Next Stop: Ogilvy and Mather.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Air Pollution and Martinis
My latest column is out. It is something of a rant this week, but very topical.
Air Pollution and Martinis in Hong Kong
Air Pollution and Martinis in Hong Kong
Cantonese 101
Meh Lih Gah – What’s that?
Lee goh – This one
Duk la – it’s good
Ho ah - good
Dim Seem – How’s that?
Tie Gwaila – too expensive!
No motcheen – I have no money
Lay doh – Here
Naw ho ko – I’m poor
Yee ga – Now
Leh – good
Lap sup - rubbish
Dim sun seen – How do you fix it?
Mmm Gee ah – I don’t know
Wu suei – refund
Ho Sauk mong – big disappointment
Lay wok ley – so you say
Ho sun fu – Work harder
Sue meh – what are you smiling about?
Yee. Gom fan gah – Trouble
Chew fa na – super trouble
Fie dee la – Faster!
Ho goy – very tired
Lay sun deem – What do you want?
Mm gwan aussie – Not my problem
Fun gow – sleeping
Lay ding cho min ho king go mong – your Cantonese is good, teach me
Choy soy – talk shit
Gung hei – of course
Heng gay – crashed
Die ga lychee – bless you (when you sneeze – you have to say it)
Ng Ho Yee Cee – sorry
Hung bo – horrible
Mo jay jo – Why? Nothing.
Yok soon - disgusting
Sow gong – go home
Gaht – get lost
Sow pay – don’t talk
Lee goh – This one
Duk la – it’s good
Ho ah - good
Dim Seem – How’s that?
Tie Gwaila – too expensive!
No motcheen – I have no money
Lay doh – Here
Naw ho ko – I’m poor
Yee ga – Now
Leh – good
Lap sup - rubbish
Dim sun seen – How do you fix it?
Mmm Gee ah – I don’t know
Wu suei – refund
Ho Sauk mong – big disappointment
Lay wok ley – so you say
Ho sun fu – Work harder
Sue meh – what are you smiling about?
Yee. Gom fan gah – Trouble
Chew fa na – super trouble
Fie dee la – Faster!
Ho goy – very tired
Lay sun deem – What do you want?
Mm gwan aussie – Not my problem
Fun gow – sleeping
Lay ding cho min ho king go mong – your Cantonese is good, teach me
Choy soy – talk shit
Gung hei – of course
Heng gay – crashed
Die ga lychee – bless you (when you sneeze – you have to say it)
Ng Ho Yee Cee – sorry
Hung bo – horrible
Mo jay jo – Why? Nothing.
Yok soon - disgusting
Sow gong – go home
Gaht – get lost
Sow pay – don’t talk
Monday, March 26, 2007
Friday, March 23, 2007
Status Report VI
Ah, the monthly status report.
Where am I in terms of reaching that elusive goal?
I’m still freelance. Still in Hong Kong. Still at Publicis. The contract is up at the end of the month. So basically this status report is the same as the others. I was hoping for some better news, hey, that’s all I’ve got.
Alex, KC and I are going to run around doing a guerilla campaign on Sunday. Should be fun. It reminds me of Australia when Kristian and I shot on the street, out of shopping carts, with no permits. We had lights set up everywhere at 3 am, and I drove my car right up on the sidewalk. When the cops stopped us we would exclaim, ‘but we are filming an ad for Adidas!’ and they left us alone. Yes-ah.
Watch it here: Adidas spec 3
Where am I in terms of reaching that elusive goal?
I’m still freelance. Still in Hong Kong. Still at Publicis. The contract is up at the end of the month. So basically this status report is the same as the others. I was hoping for some better news, hey, that’s all I’ve got.
Alex, KC and I are going to run around doing a guerilla campaign on Sunday. Should be fun. It reminds me of Australia when Kristian and I shot on the street, out of shopping carts, with no permits. We had lights set up everywhere at 3 am, and I drove my car right up on the sidewalk. When the cops stopped us we would exclaim, ‘but we are filming an ad for Adidas!’ and they left us alone. Yes-ah.
Watch it here: Adidas spec 3
Writing vs. Copywriting
I had an interesting discussion today about the differences between writing and copywriting.
Is copywriting a series of compromises on your own unique voice? A submission of unique vision?
Is writing supposed to be an expression of the author itself? Impossible to mask if done purely from the core? A consistent pure voice that rings through no matter what character they choose to take on?
Is it individual style that makes each unique copywriter unique, and that is the talent that they bring to the table? Or is it the very opposite – their ability to mimic and speak from a voice not their own?
I suppose it depends on who is doing the hiring.
Is copywriting a series of compromises on your own unique voice? A submission of unique vision?
Is writing supposed to be an expression of the author itself? Impossible to mask if done purely from the core? A consistent pure voice that rings through no matter what character they choose to take on?
Is it individual style that makes each unique copywriter unique, and that is the talent that they bring to the table? Or is it the very opposite – their ability to mimic and speak from a voice not their own?
