waisted, sports women, who look like Angie Harmon, are standing in the winner’s circle, and they’re waiting for YOU! Yeah, YOU! And you can put yourself on course to the winner’s circle for only $66, by joining Clayton’s Easywriter’s Marketing Club today.What? Are you still here? Look, membership in this private club is going to close as soon as all the smart men sign up. So, let me give you a special incentive. This secret advice is free because I want to meet you there, at the bar, where all the copywriting girls hang out. Here’s your secret bonus: The $66 is tax deductable. Can you believe it? You just write it off to Uncle Sam, next time you file as a bonafide professional Copywriter. That’s the kind of savvy insider info pick-up women love. And that’s the kind of savvy insider info you’ll pick up at Clayton’s Easywriter’s Marketing Club.So don’t think about it. Just do it. And if you do it today, Clayton says he’ll personally introduce you to some Native American biker chicks. I guarantee you: they make NASCAR girls look like snow-board bunnies. And you’ll never watch Cable TV again.Hurry up. They’re waiting for you.Miche DuBil
Comment by Michelle — March 7, 2008 @ 1:56 pm
CLAYTON MAKEPEACE IS A BUM!!

If you believe that, I’m sorry to say my friend, but you are sadly mistaken! Don’t ever let this leathered up, tough biker guy on the Harley cruising down the open road, enjoying the ride deceive you!

WHAT, YOU SAY?? He rides a Harley?
Get the heck out of town!! How dare he!!

Trust me when I say he is perfectly capable of being a “Chief Honcho” and a biker, oh and let’s not forget a devoted family man, all rolled into one!! But why take my word for it when his track record speaks for itself:
- Genuine and reliable
- Has a staggering vocabulary along with the keen knack to use it appropriately
- Gives away more FREE content then you will ever require to succeed
- Years and years of proven experience
- Never failing qualities to perform for his clients to help them make money
- Has worked with the best of the best in his business in order to become one of the best
- Well known in his market by everyone
And that’s just the business side of him, the tip of the ice burg he may reach one day riding along the open road…but let’s not forget about the amazing personal qualities he possesses:
- Treats his family, employees, and all his readers (whether you buy something from him or not) with the utmost respect
- Believes enough in his own abilities and accomplishments to stand up to those who on occasion like to test his patience and question his accountability
So what can you personally learn from this hot-shot biker-dude?
- All the tidbits you need to get yourself learning at your own pace
- How to start your own copywriting business
- How to start your own marketing business
- OR BOTH and even more!
- All the insight, help and guidance at your finger tips, from his blog
- All the fastest and easiest ways to create killer copy/headlines
- Not to mention the best people writing articles for him as well!
So the next time you’re sitting around wishing you were making money online or off, wishing you could learn more for less, wishing you could be one of the best in your field, DO STOP and think of CLAYTON! Because in a nut-shell that my fellow wanna-be copywriter/marketer/entrepreneur is what the MR. CLAYTON MAKEPEACE and being part of the Total Package Family is all about! With all this to offer, why wouldn’t you want to be part of it?? And if you still don’t believe me…then just check it out for yourself! And don’t forget to read his mission statement!!

Find all you need to know about MAKEPEACE at:
http://www.makepeacetotalpackage.com
Comment by Michelle — March 7, 2008 @ 1:58 pm
ok Clayton, this was all done up nice like a sales page to seel you to your "following" but it got all bumped around when I hit send….GRRRRRR…frustrating…..the real version looks much better!!!!! I’ll email you the one that’s not all bumped around everywhere!!

Michelle
Comment by Brian — March 7, 2008 @ 3:20 pm
Easy Writers Marketing Club I can’t help laughing at some of the comments made by some of the users here regarding Clayton Makepeace.

First, I’ll go ahead and address the $66/month price tag that some are on the fence about…while others even say is too much. Are you kidding me? If you’ve ever been to a copywriting or direct response seminar hosted big names like John Carlton, Ted Nicholas, Gary Bencivenga, Joe Sugarman, (or the late, great Gary Halbert), then you know you’re going to pay anywhere between $3,000 to $5,000 (or even more) for a few days to sit and listen to these guys. Why would you hesitate to get this kind of information–delivered directly to your home mailbox–for just $66/month.

If you search the Internet, you’ll find tons of courses out there to teach you copywriting anywhere from $399 to well over $1000! And many of these are from "no names gurus" that haven’t written a control in their life…much less hundreds of them. But for just $66/month, you’ll actually get real stuff that works…real stuff that bumps your copy up IMMEDIATELY!

Fact is, continuing your education and advancing your career is costly in any field…the seminars, books, conferences, courses, training, etc. But, if you’re serious about what you do and you have a desire to be the best in your field–you suck it up because you know the cost is a small investment for what it brings in return.

Look, I don’t want to sound like I’m making money off this (especially because I’m not) but $66/month is peanuts for what you get! 20+ pages of tutorial, a CD interview, and coaching. Where else are you going to get that kind of bang for your buck?

I’m no different from the next guy though…I love free stuff. But, you and I both know that free stuff on the Internet is usually worthless. If you’ve never visited Clayton Makepeace’s Total Package, you are missing out on an incredible resource for your business. When people ask me about learning copywriting, I send them to two places: Copyblogger and the Total Package. You can get a veritable marketing and copywriting education FREE using these two sites alone.

If you’ve read some of the negative posts on this site, I’d urge you to at least go have a look for yourself. It’s at makepeacetotalpackage.com. There are tons of free articles by several success direct marketers, business owners, and copywriters…in addition to the "Chief Honcho Biker" himself

Go there–check it out–thank me later

brian
Comment by Joseph Ratliff — March 7, 2008 @ 3:22 pm
Clayton Makepeace is an absolute copywriting legend.

Being a member of the "Club" allows you to gain access to the knowledge trapped within Clayton’s head.

So, how does this benefit you?

One word…shortcut.

You will shave years off of your learning curve by joining the Easyrider Club.

And…you will do it in a way that the results you produce for your clients will be multiplied exponentially.

Join, immediately.

Joseph Ratliff
Copywriter
Author of The Profitable Business Edge 2
Comment by John Scola — March 7, 2008 @ 3:44 pm
Answer to Sportsfan:

Big hint… back-handed compliments are not nice and don’t work.

Not cool dude…

AWAI for those who don’t know, offers a program for aspiring copywriters called, "Acclerated Program For Six-Figure Copywriting." I am currently immersed in this program and I will tell you, it is the real thing.

For the life of me, I can’t imagine how it could be a scam… except it is a very hard course. You have to apply yourself and use discipline to succeed. And if you are looking for something easy that can make you lots of money — look elsewhere.

(So close your email folder, shut the TV off and don’t answer the cell phone.)

And if you master the art of selling, my friend… you can legally print your own currency. Because Direct Marketing has been proven over and over again to OUTSELL any other marketing media.

