Write House Copywriting News - London Academy Imposes Ban on Use of ‘Urban Slang’

Urban slang terms like ‘coz’, ‘ain’t’ ‘innit’, ‘like’ and ‘bare’ have been banned by the Harris Academy in London in a bid to improve English at the educational institution.

As the academy looks to crackdown on poor English skills, beginning a sentence with the word ‘basically’ or ending a sentence with the word ‘yeah’, has also been prohibited.

The school has already begun to display signs around its corridors showing a comprehensive list of banned words and phrases. School corridors at the Harris Academy will no longer be littered with phrases like ‘you woz’ and ‘it so ain’t’, in a move that has been welcomed by Labour MP, David Lammy.

The Harris Academy is one of 27 academies and free schools located in and around the London area. The academy is sponsored by the Harris Federation and is situated in south London.

Whilst David Lammy, the Labour MP for Tottenham, does support the move he is bemoaning the fact that a number of other phrases are not featured in the list, drawing particular attention to the phrase ‘sup blood.’

In a lengthy statement from Mr Lammy regarding the action taken by the Harris Academy to eradicate the use of poor English, he said: “I believe this to be a great idea. Speaking slang is fine in a social setting but a school should be a professional, educational environment and if part of that means banning slang then that’s fine by me.”

He continued: “Too often I see young people going into job interviews or writing cover letters without being able to use correct English. Any attempts to change that should be encouraged.

Not many employers would tolerate their staff using words like ‘innit’ when speaking to customers or clients, so the school is right to try to discourage the use of this language in classrooms.

Given the huge levels of youth unemployment we are experiencing under the current Government, it is more important than ever that schools do what they can to prepare students for working life, and teaching good communication skills is a vital part of that.

I think it is fairly obvious to most people that anyone who goes into a job interview with a good grasp of the English language will have an automatic advantage over someone that doesn’t.

The issue here isn't about slang itself, but about the context it is used in. Language is an important part of any culture, and young people will always have their own slang.

But young people need versatility; using slang is fine in some situations, but the ability to also speak good English is absolutely crucial in any workplace, and it is something that every school should be teaching its students.

Those saying this is an attack on culture are completely missing the point: no one is saying slang is bad, but simply that it shouldn’t be the only way that one is capable of communicating.”

However, the move has also received widespread criticism with many sceptics arguing that such rules are simply not enforceable. 

Copywriting News | Apprentice Runner-Up Abolishes Apostrophe Use

She gained acclaim by reaching the final of the 2013 series of ‘The Apprentice’, earning the respect and admiration of Lord Alan Sugar. However, Luisa Zissman’s Twitter followers were left mortified when she revealed her poor grasp of grammar.

Astonishingly, Zissman’s confession led to a barrage of criticism from her mass Twitter following after she posted an appeal for help on apostrophe placement in the title of her new cupcake business venture.

Her Twitter post read as follows: “Can you all help me out as I'm crap at grammar. Is it bakers toolkit or baker's toolkit with an apostrophe?! X.”

In response, one startled Twitter user replied: “You're kidding, right?” whilst others mocked her and questioned how she ever managed to reach the final of the prime time, BBC ONE show.

There were those that were willing to help however, informing her that it should read Baker’s Toolkit, or Bakers’ Toolkit, depending on the number of intended bakers.

However, despite the helpful advice Zissman went on to enrage ‘grammar geeks’ by declaring that she didn’t care about ‘grammar rules’ and she liked the way it looked with no apostrophe present at all.

She said: “I like the look of bakers. Would it be terrible to stick with bakers?”  

In a reply from one Twitter user, Matt Adams, he said: “You can't change English grammar even if it does look better on logos!”

Zissman retorted: “Think I'm going to!!”

To which Matt replied: “But why?! Why deliberately make a mistake in the title of your business for no good reason?!”

Zissman’s bakery business is set to launch towards the latter end of 2013 and will sell baking supplies online. It would now appear that the company name will be launched, minus an apostrophe it seems. Could it be a recipe for disaster?

Tell Write House your thoughts; leave your comments below… 

Write House, West Midlands, provides a comprehensive range of services that will help your business to increase its prominence including copywriting, proofreading and editing services, social media assistance and media consultancy services.