I suppose it depends on who is doing the hiring.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
SEO Copywriting – Today and Tomorrow
I have had several offers from companies looking for SEO copywriting.
They have found me through this site.
At this moment in time, SEO copywriting is seen as filling page after page of words with little regard to content (or spelling or grammar) to essentially trick Google search engines.
It is fairly common to hire someone who will just rattle off copy without any regard to branding or content.
It’s effective in the short term, but it will only hurt a brand in the long run.
Proper SEO copywriting is best done by a professional copywriter. If the content is just keyword-loaded nonsense, it is bound to backfire sooner or later.
Professional copywriters cost a premium, but they are worth it.
They have found me through this site.
At this moment in time, SEO copywriting is seen as filling page after page of words with little regard to content (or spelling or grammar) to essentially trick Google search engines.
It is fairly common to hire someone who will just rattle off copy without any regard to branding or content.
It’s effective in the short term, but it will only hurt a brand in the long run.
Proper SEO copywriting is best done by a professional copywriter. If the content is just keyword-loaded nonsense, it is bound to backfire sooner or later.
Professional copywriters cost a premium, but they are worth it.
New Faces
David Szabo has come to Publicis from M+C Saatchi.
He’s one of the CDs I spoke with way back in August when I was first looking for a job here in Hong Kong. Actually he helped me at the time with a referral or two. He’s something of a legend here in HK.
He’s excellent to work with. We are putting together on a global incentive campaign at the moment.
And he can speak Cantonese like a local…
He’s one of the CDs I spoke with way back in August when I was first looking for a job here in Hong Kong. Actually he helped me at the time with a referral or two. He’s something of a legend here in HK.
He’s excellent to work with. We are putting together on a global incentive campaign at the moment.
And he can speak Cantonese like a local…
Friday, March 16, 2007
Falling In Love With Your Own Fingerprints
I was walking through the metro the other day when I saw a great ad.
It was a very effective ad for lozenges, and it stood out from all of the other subpar Hong Kong MTR advertising like a sore throat.
How pleasantly surprised I was when I realized it was from our shop.
It was a very effective ad for lozenges, and it stood out from all of the other subpar Hong Kong MTR advertising like a sore throat.
How pleasantly surprised I was when I realized it was from our shop.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Reflections of an English Copywriter in Hong Kong
I was looking through my portfolio the other day. It has improved tremendously since I have been in Hong Kong.
In my time at Publicis, I’ve written ads for the some of the world’s biggest banks, airlines, casinos and hotels.
I’ve had the chance to work on massive global accounts and some of the world’s most powerful brands.
If nothing else, these last seven months in Hong Kong have steeled me to work like a maniac on a massive workload against impossible deadlines. Aye-ah.
It has also taught me a handful of esoteric Cantonese phrases, like Joe Maya and Choy Soy.
But for what purpose (in the grand scheme of things)?
I have no idea.
I’m reminded of the auction house back in Vancouver.
My writing has improved. Undoubtedly. Commercial writing improves overall ability and being tapped in creatively as a profession only increases the frequency of ideas. I don’t care what people say about the threat of damaging your own creative style. Being tapped in is good. It keeps the synapses firing.
I’m on Chapter 53 of my book. I wanted to be at Chapter 100 by September, but it’s not easy to keep writing through the weekend. We are in Montreal right now.
In other rambling, I checked out Second Life. It’s a bit boring, but, yes, it’s true, I can see how it will be the wave of the future. People leaving their house, or even getting dressed before they go to work will be old news.
I’ve been going to a lot of client meetings lately. I enjoy presenting my ideas in person.
Okay, back at it.
In my time at Publicis, I’ve written ads for the some of the world’s biggest banks, airlines, casinos and hotels.
I’ve had the chance to work on massive global accounts and some of the world’s most powerful brands.
If nothing else, these last seven months in Hong Kong have steeled me to work like a maniac on a massive workload against impossible deadlines. Aye-ah.
It has also taught me a handful of esoteric Cantonese phrases, like Joe Maya and Choy Soy.
But for what purpose (in the grand scheme of things)?
I have no idea.
I’m reminded of the auction house back in Vancouver.
My writing has improved. Undoubtedly. Commercial writing improves overall ability and being tapped in creatively as a profession only increases the frequency of ideas. I don’t care what people say about the threat of damaging your own creative style. Being tapped in is good. It keeps the synapses firing.
I’m on Chapter 53 of my book. I wanted to be at Chapter 100 by September, but it’s not easy to keep writing through the weekend. We are in Montreal right now.
In other rambling, I checked out Second Life. It’s a bit boring, but, yes, it’s true, I can see how it will be the wave of the future. People leaving their house, or even getting dressed before they go to work will be old news.
I’ve been going to a lot of client meetings lately. I enjoy presenting my ideas in person.
Okay, back at it.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
The Man Asia Literary Prize
The Man Asia Literary Prize has been announced and local Hong Kong residents will have a chance to showcase their talents to the world by entering a recent novel, in English.
It is one thing to present a limply translated version of your work to judges and the international community.