So…

Let’s take a look at a current issue of the Forbes magazine… (flip-flip). Now, I’m going to be extremely honest with you here… for the love of all things good — I cannot imagine how in the world these companies in the advertisements can prove or point to a particular ad and say, this ad made us money!!!

For example, take a look at this hokey ad with a picture of a giraffe on it. The headline says, "Giraffes get dropped 6 feet to the ground at birth."

I don’t know about you, but that ad really pissed me off.

First of all, that picture and headline has nothing to do with the company or the benefits of doing business with them. Second of all, I had to think about the first thing that happens after the poor baby giraffe enters our world is a ugly boink on its head.

This company has a website that you can go to and I’m afraid to check it out because I may find out more crazy wild-assed stuff that I don’t really need to know…

This company has no way of knowing whether or not this ad worked and boy, the advertising agency must be making lots of money conning companies to put out crappy advertisments. And then when the company comes to its senses and realizes THAT AD was a scam, the advertising agency will be fired faster than than you can say, "Claytom Makepeace’s FREE eletter, "The Total Package rocks!"

But in Direct Mail — you sure will know within a short period of time whether your copy is a winner or not.

And if your letter is a winner, you can pop the cork, spray the champaign on your client and they won’t get upset… And why not? Because you, my copy-friend is money in the bank!

And about the giraffee thing? I suppose the only thing it is good for is if you are in a dull party and you need to liven up things.

That’s right, $5 million bucks and all the headline is for is a party trick…

What a scam…
Comment by Richard Hutchinson — March 7, 2008 @ 4:17 pm
If You Don’t Want to Join an Elite Club for $2.20 per day…Don’t Read Any Further! Sports Fan - If you do not want access to the more than 400 articles that they offer in their archives (all for FREE)…Do Not Subscribe If you do not want access to thousands upon thousands of pages packed with business-building, career-building, response-building insights and advice (all for FREE)…Do Not Subscribe If you do not want access to the best response-boosting and money-making ideas, advice and insights from legendary pros like Drayton Bird, Gary Bencivenga, Bob Bly, Yanik Silver, Michael Masterson and many others (all for FREE)…Do Not Subscribe If you do not want access to tons of extra ways to intensify and broaden your understanding of direct marketing with fantastic articles about what’s working now by working pros like Daniel Levis, Troy White, Julie McManus, Tony Flores, MaryEllen Tribby, Carline Anglade-Cole, Wendy Montes de Oca, Pat Coffey and others (all for FREE)…Do Not Subscribe If you do not want access to a comprehensive direct response glossary and other online tools you can use anytime (all for FREE)…Do Not Subscribe After you access the FREE stuff, and absorb all the quality content, can you even imagine the value you will receive in the paid club And if you subscribe, it is only $66 per month, you will be joining the elite group for only a mere $2.20 a day. I’ll go out on a limb and bet you spend at least $1.50 per day on coffee. You may even buy a latte from Starbucks, and we won’t even go into what they cost($$$$). Howard Schultz is a billionaire because he sells the experince (benefit), the allure of being in an elite group. Clayton Makepeace is a master-copywriter because he sells the experience (benefit). And Remember, you will be joining the elite group for only a mere $2.20 a day. So…unless you don’t want access to the brightest minds in copywriting…Do Not Subscribe
Comment by Richard Hutchinson — March 7, 2008 @ 4:20 pm
If You Don’t Want to Join an Elite Club for $2.20 per day…Don’t Read Any Further!

Sports Fan -

If you do not want access to the more than 400 articles that they offer in their archives (all for FREE)…Do Not Subscribe

If you do not want access to thousands upon thousands of pages packed with business-building, career-building, response-building insights and advice (all for FREE)…Do Not Subscribe

If you do not want access to the best response-boosting and money-making ideas, advice and insights from legendary pros like Drayton Bird, Gary Bencivenga, Bob Bly, Yanik Silver, Michael Masterson and many others (all for FREE)…Do Not Subscribe

If you do not want access to tons of extra ways to intensify and broaden your understanding of direct marketing with fantastic articles about what’s working now by working pros like Daniel Levis, Troy White, Julie McManus, Tony Flores, MaryEllen Tribby, Carline Anglade-Cole, Wendy Montes de Oca, Pat Coffey and others (all for FREE)…Do Not Subscribe

If you do not want access to a comprehensive direct response glossary and other online tools you can use anytime (all for FREE)…Do Not Subscribe

After you access the FREE stuff, and absorb all the quality content, can you even imagine the value you will receive in the paid club

And if you subscribe, it is only $66 per month, you will be joining the elite group for only a mere $2.20 a day.

I’ll go out on a limb and bet you spend at least $1.50 per day on coffee. You may even buy a latte from Starbucks, and we won’t even go into what they cost($$$$).

Howard Schultz is a billionaire because he sells the experince (benefit), the allure of being in an elite group.

Clayton Makepeace is a master-copywriter because he sells the experience (benefit).

And Remember, you will be joining the elite group for only a mere $2.20 a day.

So…unless you don’t want access to the brightest minds in copywriting…Do Not Subscribe
Comment by Miche DuBil — March 7, 2008 @ 5:18 pm
Dear Sportsfan,
How much do you pay for Cable TV? If you’re a real sportsfan, like I am, you gotta be shelling out $60-$70 per month for that wide-band Digital Premium Package with the Pay-Per-View add-on. Let’s face it, that’s the price we sportsfans pay just to watch the game. Imagine yourself playing the game: winning the race, scoring the goal, scoring with those high-breasted, scorching hot sports babes, too!

How much would you pay for that, Sportsfan? How much, HUH?

See, you already know the secret to being tops in your game: You gotta spend a little cash to get inside. Same thing is true in the copywriting game.

Clayton Makepeace’s Easywriter’s Marketing Club is the fast and easy way to cut to the front of the pack. And that’s where you want to be, Sportsfan. Because all those wasp-waisted, sports women, who look like Angie Harmon, are standing in the winner’s circle, and they’re waiting for YOU! Yeah, YOU! And you can put yourself on course to the winner’s circle for only $66, by joining Clayton’s Easywriter’s Marketing Club today.

What? Are you still here? Look, membership in this private club is going to close as soon as all the smart men sign up. So, let me give you a special incentive. This secret advice is free because I want to meet you there, at the bar, where all the copywriting girls hang out.

Here’s your secret bonus: The $66 is tax deductable. Can you believe it? You just write it off to Uncle Sam, next time you file as a bonafide professional Copywriter. That’s the kind of savvy insider info pick-up women love. And that’s the kind of savvy insider info you’ll pick up at Clayton’s Easywriter’s Marketing Club.

So don’t think about it. Just do it. And if you do it today, Clayton says he’ll personally introduce you to some Native American biker chicks. I guarantee you: they make NASCAR girls look like snow-board bunnies.

And you’ll never watch Cable TV again.

