Superman Retires

Superman took one wrong decision in his life. He retired from his Supermangiri and shifted to advertising believing that his long jumps, high jumps and takeoffs are highly creative. Hardly a week and his ‘passion’ started fading away. After all, he was bombarded with briefs, briefs and more briefs. So much so, that his all-time famous red brief lost its identity. And there was only one type of blue he could associate himself with, not the blue figure-hugging outfit of his, but the Monday blues that soon created Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday blues. The Sunday, which he thought will now be a day off for the supersaver Superman just became his day off from watching b@#$ films, his earlier Sunday routine. Why? Well which creative mind is left with any stamina to do anything on a day off? One needs to catch up with the long lost sleep of the week.

Nevertheless, he continued dragging himself to work thinking maybe one day the stars would be in his favour. But no, the workplace was nothing better than the red sun under the influence of which his powers would always diminish. He started losing hope, unfortunately there was nothing he could do, he had already ‘gifted’ his red cape to the creative director… alright bribe is the word. The saviour of all was crying for help… help in an ad agency… sure he had lost his senses.

He thought and thought and super-thought. Then one fine day someone told him that perhaps the creative director is not straight (actually on one of the bad days, Superman had refused to incorporate the ninth set of changes in a compendium and had left the client servicing guy waiting to avenge). Superman then thought that perhaps being gay would work wonders. He opened up his mind and tried ‘creativity’, read romancing with the boss. The creative director simply screamed his lungs out at the slightest hint of seduction and then there was a wind of change. Capeless, jobless, hopeless Superman had to quit advertising.

Well, it’s not that disheartening. We hear there’s a sudden rise in the sales of certain films, red capes and ‘briefs’. Is Superman returning? Well you will know soon.

P.S. Found this little story I wrote during the release of Superman Returns.

Check out the execution

Camlin permanent marker ad

Brilliant ad. Now this is what we call - Sada Suhaagan!

Goa Ad Fest 2008

The ads for the promotion of Goa Ad Fest this year are brilliant - simplistic, funny and effective. I watched them all today and had a strong urge to be there. Alas, I am back here watching the ads and missing my sweetheart out there. I hope he enjoys a lot at his much deserved break.

Bar Camp / Blog Camp - Mumbai

Always wanted to attend the bar camp, always missed. Finally I'm making it tomorrow. I'm sure it's gonna be really interesting!

If you wish to be a part of it:
Date: 29th March 2008
Time: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Bar Camp Venue: IIT Mumbai School of Management (SOM), Mumbai, Powai, Mumbai - 400076

New to copywriting? Here are some tips.

For all of you who are new to copywriting, here are some small things that make a whole lot of difference. While you might already be reading a lot about how to write good copy, I'll present you with things you should always take care of.

Yeah, I'm talking about grammar and spell errors. You MUST be clear about your English basics. Trust me, this will help you not only in the various copy tests of your life, but will ensure that you are never embarrased by someone pointing out an error in something you wrote.

1 - Apostrophe & Plurals

I've noticed many copywriters not knowing when to use an apostrophe. Remember, plurals have to do nothing with an apostrophe.

So a plural of Cassette & CD is Cassettes & CDs. Avoid using "CD's". An apostrophe will be used when there's a sense of belonging.

Likewise for its and it's. Its is a pronoun whereas It's is a short form of It has and It is.
E.g. of its: The book is lovely. I like its cover.
E.g. of it's: The book is lovely. It's a bestseller.

Will write more about such tips. If you feel like adding to the above examples, please feel free to do so.

Long time no print ads

It's been over a year I shifted from mainstream advertising. I'm enjoying my time doing writing for SEM. Yet, in some corner of my heart, there's something missing - the print ads / hoardings that have no links for viewing more info like the ones in websites.

Reminds me of the days when we used to create ads and upload them on adsoftheworld.com

Here are a few of the ads that I made with my friend Gayatri:











http://adsoftheworld.com/forum/exhibition/art_jewellery_sale
http://adsoftheworld.com/forum/exhibition/baygon_sow_and_reap
http://adsoftheworld.com/forum/exhibition/baygon_2

Tips For GAP Exam - Part 1

I now start my series on Tips For GAP Exam. While you should ideally undertstand all the concepts explained in the Google AdWords Learning Centre, these tips will help you during the GAP exam.

GAP TIP 1:
Remember the formulae included in the lessons.
These include:

ROI = (Revenue - Cost) /Investment x 100
Remember that in the problems included in GAP lessons, Cost = Investment.

Cost / Conversion = Total Cost / Total Number Of Conversions

Conversion Rate = Number Of Conversions /Number Of Clicks x 100

Rank No. = Max CPC x Quality Score
Rank No. is same as Ad Rank

88% - A Not So Bad GAP Score

Finally! Burning the midnight oil and all the help from Kamlesh and Nitin in preparing for the Google AdWords Professional Exam paid off. Managed to score 88% in GAP.

My experience in preparing for the exam and taking it has enabled me to think of some tips and advice to all of you who are planning to take the GAP. For now, I need to take a break this weekend. So I'll just relax and enjoy for a while. I'll soon update this blog with my recommendations for GAP exam aspirants.

Coming soon... tips for GAP exam.

Meanwhile, you may want to read tips from Abel Quitoriano here.