It is quite another thing to unveil your passionate masterpiece, trans-created, to sound as potent in English as it did when you originally wrote it.
It is one thing to present a limply translated version of your work to judges and the international community.
It is quite another thing to unveil your passionate masterpiece, trans-created, to sound as potent in English as it did when you originally wrote it.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Monday, March 12, 2007
Copywriters From A Mixed Background
If you are in the market for a freelance copywriter, you might want a writer that has experience working for both large and small agencies.
Why?
A blended background provides a balance between the results-focused urgency of a small agency and creative perfectionism found in the larger shops:
1. You are getting the best of both worlds (see the two posts below)
2. You have a well-rounded professional with a dynamic understanding of your business needs (see below once again)
3. You will be working with a writer with a healthy dose of entrepreneurial spirit, offering an authentic, passionate voice to your product.
To find out more click here: English copywriter link or contact mike_catherall (at) yahoo (dot) ca.
Why?
A blended background provides a balance between the results-focused urgency of a small agency and creative perfectionism found in the larger shops:
1. You are getting the best of both worlds (see the two posts below)
2. You have a well-rounded professional with a dynamic understanding of your business needs (see below once again)
3. You will be working with a writer with a healthy dose of entrepreneurial spirit, offering an authentic, passionate voice to your product.
To find out more click here: English copywriter link or contact mike_catherall (at) yahoo (dot) ca.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Copywriters From Large Agencies
If you are in the market for a freelance copywriter, you might want a writer that has experience working for a multinational 4As agency.
Why?
Large agencies act as a filter. They only hire the best that there is, so the quality of the writer is assured. This will work to your advantage because:
1. Your project will be handled by a professional
2. You will have a writer that is familiar with the same tactics used by some of the world’s largest brands
3. Your writer will have a strong understanding of good creative
At a large agency, writers are also pushed to produce ideas that break from conventional solutions to produce creative work that can do the job of ten ads.
4. Innovative thinking
Copywriters at big agencies are also familiar with big clients. They have worked on global accounts, so they are familiar with the freedoms and restrictions of large brands with big budgets.
6. They get you
So if you are looking for a copywriter for a project with 4As agency experience under his belt - click here for my email address (off to the left) - English copywriter link
To find out more, click here: English copywriter link or contact mike_catherall (at) yahoo (dot) ca.
Why?
Large agencies act as a filter. They only hire the best that there is, so the quality of the writer is assured. This will work to your advantage because:
1. Your project will be handled by a professional
2. You will have a writer that is familiar with the same tactics used by some of the world’s largest brands
3. Your writer will have a strong understanding of good creative
At a large agency, writers are also pushed to produce ideas that break from conventional solutions to produce creative work that can do the job of ten ads.
4. Innovative thinking
Copywriters at big agencies are also familiar with big clients. They have worked on global accounts, so they are familiar with the freedoms and restrictions of large brands with big budgets.
6. They get you
So if you are looking for a copywriter for a project with 4As agency experience under his belt - click here for my email address (off to the left) - English copywriter link
To find out more, click here: English copywriter link or contact mike_catherall (at) yahoo (dot) ca.
Copywriters From Small Agencies
If you are in the market for a freelance copywriter, you might want a writer that has experience working for a small agency.
Why?
At small agencies copywriters often handle more than just the writing. They have to wear many hats, including production, strategy and accounts. A bit of experience in these departments is nice because:
1. Your project will get finished on time and on budget
2. You will have creative that reinforces the strategy and not the other way around
3. Your writer will have a better understanding of what the client wants
4. Client-focus and reliability
At a small shop copywriters also have less luxury to be offbeat, so they focus more on concepts that will build business, immediately.
5. Results, results, results
Copywriters at small agencies are also familiar with small clients. The demands of a startup are much different than those of a multi-national, and their communications has to be as well.
6. They know where you are coming from
So if you are looking for a copywriter for a project, click here to send me an email (off to the left) English copywriter link or contact mike_catherall (at) yahoo (dot) ca.
Why?
At small agencies copywriters often handle more than just the writing. They have to wear many hats, including production, strategy and accounts. A bit of experience in these departments is nice because:
1. Your project will get finished on time and on budget
2. You will have creative that reinforces the strategy and not the other way around
3. Your writer will have a better understanding of what the client wants
4. Client-focus and reliability
At a small shop copywriters also have less luxury to be offbeat, so they focus more on concepts that will build business, immediately.
5. Results, results, results
Copywriters at small agencies are also familiar with small clients. The demands of a startup are much different than those of a multi-national, and their communications has to be as well.
6. They know where you are coming from
So if you are looking for a copywriter for a project, click here to send me an email (off to the left) English copywriter link or contact mike_catherall (at) yahoo (dot) ca.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Woofbags
This was one of my first freelance copywriting jobs in Hong Kong:
Woofbags.com
I wrote this website months ago, when I first arrived, Warren now has the site up - it looks good!
I personally like the customer service section.
Woofbags.com
I wrote this website months ago, when I first arrived, Warren now has the site up - it looks good!
I personally like the customer service section.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
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