Hurry up. They’re waiting for you.

Miche DuBil
Comment by Michael Persinger — March 7, 2008 @ 6:30 pm
I say yes. To begin with, I have followed several copywriters for over 5 years and Clayton is definitely on top of my list. I am not a copywriter. I am a Real Estate Broker trying to enhance my business and pull people (new clients) with the written word. A while back Clayton published a High-School Dropout’s Guide to effective Punctuation and I found this to be the most effective tool I have seen for some time by anyone. Simple, short and handy, (already wore out 2 copies). “A simple guide handed to me on a golden platter.”
I placed into my book the short report on 3 most common blunders and commenced to rewrite most of what I do. I also read The Total Package with all his guest writers he has writing for him. I read the 21 bullet Secrets and began using this information to produce eye appeal, stressing my points, getting the attention etc. One of Clayton’s Guest writers put out a small report How to Get Testimonials? This included written verbiage on how to have the client write that testimonial? Rather than “Trying to re-invent the wheel” I have emailed this 2 page report to all my sales agents. I believe in testimonials but to have thought out constructed words “handed to me like candy”, Yeah, I grabbed it fast. So simple, and yet very few want to share this kind of information (HOW). Oh yeah, “how to turn features into benefits. This latest article by one of Clayton’s Writers (Caroline Cole) has helped me more than I can ever say. 99% of all real estate flyers and advertisements only talk about the features never the benefits (just read any paper). My question has always been; how do I come up with benefits out of my features (this isn’t nor has been easy)? Everyone talks about selling the benefits but I only read features (Pool, 2-car garage, tool shed, view, etc). Well, she explained a few simple techniques and light bulbs began flashing in my head and her examples literally came off the page. This article I needed 32 years ago. I immediately began redesigning a post card mailer that will be printed and mailed out soon. In conclusion; I feel Clayton is Legit. He answers my age long question of Why, What and How? After rewriting and doing what he says I receive results. I have even taken the “Me” out and began dropping my company name to the bottom of everything. I have even begun to enjoy reading my own stuff. (Everybody has read lately how the Media is tearing, ripping and shredding my business apart through the TV, News-Media and every branch they can find; so I need all the help I can get to overcome the worst negativism I have ever seen in my 32 years as a Real Estate Broker). Yes, Yes, Yes; Clayton has helped me in the Past, Today and I believe tomorrow. A lot of this information is like Manna from heaven. I have looked and looked for years. I will be a student of Clayton’s for a while. Having flown helicopters in combat and stateside for 8 years and 32 years in the Real Estate Profession My Gut says Clayton is For Real and is legit. Just read his articles and his guest writers articles and their past articles and see if they work for you. They are working for me. The First STEP is, you Must Read them.
Comment by Bob Oni — March 7, 2008 @ 7:38 pm
Hi Clayton,
Here goes my post …

Hi Sportsfan,

             Is Clayton Makepeace legit? He sure is.              Is his Easy Writers Club worth joining at $66 per month? It sure is.

If you’re new to copywriting, you have an awful lot to learn…but you will be at the best vantage point on the planet to do it…www.makepeacetotalpackage.com And you will be doing it there in style… standing on the shoulder of giants. Clayton Makepeace is THE giant of giants when it comes to copywriting. He ranks with legends such as:-

          ·         David Ogilvy, founder of Ogilvy & Mather, one of the largest Ad
                 Agencies in the world.·        Gary Bencivenga·        Drayton Bird·        Gary Halbert You need to:
·        Listen to everything he has to say about copywriting·        Read everything he has ever written on copywriting·        Act on every advice he gives about copywriting and building your business.·        Subscribe to his Easy Writers Club. If it means shedding out $66 monthly, so be it. It’s a modest price to pay for a happy, fulfilling future. For your $66 monthly subscription, you will get:ü      The Screaming Eagle Newsletter, a hard-hitting expose of the master skills of the best control producing copywriters in the world.ü      The Ride-Along insert, the illustrated companion of the Screaming Eagle newsletter. ü      The Easy Writers webinar, a monthly live hook-up with Clayton, where he spills his guts, showing you the very latest monetizing tactics in copywriting…tactics that have earned him millions.ü      The RoadHouse Rants audio CD, monthly interviews with the very best brains in copywriting. Your Easy Writers Club membership will put you at a vantage point head and shoulders above your contemporaries. It will put food on your table, and let you live your dreams.Go for it, my friend…Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Goodluck!
Comment by Bob Oni — March 7, 2008 @ 7:45 pm
Hi Sportsfan,

     Is Clayton Makepeace legit? He sure is.     Is his Easy Writers Club worth joining at $66 per month? It sure is.
If you’re new to copywriting, you have an awful lot to learn…but you will be at the best vantage point on the planet to do it…www.makepeacetotalpackage.com And you will be doing it there in style… standing on the shoulder of giants. Clayton Makepeace is THE giant of giants when it comes to copywriting. He ranks with legends such as:-·        David Ogilvy, founder of Ogilvy & Mather, one of the largest Ad Agencies in the world.·        Gary Bencivenga·        Drayton Bird·        Gary Halbert You need to:·        Listen to everything he has to say about copywriting·        Read everything he has ever written on copywriting·        Act on every advice he gives about copywriting and building your business.·        Subscribe to his Easy Writers Club. If it means shedding out $66 monthly, so be it. It’s a modest price to pay for a happy, fulfilling future. For your $66 monthly subscription, you will get:
        ü      The Screaming Eagle Newsletter, a hard-hitting expose of the
               master skills of the best control producing copywriters in the world.
       ü  The Ride-Along insert, the illustrated companion of the Screaming
              Eagle newsletter.
       ü      The Easy Writers webinar, a monthly live hook-up with Clayton,
             where he spills his guts, showing you the very latest monetizing
             tactics in copywriting…tactics that have earned him millions.
      ü      The RoadHouse Rants audio CD, monthly interviews with the very
            best brains in copywriting. Your Easy Writers Club membership will put you at a vantage point head and shoulders above your contemporaries. It will put food on your table, and let you live your dreams.Go for it, my friend…Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Goodluck!
Comment by Magmatek — March 7, 2008 @ 8:55 pm
@Sportsfan:
>Is clayton makepeace legit? monthly service
>I am thinking of signing of for his easy writers club which costs $66 per
>month. My friend said this would shorten my learning curve. Anyone know
>of him? He is affiliated with Awai, i believe, but i’ve seen their name slurred
>and mentioned in the same breath as scam, so i’m not sure.
What are you not sure of? Is it the $66 investment you’re about to make (which is guaranteed, meaning you can ask for a refund)? When they fail to honor their guarantee, then you can safely label the business a scam. But NOT BEFORE.
However if you still fear that the overall operation might be a scam, (meaning a fraudulent business scheme, a fly-by-night operation), there’s the phone contact and physical address for you to perform due diligence.
They have also hired qualified readers to work as copywriting interns, who have to relocate their families to work in Clayton’s office. IT’S NOT as though it has the looks of fake startups, with no reachable contact numbers, employing virtual office routines, and with no identifiable real business owner shown on their websites.