MarketingProfs Issues Report on the State of Digital Copywriting

Leading Marketing Hub, MarketingProfs, has issued an in-depth report detailing the challenges that marketers and content creators face when it comes to digital copywriting, Write House can reveal.

According to the report a high proportion (60%) of marketers and content creators state that a ‘lack of understanding about what good copy is’ represents the biggest challenge of digital copywriting.

Other challenges affecting the production of good digital copy include: work overload/lack of staff (55%), finding skilled writers (51%), meeting SEO requirements (44%), input from stakeholders (40%), lack of writing guidelines (37%), insufficient time to check copy (34%), and no copywriting training (31%).

Other key findings from the report, titled ‘The State of Digital Copywriting’, which was compiled following a survey of 365 marketers, copywriters, content editors, content strategists and consultants, predominantly based in the UK, revealed the following:

Copywriting Activity

• 74% of respondents check and proof copy before it goes live
• 58% use language and style guidelines
• Only 32% have a standard content structure format for their writing
• Just 19% train all their content creators in web writing

Source: Marketingprofs.com

Workflow

• 52% of respondents write copy on demand, in response to business needs
• Just 18% roll out copy according to a content plan, and only 9.8% always use a creative brief
• 43% have, on average, 1-2 stakeholders who need to sign off on a key piece of web copy, and 42% have 3-5 stakeholders
• 42% of time is spent creating content, and the rest is spent planning, delivering, and governing it

Source: Marketingprofs.com

Measurement

• 56% of respondents measure the effectiveness of copy by unique visits or page views
• 48% measure effectiveness by looking at conversions
• 20% aren't measuring the effectiveness of their copy at all

Source: Marketingprofs.com

Write House, Wolverhampton, understands that the majority of responses within the research came from marketers (20.7%), followed by copywriters (10.6%), content editors (9.8%), consultants (3.9%) and content strategists (3.6%).

Write House founder and copywriter, Daniel Waldron, commented: “The report gives copywriters and marketers valuable insight into the habits of copywriters and a glimpse into the state of digital copywriting as a whole. This information will enable the Write House copywriting service to improve its own standards therefore, the research is welcomed.”

Write House News | Google Glum, Microsoft Miserable | Companies Bemoan ‘Poor Profits’

You would think that Google would be ecstatic with a 16% increase in profits over the last 12 months, particularly in the grip of an economic recession. Well apparently not, finance analysts for the technology giant are bemoaning a shortfall in profits despite making $9.7 billion (£6.4 billion).

Write House founder and copywriter, Daniel Waldron, comments: “Well it’s just staggering there are companies that would give anything to still be in existence, to bemoan profits of $9.4 billion signifies one thing only, greed.”

Microsoft followed suit, bemoaning its own shortfall in profits despite raking in $4.5 billion during the second quarter.

Write House understands that both companies have experienced a fall in share value of about 4% as a result of the profit announcements.

Despite Google’s profits experiencing a 16% increase, the company was disappointed to miss out on predicted profits forecast by analysts.

The catalyst behind Google’s profits – advertising revenue - was also up by 15%.

In a statement from Google Chief Executive, Larry Page, he said: “As we adapt to mobile advertising our bottom line as suffered a hit.”

In an official statement from Write House founder and copywriter, Daniel Waldron, he said: “The opportunity to make billions does not present itself to everyone and I think it’s a little short-sighted of two globally recognised companies to publicly moan about a shortfall in ‘profits’ when just $1 billion of that money could solve a number of the world’s issues, in my opinion it’s disgraceful.”

In need of a copywriting service? Contact Write House today.  

Write House Copywriting Services Social Media News | Pinterest Launches Localised French Version

Write House, Wolverhampton, understands that social media solution, Pinterest, has launched a localised edition of its website in France. This move represents the first non-English version of its site.

Whilst the French edition offers language assistance in search and other copy-heavy areas of the site, the primary goal of the French site is to offer a targeted local community experience for users across the French nation.

In a statement from Pinterest executives, they said: “The platform will feature content from French domains and pins with French-language descriptions more prominently in search and on category pages, as well as pins from local users.”

Write House founder and copywriter, Daniel Waldron stated: “This is a significant step for Pinterest as they look to expand in the social media market. The concept of introducing a localised version of the site is a unique and fresh approach.”

