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