Those should be the first tell-tale signs of suspicious internet scam operations, that you need to look out for instead. FYI, you are able get hold of Clayton and/or his staff at 1-800-827-0940 (U.S.Toll-Free) or 1-828-456-9277 (Int’l). Alternately, use their online contact form here: http://www.makepeacetotalpackage.com/contact-us/
—–
The Screaming Eagle ™ is published monthly by Clayton Makepeace and the Profit Center ™ as part of the Easy Writers ™ Marketing Club. It is owned by:
The Profit Center ™
15430 Endeavor Drive
Jupiter, FL 33478
—–

@Sportsfan:
>My friend, who has been studying copywriting for about 2 years, told me
>that in order to make big bucks in this business, you have to spend money
>on the learning courses, newsletters, etc. He said that unless i do the
>same, I can’t count on making good money doing it. However, from what
>some of you are saying, this doesn’t appear to be the case. Can anyone
>else chime in with their thoughts on this?
You are probably worried whether the investment can make you as successful as it claims. If not, then you’ll call it a scam, right?
Well, first of all, you have to judge whether it’s a quality education that you’ll be enrolling for. If it’s a top-notch production (like many posters here would attest to), giving you every material and support needed to boost your chances of success in your copywriting career, and you still fail to make it, then where’s the fault originating from?
Scrupulously choosing a valid educational provider, although "abso-freaking-lutely" necessary, is by itself not enough — unless the pursuer’s resolve to succeed is equally as strong and adamant. Even Harvard or Oxford have their fair shares of failures too. Are they scammers? So there you go…
Comment by Magmatek — March 7, 2008 @ 9:02 pm
@GlobalGamingNews:
>I could not imagine paying almost $70 per month to get writing
>tips from a "Chief Honcho" biker going by the name of Clayton
>Makepeace. Even if his offer is legitimate and valid, the whole
>prospect just sounds too comical to take seriously.

Forget the names. You can take a look at his website archive (check link below). From July 2005 onwards, there are now 369 issues for you to read, all for free.

Then you can judge whether the contents are comical, or whether they are able to give you a serious edge in honing up your copywriting chops, real time.

As for his offline $66 subscription newsletter, you can get 4 free samples online (Christmas gift editions), … Good luck finding the jester elves from Santaland, if you like comical

Then again those are the known facts. If you want to see Clayton at his comical best, read this: http://www.makepeacetotalpackage.com/about/meet-clayton/

@webgal (Berserker)
>Interesting how so many PEONS are posting on this thread.
>Marketing push maybe? I need a shower. So bogus. I think
>I have now formed an opinion of this subscription service.

Congratulations on having formed an opinion. You are entitled to it 100% :o) You are also absolutely right THIS is a marketing push (more like an orchestrated marketing hook actually).

But whether it’s bogus, you don’t know that yet.

And you’re invited to investigate further, if you have any inklings. Clayton’s website and a few product samples, are open to your ardent scrutiny, at the very least.

Again, here are the links:
http://www.makepeacetotalpackage.com/tools/archive-of-back-issues/
http://www.makepeacetotalpackage.com/happy_holidays/ScreamingEagleIssue1.pdf
http://www.makepeacetotalpackage.com/happy_holidays/RideAlongIssue1.pdf
http://www.makepeacetotalpackage.com/clayton-makepeace/cheers.html
http://www.makepeacetotalpackage.com/clayton-makepeace/ho-ho-ho-more-holiday-gifts.html

FINAL VERDICT: To get the best value and obtain the highest returns, BUY THIS when you are in position to immediately put the stuff you learn into an operating campaign. Otherwise, this is not for classroom learning. Neither is this for homebased distance learning. This Is for ACTION. Strictly. Only. Period.

Haven’t heard of AWAI and Clayton Makepeace? Both offer cutting-edge direct response copywriting courses. Do a search for "clayton makepeace" in Google, you get 22,800 results. As for "Awai", you get 338,000 results. Awai is part of Agora Publishing Group, a $300-million per year publishing company.
—
Comment by Bill — March 7, 2008 @ 9:37 pm
Dear Clayton, let’s see…
I tried to post on DigitalPoint, but unlike yourself, the people that run the site seem to be more than a little paranoid about who’s allowed to join their cynicfest forum. I gave up, so I guess I’m out of the running for the free course. However, I still wanted to let you know what I think of The Total Package.
I read some of the posts on DigitalPoint. First off, I can’t believe anyone who is at all interested in copywriting has never heard of you. Be that as it may, you could tell the posts that came from your subscribers. Many were very good - witty, even sarcastically funny in some spots. You must be rubbing off on a lot of people. And that’s the point of your e-zine as I see it. You DELIVER value in order to CREATE value in the lives of your readers. Focusing on a question, a problem, a new technique, an idea from your value-oriented perspective is really self-perpetuating. And you do it with down-to-earth, real world conversation and generous doses of humility and humor.
Personally, I think you have a little preacher in you. Having been a local church pastor for the past 24 years myself and having written and delivered thousands of sermons, I’ve always tried to give more value than anyone listening was expecting. Have I offended people? Sure. Stepped on toes? Without doubt. But one thing I always keep in mind when constructing or preaching any sermon is that I’m also telling it to myself, delivering it to myself first. If I don’t think there’s any great value in what I’m saying, chances are pretty good no one else will either. So, I always try to preach value… And so do you. As a result, I learn something everyday from you. Something of value.
Thank you.
Comment by David Long — March 7, 2008 @ 11:19 pm
Hey Clayton,

You crack me up, Buddy! Preach on, my man!

I agree wholeheartedly that… any person who has experienced any level of success has first experienced "doubters". My father told me to "get a real job" when I started my $3.6 Million Dollar Awards company 19 years ago.

Now that he’s retired, and basically has no income, I give them half their monthly income to live on. He thinks differently now. I love him, as we all love our parents, but they are not always right about everything. Case in point, his advice to me. God love him, but I’m glad I didn’t listen to him that time.

Once you have "made it" in the world, then your NEW problem is the "Wreckers". These are the "clowns" that want to tear you down because they are complete losers, and want you there next to them… in the gutter! No thanks!

Thanks for a great Rant, Buddy!

Your fellow Harley-ridin’ friend in Wilmington, NC
Dave Long
Comment by Rob (sortie) — March 8, 2008 @ 12:43 am
My post:

One of the biggest myths running around on forums like these is that all the information you’ll ever need on a subject is FREE. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Almost every time i’ve paid for information, i’ve gotten ideas that i’ve never found in free sources, until months or even years later.