To promote the launch, Pinterest sent a group of representatives to Paris in order to raise awareness of its new venture. Write House also understands that the San-Francisco based company has partnered with over 300 blog copywriters, freelance copywriters and other copywriting professionals, to produce guest posts and promote the site via its ‘Pin it Forward’ campaign.

Write House provides a comprehensive range of services that helps businesses to increase their prominence including copywriting, proofreading and editing services, social media assistance and media consultancy services. 

Write House Copywriting Services News | Copywriting Could be Hereditary says Research

Write House Copywriting Services, Wolverhampton, has learnt that copywriting could be a hereditary art form. Investigations undertaken by researchers from Yale and Moscow Universities have identified significant traits that run through families known for their writing skills.

Some examples include Kingsley and Amis, the Brontës and the Waugh family. The research uncovered that there is a scientific ‘link’ that leads certain family members down the same career path as other copywriters within the family.

In a statement from Write House Copywriting Services founder, Daniel Waldron, he said: “I can’t identify with this personally in my immediate lifetime, but maybe my family tree would identify where my copywriting prowess originates from. However, this is very significant research as it may inspire other copywriters to pursue a writing career as did their immediate and historical ancestors.”

Research into the phenomenon led to them testing the theory. Hundreds of children aged eight – 17, along with their parents, were asked to produce written material focusing on particular themes. The finished articles were monitored for originality, plot development, quality, sophistication and creative use of prior knowledge.

Researchers also took into account family levels of intelligence and how they functioned. With all this data taken into consideration, they identified the inherited and environmental aspects of creative copywriting.

The findings revealed a modest, but statistically significant proportion of familiarity and a heritage type element to creative copywriting.

Write House provides a comprehensive range of services that helps businesses on a local, national and international scale to increase its prominence including copywriting, proofreading and editing services, social media assistance and media consultancy services.

Write House Copywriting News | Copywriters Raise Funds for Endangered Animals

Copywriters and conservationists have teamed up in a bid to raise money for endangered species across the globe. Write House, a Wolverhampton copywriting service, has learnt that copywriters and conservationists have partnered in order to share stories about their favourite animals at London Zoo.

A selection of dates have been set aside for the event, spanning from June – September 2013, beginning on June 11^th, 2013.

Write House understands that the event will be attended by a number of UK copywriters and conservationists in order to raise awareness and to raise funds for a number of the world’s most endangered animals. Funds raised will go towards safeguarding the future of those species most at risk of extinction.

The current itinerary, complete with dates, features:

• 11 June: Helen Dunmore, Sumatran Tigers at Tiger Territory

• 20 June: Glyn Maxwell Mallorcan Midwife Toad in the Reptile House

• 16 July: Ruth Padel, Hummingbirds in the Blackburn Pavilion

• 27 August: Mark Haddon, Galapagos Tortoises in Giants of the Galapagos

• 17 September: Andrew O'Hagan, Malaysian Tapirs in Tiger Territory

Tickets for the event are limited and available at https://www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo/whats-on/arts-and-culture/

Here’s an insight into what visitors can expect… A reading from esteemed poet Glynn Maxwell:

“The Mallorcan midwife toad is beautiful and vulnerable, as well as being one of those rare animal species where the male does something surprisingly helpful - carries the eggs around for the female. But most of all I thought about it because until 1979 its story was thought to be over; and it isn't. So now I can help to tell it.”

Write House, Wolverhampton understands that the talks will raise funds for ZSL's conservation projects to save animals and their habitats around the world.

Copywriting News - Google Criticised for Lazy Copywriting Call-Out Line – Write House Reports

In the promotion of its new Chromebook Pixel laptop, search engine giant Google has been criticised for lacklustre copywriting efforts.

One copywriting commentator branded Google’s efforts “lazy and stupid”. Often revered for their ability to produce compelling copy regarding their hardware, Google copywriters came under scrutiny based on just one line within the product description of their new state of the art 

laptop.

So what’s got copywriters riled? After going to all the effort to describe the laptop’s “0.55mm layer of touch-enabled Gorilla® Glass fused directly to the screen, which provides smooth touch interactions while preserving picture clarity.”

