Copywriters come in all shapes and sizes. They pen advertisements, promos and general text, in print, radio, television, the web and more.
If something is read or needs to be read, copywriting happens.
My question is for the Christian copywriter, but this question encompasses more than a fulltime copywriter. It could also include pastors, church secretaries, web designers, and more.
What kind of copywriter are you?
My hope and prayer is that you are an honest copywriter.
It’s easy to get lost in the ‘art’ and ‘spin’ of copywrite.
The Depressed Copywriter really highlights this well in a fascinating blog of advertisements re-written and modified:
Every time I see an example of corporate happiness I can only see the reality of life. I can’t help myself anymore. I can’t stop rearranging their copy.
Here are some examples:
After spinning through pages of the Depressed Copywriter, I couldn’t help but think about “Christian” copywrite.
Religious copywrite is everywhere, too. From the Internet to your church bulletin.
The Depressed Copywriter refers to much of the world’s advertising as “corporate happiness” and contrasts it with the “reality of life.”
What would you call much of the copywrite in religious circles as?
“Heavenly happiness,” “religious rhetoric ” or maybe “prosperity PR”?
What kind of copywriter are you?
Ken Rosentrater says
I’d describe some as superficial, simplistic, and blithe. “Heavenly Happiness” does picture that pretty well.
Others I’d describe as over-hype. Others seem to be meant induce guilt or other emotional responses in order to get something from me.
However, there are examples of real, down-to-earth-practical copy that also retains the wonder of the sovereignty of God. You can be honest and creative at the same time.
These days, honesty is quite refreshing because it’s so unique.
Eric Dye says
Well said.
StuartB says
Christian copywrite? Have you joined Facebook yet? lol
Honesty is only as great when it doesn’t conflict with the narrative. If honesty was a major goal in writing the Bible, we’d probably have a much different book. Instead, we have God’s narrative.
Eric Dye says
Alrighty, then.
Raoul Snyman says
This is something I’ve grappled with when writing promotional stuff for my OpenLP project. It is an open source project and the only marketing we have is the marketing we the developers make – with no money, of course.
I have to some how convince people that this product is worth their time. How do I express that my project is great, but without lying to them? As Ken mentioned, honesty is important… but the line between honesty and positive promotion is fuzzy. One can write dishonest copy without even realising it.
The other problem I have to overcome is the mentality of “it is inferior because it is free,” but that’s another topic completely 😉
Eric Dye says
The fact you’ve reflected on this so much tells me you’ve got the right mindset.
Phil Schneider says
Epic post! I’ll be chewing on this for a while. Thanks, Erik.
Eric Dye says
Thanks, Phil! That means a lot, especially considering how much I enjoy your posts.
Will Marler says
Just starting my copy writing career and found this article on Google. Much to consider and meditate on. Thanks for the post.
Will
Jerry Smales says
I feel the same way as you. I felt like all marketers and copywriters would say and do anything to get my money. I am not a copywriter, but I study copywriting. This is what I found out. According to the best copywriters, copywriting is salesmanship in print. If you are selling the word of God to the people, then does the means justify the end? An ethical copywriter would say, “No”, of course. There is a lot we could discussed here, so I would say consider this: copywriting should not be confused with unethical marketing, a.k.a, greed. There is such a thing as copywriting intended to help the consumer.
Avi Converse says
I’m just in the beginning stage of becoming a copywriter. In fact I am not taking the copywriter course but rather Internet Researcher (for copywriters) and then a class on auditing and creating web sites. Everyone who has ever read anything I have written as stated I have a gift for writing, plus I enjoy writing …therefore my delving into copywriting. I’m not shy though in using my Christian doctorate degree as a way in. However, I will not compromise in truth and honesty. I really dislike so much of the copy I see, even Christian copy. The pictures with the truth added are so right on. This is also why I am going to try and start out with Internet Research and Web Auditing. I hope I can be of service and still have an income. I just hope I haven’t been taken in by the pages and pages of hype promoting these avenues. Your article, and the resulting comments, are greatly appreciated and have stirred an interest in reading more of what you have to say on the matter.
Sheyi says
Another question that comes to mind is if there’s or what’s the difference between Evangelism and Advertising??