One of the best ways to decide on whether to pay someone for information is to first see how good their free information is. If you’ve been to Clayton Makepeace’s website, you’ll notice there is a ton of free content available. There is so much, you would almost think that there would be nothing left for him to charge for.

But, when you’re one of the highest paid copywriters in the world, and you’ve been doing copywriting for as long as he has, then you’re bound to know more than the average copywriter trying to just make a decent living.

While I could get information on the sites of many other copywriters, there are a few things I think that set Clayton Makepeace apart from all the others.

For one, he respects good design and realizes how important it is. This is something that i’ve found lacking among most Direct Response copywriters. They almost treat graphic designers as if they are a problem that hinders their work. I think it’s one of the reasons why Clayton Makepeace is so successful with many of his promotions.

Another thing I like about him is that he doesn’t write and teach hyped-up sales copy. He practices and teaches intelligent and helpful sales copy that gets past people’s B.S. detectors.

One last thing i’ve found is that Clayton always over-delivers in everything. He over-delivers in his newsletters, his articles, and especially in his products. Once you’ve read his material, everything else just looks and reads amateurish.
Comment by Dave Zan — March 8, 2008 @ 5:49 am
May I add another lesson to your 3, Clayton?

Success is relative: the more success, the more relatives.

Can’t really find any reason to disagree with what you say. And thanks for writing!
Comment by Markus Trauernicht — March 8, 2008 @ 7:22 am
My post

If the [B]big complainers[/B] have a closer look at all the highly successful copywriters there are a couple of common denominators.

About all of them used to be [B]totally broke[/B] - like most of the complainers on the internet.

About all of them were bad when it comes to selling. They had to learn the hard way. Rejection, not meeting bills, failing salesletters - about the same things the complaining crowd still meets every day.

They had to learn closing deals, had to learn to find good clients, find out you worked for free when things do not work out, had to deal with cheating clients….

So at some point these top copywriters started to take things serious. (Unlike the complaing crowd). Started to study and implement. Like learning to play guitar seriously. [B]Starts with bleeding fingers.[/B] Back hurts from holding the guitar. Fingers cramp up. Playing the same thing over and over again until it is good. It takes about a 500 - 1000 hours to become good. No matter what you do. Flying, tennis, golf, trading - whatever.

Yes, you can probably make a living as a copywriter staying on the level. But now the chaff seperates from the wheat. The real good guys start looking for a better teacher when having done the 500 - 1000 hours of homework / training. So they can learn from other peoples mistakes.

After 5.000 - 10.000 hours you are within the top lets say 1%. The testpilot league. I am talking about hard practice on your guitar. Over and over again. Eliminating the mistakes only you and the top 1% know about.

Now isn’t it common sense to look for the best mentors, information, training & tricks when you want to become the best testpilot? Or do you just learn flying by yourself? Yes, you can start on a Wright Brothers level all by yourself - it is a free world after all. But honestly - [B]what are your fair chances of [/B]reaching a test pilot level?

Code word: Shortening learning curve.

If you want to reach test pilot level you start to study all kinds of different aeroplanes. Even if you might never fly the exotic types. Why does some aeroplane stall earlier than another? How does each plane announce it is about to stall? Some aeroplanes vibrate, some aeroplanes just tip over the wind, some aeroplanes just drop down gently.

Knowing that kind of information can save the pilots life at a later point in time. It is the kind of information you need when you test a new aeroplane. Or prevent the test pilot from climbing on an aeroplane that is not ready to be tested. You do not need that kind of information [B]if you decide do be average. [/B]

Then there are the really good pilots. The astronaut guys. Many train to get there, but just a handfull gets into space. They keep close contact to other astronauts - looking for the small detail which makes them better.

No different in copywriting & sales, tennis, flying etc.

It is easy to stop along the way. Many try to hold you back.[B] It even makes sense to stop along the way.[/B] Why study every day? [B]You just kind of stumble over the same stuff again and again.[/B] Similar headlines, the Schlitz beer ingredients, the piano letter, artificial deadlines ….

But the little differences in interpretation, the different angle each time you stumble over the same story, new insights - that makes the difference! Just like every aeroplanes that stalls differently. Learning and studying kind of information makes the difference for you as a copywriter.

Now with a guy like Clayton Makepeace you have an austronaut that gives you the blueprint to become an austronaut. There is just a little catch.

You have to invest 500 to 1000 hours to get ahead. If you do that you are probable within the top 3 - 5% of all copywriters. And to get really good you need 5000 to 10000 hours.

You can spend that time complaining on forum or blogs. But life goes on. Where do you stand in 500, 5000 or 10000 hours? Still complaining while life passes you buy?

Just because you can download music illegally that does not give you the right to expect to have everything for free!

And if you expect others to give out their best for free - why don’t you do it yourself? Go tell your boss you want to work for free for the next 30 days. It would not even impair your integrity!

Regards Markus Trauernicht

PS: Go ask Micheal Jordan if he would train you for free…. or $ 67 a month.
Comment by Zachary Romero — March 8, 2008 @ 9:56 am
Clayton,

Why the heck would I try to write a defense after I read what you wrote.

If the person doesn’t have the sense to jump in–especially after you bombarded the forum with testi after testi from the "big wigs" in the industry–they should continue not to get the big darn orange envelope every month.

Amazing how clueless some people are.

They should be getting your stuff, Gary B.’s stuff, John Carlton’s stuff, and any other credible copywriter with winners under their belt.

They should be devouring everything… then practicing.

Oh well, more mullah for me.
Comment by Dean Kennedy — March 8, 2008 @ 11:29 am
Am happy to share my post:

I saw Clayton’s name and had to respond (I’ll gladly stand up for his value).

First of all sportsfan — here’s a hint for your eBook question on another thread: see how The Total Package is doing what you want your ebook to accomplish, just on a larger scale. Attract attention, build trust … great positioning. Clayton is worth studying in this way.

If you want proof of Clayton being "legit" — just read the daily Makepeace Total Package emails (even catching up on them once per week if you don’t schedule time daily). Clayton and his team will stuff you full of ideas you can bank on. You’ll know soon enough the value of that info.

And it’s free — like you’ve read in the other response posts here.

Of course, getting such value builds up an affinity with Clayton’s message: and helps you do business with someone you know/like/trust.

You’d then see for yourself why your friend is making that suggestion.

(and you’ll probably do what I’m doing now to promote Clayton).

I do have an admission to make. Well, two actually.

The first one is: I’m a paid up member of the Easy Writers. Been with it since issue one.

I love to see the orange envelope, and the monthly CD, hit my letterbox. Sometimes I drive to visit my mum and dad for 90 minutes each way just to have time to play 2 or 3 of the CDs! The monthly value in the newsletter FAR FAR outweighs the cost.

(Paying for it also helps you give attention to what you receive — to make sure you get your money’s worth!)

To paraphrase Edgar in Men In Black: "you can have my Easy Writers envelope when you prise it from my cold dead hands."