And,

“Pixel is machined from an anodized aluminium alloy to a tight tolerance, leaving nothing extraneous or distracting: vents are hidden, screws invisible, and stereo speakers seamlessly tucked away beneath the backlit keyboard.”

Google went on to describe the laptop’s ‘light bar’ and here’s where copywriters criticise Google’s lazy efforts. In describing the light bar Google simply said: “Just because it looks cool.”

In a statement from one copywriting expert, he said: “The line is simply lazy and cynical, it sells a product to clients admirably in the first instance and then shatters the whole perception of the product with one piece of lazy, ‘can’t be bothered’ copy. In this instance it would have been better to say nothing at all.”

No comment was made by Google.

Write House, Wolverhampton – Online Advertising Branded ‘Annoying’ by Consumers

Freelance copywriting agency, Write House, has discovered that the majority of online consumers deem online advertising to be irritating, off-putting and mediocre, after referring to research conducted by Adobe.

A survey of 1020 UK consumers and 500 marketing experts uncovered that the majority believed ‘traditional’ marketing methods to be much more effective than the digital equivalent.

Notably, two thirds of consumers surveyed said that TV advertising was far more effective than web advertising. 54% of consumers also believed that online banner advertising had little impact on attracting potential customers.

What’s more interesting is that only 3% of consumers would view an advert via a social media platform such as Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Advertising created by marketing professionals was deemed to be the most effective advertising solution, but in contrast, 27% of marketers and 28% of consumers stated that user-generated content provides the best platform for online advertising.

When quizzed on social media, 43% of survey participants said they would recommend a product or service to friends and/or relative should they like the brand. Yet, in stark contrast, only 2% believed that a brand description, featured on a company’s social media site, is credible.

Furthermore, 53% of social media users also said that they would have clicked a Facebook ‘dislike’ button had one been available, in order to express their opinion of a particular product, service or company.

Write House founder, Daniel Waldron, commented: “This will serve as a reminder for the copywriting industry and the marketing industry that advertising techniques constantly have to be reviewed and adapted in order to keep in-line with consumer trends.”

He added: “The number of marketing opportunities available through online, mobile and social media platforms is vast, especially when you consider the amount of money that consumers spend via these platforms. However, marketers have yet to even scratch the surface of the potential these markets have to offer.”   

New Press Regulation Laws Unveiled: What Impact Will They Have?

A new press regulation system will ensure:
• Upfront apologies from the media to victims of defamatory comments and media intrusion
• Fines of 1% of turnover for publishers found to be breaching regulations. Fines could amount to £1 million
• A self-regulatory body with independent appointments and financing
• A tough code of conduct
• Free mediation service for victims
• A swift complaints system
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However, new regulations have raised fears that bloggers and website owners may be subjected to heavy libel fines under the new laws imposed by a new regulatory watchdog.
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In a statement from political blogger Iain Dale, he said: “I will certainly be covered by the regulator.”
Meanwhile, Carla Buzasi, of the Huffington Post, said: “I am unclear as to the body’s stance concerning the internet.”
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In a bid to appease ‘individual bloggers’, a Government statement said: “The criteria that determines whether a publisher is liable exempts ‘a single blogger.’
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The new regulations have been met with caution as a number of top UK newspapers seek legal advice as to whether they should conform to the new regulatory system.
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The publishers of the Daily Mail, the Sun, the Times, the Telegraph, the Daily Star and the Daily Express have all said that they will explore ‘all the options available’ before committing to a decision.
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The new press watchdog will be established across England & Wales via royal charter and will be supported by legislation.
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The new regulatory system will oust the current regime, under which, the press is self-regulated on a voluntary basis by the Press Complaints Commission.
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The new regulatory regime has been implemented following an investigation into press ethics carried out by Lord Leveson that began in November 2011. The report was undertaken following revelations that News International, overseen by Rupert Murdoch, had been involved in a phone hacking scandal.
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The scandal uncovered that News International had intruded on the personal lives of a number of families facing traumatic circumstances including the family of murdered school girl Milly Dowler and the parents of ‘missing’ child Madeleine McCann.
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The controversy made world news and as a result fresh calls were made for an independent press monitor.
However, the new system has been met with mixed feedback, with supporters of the system, namely the victims of the phone hacking scandal, strongly in support of limiting ‘press power’. Whilst those that oppose the system say that the regulations are a restriction on a fundamental principle of UK life, ‘freedom of speech.’
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One thing has become ultimately clear though. The UK has enjoyed a free press for 300 years, but all of a sudden the status quo has shifted and a new threshold has been crossed. The crossing of that threshold could be dangerous and will certainly change the face of website usage, blogging and social media trends. Whether this is for better or worse, remains to be seen.