And no sooner.

Admission two: these days I very heavily filter my email to keep my inbox lean. Lots of subscriptions to mailing lists (for free study of good campaigns) … very few marketers/copywriters (less than 5) are allowed directly in my inbox: Clayton is one of them.

I’ve only just come across this part of digitalpoint forums — usually I lurk elsewhere at the domain name forum when I drop in. I normally post on the copywriters board and warriors forum when not immersed in client projects. Will keep an eye on this forum more now too (although hard to keep up at times)!

I did feel it worthy of paying back Clayton’s generosity with the Total Package to sign up and post this as my first post.

If you are Australian, you’d definitely call Clayton "fair dinkum."
Comment by Mary E. Griswold — March 8, 2008 @ 11:49 am
I have learned a lot from you Clayton. I am glad you & the redhead are my friends. By the way mine is red too. God bless you.
Comment by Daryl Thompson — March 8, 2008 @ 2:09 pm
Hi Clayton,

Here’s my post from the Digital Point forum:

Because of Clayton Makepeace, I’m a finalist in the National Salesletter Contest…In an attempt to dispel any concerns about Clayton Makepeace and the value of his information, I’d like to submit the following…This is just a high-level snapshot of my submittal to a National Salesletter contest. I recently discovered I was one of 28 finalists for the contest. I’ve spared you most of the details, and have just included the Executive Summary and Lessons Learned in this post. But here’s how my copywriting experience has benefitted emormously from being associated with Clayton Makepeace…Executive Summary:

Late last year, Brett Fogle, CEO of Options University LLC, attended Eben Pagan’s $10,000 Get Altitude seminar. During the course of the seminar, the participants were given an assignment to develop a product and marketing plan “on the fly” using methods and techniques taught at the seminar. The participants were also given the chance to enter a contest to see who could raise the most money from the new product while attending the seminar. Brett entered the contest. Based on Brett’s specific instructions, I developed a salesletter in a matter of hours for Brett’s product. The salesletter generated a 24% conversion to sales for the product, generating over $10,000 in sales while the seminar was still active, and eventually won the contest for Brett. I feel the salesletter and related marketing plan have a good chance of winning Dan Kennedy’s National Salesletter Contest, based on the immediate results and the conversion to sales ratio, and since the principles used are right out of the Clayton Makepeace playbook, and based on the solid principles I’ve learned from The Total Package and the EasyWriters Marketing Club. UPDATE: I recently discovered my salesletter is a Finalist in the National Salesletter Contest. If I win, the grand prize is a brand-new Ford Mustang. I’m one of 27 other entrants to make it to the finals. The winners will be announced at Dan Kennedy’s Info-Marketing SuperConference in Nashville, TN next month. Wish me luck! Lessons From This Experience:I think these principles from Clayton Makepeace’s playbook – along with additional insider copywriting tips and ideas gleaned from The Total Package and the EasyWriters Marketing Club - were evident in this money-making experience:1) Success Loves Speed – Obviously, we didn’t have lots of time to pull this off, or to make it “perfect.” We decided what we had time to do, did it, and then reaped the rewards. 2) Take (Inspired) Action – The experience involved taking action to find out who our “perfect” client is, and then producing a product for that client. 3) The Importance of a Deep Understanding of Your Clients and Customers – Without this, your results will be spotty, and mediocre at best. You must have an intimate understanding of your client or customer – who they are, where they are “coming from”, what keeps them up at night, and what their ultimate wants, desires, dreams and aspirations are. 4) Copywriting Principles – Once you completely understand your “perfect” client and have an appropriate product for him or her, success can then be a matter of proving that understanding in your salesletter and other sales materials, with your copy simply echoing back their dire concerns, with your product providing their ultimate wants and desires. Of course, adding things like social proof (via testimonials, etc.) and scarcity adds “fuel to the fire.” But get them emotionally involved first, and then follow up with a logical explanation of why your product is the best solution to their problem(s). Classic Clayton Makepeace. Anyway, I respectfully submit the above information to this forum. I hope it is helpful, and hope that you can now see the immense benefits of being associated with Clayton Makepeace and his intensely valuable information related to copywriting and marketing. If anyone would like more details about my contest entry, including the salesletter itself, just fire me an email. Thanks. Kindest regards, J. Daryl Thompson
CEO, Trade Your Way To Wealth LLC
http://www.TradeYourWayToWealth.com
Freelance Copywriter, specializing in the Financial area
—————————————————————————–

I also respectfully submit this entry to this blog in the attempt to garner a copy of your How to Build a Six-Figure Copywriting Business course. I give you my word, it will be put to good use!

Your friend and student for life,

J. Daryl Thompson
Comment by Daryl Thompson — March 8, 2008 @ 2:50 pm
Hi Clayton,

Ooops! Well, obviously I lost the formatting on my post above, but hopefully the content is just as valuable.

Kindest regards,

J. Daryl Thompson
Comment by Linda Byam — March 8, 2008 @ 3:56 pm
Martha, if you’re happy with "customer service babe", who am I to complain? Clayton just better pay you well. And if you need any outside enhancement at salary review time, let me know and I’ll pour on the compliments! Best wishes, Linda Byam
Comment by Chris Allsop — March 8, 2008 @ 4:48 pm
I’m a new copywritier. I have a grand total of two clients. And they’re so new, I haven’t even billed them for my work.

Now I should add that I’m not a new writer. I’ve written plenty in my career - most of it bureaucractic reports, letters, flyers, etc.

So, when I plunged into copywriting by enrolling in the AWAI Course I thought "Heck, this’ll be easy! I’ll be rolling in the dough in no time!" Well, a few months later, along with a big slice of humble pie, I’ve found its not quite as easy as I thought.

Learning the art of copywriting takes work. Hard work. In fact, I’ve never worked harder.

But it’s been worth every dime and every second I’ve spent learning it. I’ve found that I really like the challenge of selling. So I keep at it. And thanks to Clayton - and others - I’m getting better every day.

When I’m trying to learn something new, it helps to get different points of view. When someone tells me how they craft a headline using an angle I’ve never tried before, well, sometimes the light bulb clicks on. That different angle is all I need to really get a concept that aluded me beforehand.

Clayton and his team provide those different points of view - and a lot more -for free. They cover everything about selling through the written word. Bullets, headlines, leads, research - the list goes on and on. And the archives are posted to anyone to use at anytime.

To top it off, I don’t think there’s been a time when I haven’t laughed out loud when reading an ezine. (I’d like to be a fly on the wall in the Total Package lunchroom - it must get pretty crazy in there some days.)

I’m not a member of the EasyWriters Club - at least not yet. I plan to join when I start making some money in copywriting. And I’ll do it because I believe in Clayton’s hard earned knowledge for creating promotions that sell. And I trust in his goodwill to share it with copy newbies like me.

As for Clayton being a scam artist? The bottom line is he’s made a pile of money for his clients. Millions. To me, that’s proof of his character in itself. But I’ve also had the advantage of meeting Clayton at the 2006 AWAI Bootcamp. Now he wouldn’t remember me from a hill of beans. But I remember how sincere he was in offering advice - as well as laughing with people over a beer. It didn’t matter whether you were a copywriting great, a lost copycub like me, or someone who strolled in off the street. And if that isn’t proof of character, I’m not sure what is.

Your copywriting career will be as successful as you make it. If you’re like me, its going to take a lot of work and endless learning to be get there. If you don’t want to burn the midnight oil to master it, you’ll likely think anything offered by Clayton - or AWAI - is a scam. Becoming a money-making copywriter just doesn’t happen overnight.

But if you really want it and are willing to pay the price in sweat equity - the opportunities are endless. So go for it - and use the resources that are out there. They will help. Good luck!
Comment by Tony Schuman — March 8, 2008 @ 4:53 pm
Clayton;
Thank you for exposing another liberal socialist who is intent on destroying our economic system. A friend of mine in the real estate appraisal business said it very plainly over to phone to a tire kicker seeking more and more free information. John’s reply was, " I think that you misunderstand me; we are not FREE aappraisers, we are FEE appraisers. Periodically, I run across a freebee collector seeking all the information he can screw out of me for free. What I do is turn the tables on him and start asking him all about his job, his education and experience in his field. Then I ask him how many years and how much time and money it took him to achieve his level of experience. Usually I get a long litany of experience, time and money. The coup de grace comes next when I ask him why he doesn’t work for free or give away all of his knowledge and expereince for free. I have never had ANY freebee seeker give me an answer to that question. If they are on the phone, they hang up; if they are in person, they nearly run out of my office. Feel free to use this technique, it works wonders. Plus the more we can shame and embarass these time wasters, the better off the rest of us wealth creators will be.
Comment by Wayne Cunningham — March 8, 2008 @ 8:36 pm
Hello, Mr. Makepeace. It’s a genuine pleasure to think that through a bit of a concerted effort upon ones behalf, one could actually be transformed, as it were, into a copywriter. Given that, I have taken that very thought as a challenge and with retirement staring me in the face, began the arduous task of applying myself to the spoken word and its study. I’m sure that with some effort and a bit of tireless study, I too can count myself among the writers of the spoken word of the marketing world.
Comment by NancyR — March 9, 2008 @ 12:47 pm
I am fairly new and slowly learning the Copywriting world, but I would like to take this opportunity to say, Thank You Clayton. I have been learning through AWAI’s Accelerated Copywriting Program and was introduced to Clayton and the Total Package through an e-mail from AWAI. I was a true blessing! His very down to earth, detailed, step by step, explanations on how to write good copy has been a great learning tool. He doesn’t stop there though, He shows you the way on how to start your business, run your business, stay in business, and forwards more information from respected business people in his network to help you along, and teach you something new that you need to learn from a different angle. This is all FREE through his Total Package e-mails! I look for his Total Package e-mails DAILY, because I know there is a special piece of info in that Total Package e-mail that is going to help me acheive my goal of being a stay at home money making mom by the time summer starts and my kids are out of school. Thank You, Thank You, Clayton, for opening your world to us all to help us strive to be successful Copywriters and business owners. I am very grateful for your generosity. NancyR
Comment by Steve Gibson — March 9, 2008 @ 1:16 pm
I posted another comment:

Quote:Learning the art of copywriting takes work. Hard work. In fact, I’ve never worked harder. Actually, that brings up a point about Clayton’s newsletter.

He’s a bit like the karate guy that says: "to become a black belt, you don’t have to learn 120 different moves, you just have to MASTER 12".

And, the newsletter is about those 12 moves: research, headlines, bullets, closes etc.

But, while the advice helps shortcut the learning process, there’s no getting away from the fact you’ve got to be willing to put in a lot of hard work … or, that the process doesn’t really have the excitement of doing something brand new every month…

So, if you’re thinking of signing up, it’s worth being honest with yourself: are you committed enough to learning copywriting that you’re going to do the grunt work?

(and, even if you decide you are, I still think you should sign up for the free stuff for a while first and then see if you use it)

Hope this helps,

Steve
Comment by Lindsey Cameron — March 9, 2008 @ 6:59 pm
Hey Clayton;

Thousands of people absolutely love you and hang on your every word (me included). And one person questions your authenticity.
Man, for a gun-shootin’, Harley ridin’ biker Dude, I think you’re being a little overly-sensitive. But hey, that’ just my humble opinion.

So here’s what I told SportsFan newbie chickie in the Digital Point Forum:

Is Clayton Makepeace Legit? Is the Pope German?

OK, so you’re a brand-newbie to copywriting.
I know this because anyone who’s been studying the
art for at least a week has heard of Makepeace, one
of the highest-paid and most well-regarded copywriters
in the country and probably the world. If you read anything
he’s written, you’ll quickly understand why he’s held in
such high esteem.

Should you sign up for Easywriters? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
This service is best for intermediate to advanced copywriters.
If you don’t even know "whos who" in the copywriting world,
you probably haven’t been studying long enough to benefit from
this incredible, in-depth training.

But DO subscribe to The Total Package, Makepeace’s FREE newsletter. TTP contains over 400 great articles (and growing), written by Clayton and a stable of other legendary copywriters. You can improve your writing skills AND break out of your "newbie" status without spending a nickel. I’ve subscribed to several dozen copywriting newsletters over time but opted out
of all but TTP. Heck, many of the Big Dog copywriters like Michael Masterson, Yanik Silver, Bob Bly, Drayton Bird and Carline Anglade-Cole (one of my personal favorites next to Clayton)
are regular contributors to Clayton’s newsletter. (I’ll bet you haven’t heard of these legends, either). The Total Package is not only a time-saver, it’s pure copywriting gold. I mentioned it’s FREE, right?

As to MarketJunctions comment that "It’s not really money so much money as it is time and practice," I disagree. Practice over time is certainly required, even if you’re a "natural." But if you are practicing the "wrong stuff" (outmoded words, techniques and approaches), then all you’re doing is reinforcing bad habits.

So…practice? Oh my, yes! But you’ve got to know WHAT to practice if you want to get good. Read The Total Package, practice, and get up to speed fast. Once you’ve got some training under your belt, you might be ready for The Easy Writer’s Club.

Good luck and keep us posted!

DLC

P.S. AWAI slurred? This is one of "the" top copywriting courses in the country. I don’t believe Makepeace is officially affiliated, but I know he writes for AWAI, Early to Rise and the Agora conglomerate. You’ll be much better informed about all this after subscribing to The Total Package.
Comment by Lindsey Cameron — March 9, 2008 @ 7:24 pm
…And then I had to bitch-slap a guy in defense of our numerous "peon" postings… (extra credit requested)…

Ms/Mr.-Poster (Spirit Walker"!) said

"WTF. You’re all peons. Nice try."