Write House News: Twitter, Facebook and Blog Content Could Be Subjected to Journalism Laws

It has emerged that posts on Facebook, Twitter and Blogs could be subjected to Journalism laws regarding content posted on the social networking platforms.
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The Press Regulations Authority (PRA) claims that any posting made on the web by individuals, via social media, must be viewed as publishing their content to the masses, in much the same way as online news publications. Online newspapers are regulated in terms of what can be published and now the Press Regulations Authority plans to apply journalistic laws across social media.
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Social media has been perceived by some to be a loophole in terms of regulating content. After all, social media platforms allow for free speech and remain a largely lawless and unregulated environment.
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However, following the UK riots, authorities appeared to adopt a different stance on what could and could not be posted on social media platforms. Social media made headline news during the riots as individuals were arrested and charged for comments deemed to have been inciting further violence.

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A number of people were also arrested and punished severely merely for implying that they make take part in the riots, without any intention of doing so.
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The plan to impose journalistic law will no doubt enrage ‘free speech’ supporters. However, the Press Regulations Authority does plan to publish clear guidelines highlighting the distinction between credible posts and those that are inappropriate.
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In support of the PRA’s proposal is the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The DPP has launched guidelines in a bid to achieve an equal balance between adhering to criminal law and protecting freedom of speech.

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In particular, the DPP made reference to Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which ‘guarantees the right to freedom of expression - albeit within certain boundaries.’
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It would now appear that such legislation has already been enforced. In a recent High Court case, a judge ruled that well-renowned search engine provider, Google, had to reveal the true identity of an anonymous blogger, following a case involving a north London Rabbi. The aforementioned case involved a Google-hosted blog which contained details of alleged sexual misconduct.
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It is believed that the above case has set down a marker for what can be expected in the future with Twitter & Facebook users, and bloggers, likely to find themselves in the judicial firing line if posted content is found to be defamatory, deemed as harassment, inciting violence or prejudice in any form.
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In a statement from the judge presiding over the Google related case, he said: “The idea that anyone making, what appear to be, defamatory comments should not be protected by the cloak of anonymity.”
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Changes to the law are to be presented before Parliament later this month (March 2013) and if passed will no doubt re-shape the practices, ethics and culture of the current, and next generation of social media users.

Write House Review: Copywriting Professionals and Bloggers Pardoned by Sultan of Oman

Around 50 copywriters, writing for a series of blogs, have been pardoned by the Omani Sultan after initially receiving long-term prison sentences. A number of human rights activists have also been released despite being charged with defamation, cyber-crime and illegal gathering.
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Members of copywriting teams, individual bloggers and human rights activists were jailed having taken to blogs and social media sites to protest against political issues in Oman.
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Under Oman law, postings on social media sites and blogs, or copywriting that can be interpreted as defamatory are considered to be a breach of Oman law.
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Press freedom watchdog, ‘Reporters Without Borders’ (RSF), based in Paris, France, released a statement saying: “We’re extremely relieved to hear of the pardons granted by the Sultan, Qaboos bin Said, Al-Said.”
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Write House understands that around 20 of the copywriting professionals and bloggers staged a hunger strike in protest of their imprisonment and the length of time it took for the Supreme Court to investigate their appeals.
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In a further statement from the RSF, they said: “This is an encouraging gesture for freedom of information in the sultanate… The [Omani] laws on freedom of information, including online freedom of information, must be reformed so that they comply with international undertakings signed and ratified by the sultanate; this includes copywriting and blogging in all forms.”