And I responded:

Hey dopiitv (Pronounced "dopey TV"?)Yup… you got me pegged. I’m a peon on this website.
But I’m not a peon to copywriting. I have a full-time day job (not copywriting) and I make a cool 2-3K per week on the side writing articles of 1,500 words or so, which generally take me less than an hour.In case you’re math-challenged, that a slick 10K a month or more
from a few small articles.
My primary training? Clayton Makepeace’s Total Package newsletter.
And if my day-job as a doctor doesn’t work out, I have absolutley no doubt I could make it full-time as a copywriter.
Peon indeed.DLC
Comment by Granison Shines — March 9, 2008 @ 10:24 pm
Ladies and Gents – I gotta tell ya… if you really have to make a fuss about Clayton Makepeace’s information on copywriting and partnering with clients then you should probably do one of the two:

1)    actually take time to ready the tons of FREE information he has on his website ( that alone should give you your anwer)
2)    run like hell from becoming a marketer and copywriter ‘cause you ain’t gonna make it anyway.

Sorry, just tellin’ the truth!!

One of my friends, who just landed a ‘copy cub’ job with Clayton Makepeace (go H.B.), turned me on to him back in December (I still thank the guy to this very day) and I gotta tell you – just one nugget from this Badass Biker helped me get THE missing component I needed to boost my business 3 fold. That’s right, read ‘em and weap - 3 fold.

Oh BTW – that little nugget I needed/got was FREE.

So, make your choice mates – learn from the master or get crushed like a cock-a-roach….
Comment by Sharon B. — March 10, 2008 @ 10:55 am
Hi Clayton–
Guess the other site is pretty choosy about who they let on–I didn’t get in. But after seeing all the negativity there, I don’t think I’d want in anyway. (Note–the previous comment does NOT include all the "Clayton defenders"–you guys were practically the only positives on the whole site.)–I will stick with this site where I can actually learn things and we all help each other out!! No sense hanging out with people who don’t know the real thing when they see it.
Comment by Sarah — March 10, 2008 @ 8:08 pm
I’ll bite I’m the forum moderator came to your defense!

Originally Posted by matthewrobertbell lol, will this thread ever close? Spammy spam spam

I appreciate your take on this but what I think has happened is Clayton has been told about this thread and rather than risk his reputation being slighted he’s put out a request in his newsletter for testimonials to be posted here.

We see spammy testimonials all the time but these do appear to be from different people in different parts of the world. Some, like Dean, give links to their personal websites. Most will remain "one post wonders" because DigitalPoint won’t be their type of forum. Others might include us in their online resources, another place to turn - lets hope so!

Clayton - you must be doing something right to have some vocal and loyal clients

Edit: had to laugh at this http://www.makepeacetotalpackage.com…eadbeats.html/
and he’s got giveaways for the best post here: http://www.makepeacetotalpackage.com…ee-stuff.html/
Comment by Sarah — March 10, 2008 @ 8:09 pm
Clayton - please give Sharon my email - I’d be interested to know about the registration problems she had.
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — March 11, 2008 @ 10:01 am
And the Winners Are …
Hi, guys!

Yesterday, I promised to name the three folks whose Digital Point posts in defense of The Total Package and our EasyWriters Marketing Club – you know: The lucky guys and gals who get a free copy of my $299 How to Build a Six-Figure Copywriting Business course?

Well, I’m NOT going to name three winners. There are so many amazing posts, I’m going to name FIVE winners.

PLUS, since ALL of the posts blew me away, I’ve got a surprise for the rest of you, too …

First the winners:

Ryan’s post was short and to the point – and included some impressive stuff about The Total Package being required reading at Agora that even I didn’t know!

And who could possibly resist Michelle’s headline — “Clayton Makepeace is a BUM!” – not to mention her wonderfully methodical, linear, logical and compelling argument?

Brian gets my vote for doing a great job of minimizing our membership dues and contrasting them with gurus who charge six, eight, even ten times more.

And I loved Richard Hutchinson’s great recitation of all the FREE stuff our subscribers get and his negative sell.

My personal favorite? J. Daryl Thompson’s powerful shot of personal proof – that thanks to what we do here … “I’m a finalist in the National Salesletter Contest!”

So congrats to all our winners – and thank you from the bottom of my heart. Martha will have your free copy of How to Build a Six-Figure Copywriting Business to you in no time flat.

Now here’s the surprise for the rest of you who rose to our defense – and who wrote so many fantastic posts about the value you derive from The Total Package and our EasyWriters Marketing Club: You get ALL get a Discount Certificate good for up to $650 discount (10%) in our Online Store!

Again – thanks to all of you who accepted the challenge: We love every single one of you!– Clayton
Comment by Susan Connors — June 19, 2008 @ 4:06 am
Ok I know I am late - I would be majorly peeved too Clayton! You are allowed to make money with the skills you have worked hard to develop over the years! Hey if people don’t want to buy your products, then thats fine. You layout, the good, the bad, the ugly plus many possibilities inbetween. You and your team are committed and that is a huge deal to us ..your subscribers. I look up to you folk for guidance, not Gods of course (lol), experts who know what they are on about. Make money, inspire others and above all, love what you do!
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virginia real estate agencies…

Now is the time to invest in US property, Don’t abandon it, invest in it….
Comment by Eddie — February 17, 2010 @ 12:53 am
Hello Mr Clayton Makepeace

This is my first visit to you web page.I read a few articles and already my temperature is going up(as in I am over excited).You sure have way with words.

Thank you,thank you,thank you

God Bless you and your family

best regards

Eddie

Join the Discussion!

Let us know what you think. Or ask us anything. Or offer your own sage advice.

The only rule: RESPECT THIS HOUSE! Postings that contain abusive language and/or personal attacks will be cheerfully VAPORIZED. One cross word and – POOF! – your well-thought-out post will be gone in a puff of smoke.

– Clayton

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Web Bums, Beggars and Deadbeats

Fast forward to this morning:
Googling myself … finding 199,999 positive listings
about The Total Package – and one crappy one …

Now, I’d like to be able say this is the very first time
anyone has said anything this stupid to us or about us.

Unfortunately, it is not.

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Web Bums, Beggars and Deadbeats

Fast forward to this morning: Googling myself … finding 199,999 positive listings about The Total Package – and one crappy one …

Now, I’d like to be able say this is the very first time anyone has said anything this stupid to us or about us.

Unfortunately, it is not.

163 Comments »

Join the Discussion!

Navigation

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View Posts by Author

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Search

Fast forward to this morning:
Googling myself … finding 199,999 positive listings
about The Total Package – and one crappy one …

Now, I’d like to be able say this is the very first time
anyone has said anything this stupid to us or about us.