Write House Review – Copywriting News – Digital Marketing Agency Launches New Content Marketing Solution

Content marketing has hit the headlines recently, previously labelled as ‘outdated’; the art of content marketing has risen to prominence once more as businesses throughout the world begin to appreciate the value of writing press releases and articles in order to promote business products and services.
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Now, a leading digital sales agency has come up with a new content marketing concept known as Brand Voice.
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The agency behind the design of the software of the new content marketing tool has identified that content marketing has become a high source of expenditure for a number of business enterprises. These enterprises will often outsource content marketing projects and as a result the expense has soared above other marketing sources such as social and mobile advertising.
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The new content marketing software eases that expenditure, allowing companies to retain control of their content marketing requirements, selecting how, to whom and when they distribute their press release or article.
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The unique selling point of this software is that it can be managed by those companies who install it, without the need to rely on article or press release distribution sites.
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Write House Founder and Director, Daniel Waldron, comments: “As a copywriting service provider, this innovative content marketing tool provides a sound solution for our clients in terms of distributing articles and press releases. We would no longer have to rely on third party services allowing us to reduce the cost to the client significantly.”
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The designers of the software, i-Believe, made a statement saying: “We represent over 100 publishers in Ireland that publish a wide range of websites in areas like business, sport, entertainment and parenting. i-Believe works with brands to help them seed relevant content within these sites.”
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“The content may be words, video, email, the distribution may be web, social, and mobile or all of the above and the content focus may be informational, competition oriented or something else. The aim of the software is to assist brands by advising, (co)producing and seeding content which we feel will resonate with users on our specialist sites.”
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The software will serve specifically to generate content such as copywriting, asset production & video production, plus a whole host of other features. The software is due to be launched later in 2013.

Write House Joins Professional CopyWriters' Network

Write House has been accepted as a member of the prestigious Professional Copywriters' Network. The network has recognised the service of Write House for its copywriting, proofreading and editing services that the company provides to its clients.

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In a statement from Write House founder and Director, Daniel Waldron, he said: "Write House is extremely pleased with this news and thanks the Professional Copywriters' Network for recognising the quality service that the company provides to its clients."

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Write House is a trading name of Waldron Enterprises and the brand only launched in February 2013, attracting interest from clients nationally and internationally. Alongside offering a quality copywriting, proofreading and editing service, Write House also specialises in offering social media assistance with social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+, as well as providing a media consultancy service.

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Daniel Waldron comments: "Our focus remains solely on providing every Write House customer a unique service experience that delivers quality and meets necessary requirements. This is the start of something big for Write House and we want our clients to join us on the journey." 

Copywriting News Mainstream Copywriters ‘Stealing’ Ideas from the Signs of Homeless People

Homeless people have always been resourceful, they have to be in order to survive on the streets. It would appear that copywriters across the world have taken a shine to how resourceful homeless people are, particularly when writing signs to encourage the public to give.

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A number of homeless people from around the world have often been credited with producing funny written anecdotes displaying a sparkling sense of humour despite the plight they face. So good are some of these written signs that many of them have been reproduced and featured across the mainstream copywriting industry.
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In fact a number of copywriters and bloggers have actually searched the globe to find such signs, producing feature articles and blogs describing some of the amazing copywriting abilities of the homeless.

Innovative signs have become quite a feature of the homeless community as they become more creative in ways of asking for money, shelter, food and even propositions to marry rich people.

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A leading copywriting commentator said: “Many mainstream copywriters are actually quite amazed at the copywriting ability of the homeless, so much so, that many copywriters simply ‘modify’ the concept and present it as their own, particularly for the purposes of ad copywriting.”
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Hardcore critics and homelessness action groups say that the actions of a minority of mainstream copywriters amount to exploitation. One commentator said: “Copywriters are simply stealing ideas generated by someone else, whilst words are not the right of the homeless, shouldn’t copywriters at least offer a little remuneration for ‘using’ the idea? At the end of the day, homeless people have no idea this is happening and it’s incredibly unfair.”
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Copywriters on the other hand argue that they are using initiative and when feature articles are produced the work of a particular homeless person is rewarded as the gain publicity as many stories often feature a picture of the homeless person holding their sign. Therefore, they receive exposure, which may result in more public help.
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The creative concept of homeless people has grown significantly, but this is worrying as it suggests that the number of homeless people is steadily increasing throughout the globe, especially in major cities.

A representative from a London Council authority said: “The thought that homeless people have to resort to creative copywriting just for a bit of loose change or something to eat reflects the brokenness of British society.”