Article for Copywriters: Avoid Use of The Word 'Get'

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July 2002
Issue # 12

In this issue:

>> Intro: Bad Questions and Good Limericks
>> Article: Avoid Use of The Word 'Get'
>> Survey: Win a Copy of Net Words

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Greetings,

In the last issue I asked whether you thought copywriters or content writers would ultimately dominate online. It was a flawed question, and I was punished by receiving a low number of replies. A better question would have been whether, in the future, writers online would be called upon more for their copywriting skills or content writing skills.

Ultimately, I think that copy and content will need to be viewed and written as if through the eyes of the user. And users, if asked about copy or content, would likely reply, "What's the difference? I just want words that will help me achieve my goals on the site."

So let's take a short break from surveys, and focus ourselves instead on the serious business of writing limericks. This issue's article is about that miserable, sloppy, characterless word, 'get'. And the limerick contest challenges you to use the word 'get' in three places. Details and rules below...

If you are relatively new to this list, you can find entries from our previous limerick contest here...

http://www.nickusborne.com/limericks

Until next time,

Nick

>> Feedback: nick@nickusborne.com

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ARTICLE: AVOID USE OF THE WORD 'GET'.

During my last class of high school, my history teacher said, "And one last thing. Don't use the word 'get' in your essays. There's always another word that will work harder."

That's the only comment he ever made that wasn't directly related to history.

And it's the only thing he said that I can remember.

He was right. 'Get' is passive, feeble, limp, flabby and gutless. It hints at action, but communicates almost nothing.

Here are some phrases that include this poor excuse for a word.

- You will get your card in two to three weeks.

- Get your free membership now!

- With the Zippy CD player you get the best performance for a great price.

Now we'll replace 'get' and see what happens...

- You will receive your card in two to three weeks.

- Apply for your free membership now!

- With the Zippy CD player you will enjoy the best performance for a great price.

No, these are not great or thrilling copy lines. But they each work a little better with the replacement of the word 'get'.

With 'receive', 'apply' and 'enjoy' you can close your eyes and visualize these actions to some degree. Now try to visualize the action of 'get'. Draw a blank?

I do.

In fact, I can think of only one instance where 'get' carries any punch or power.

And that is in phrases like...

Get stuffed. Get knotted. Get a life. Get out of my face.

Get it?

>> Feedback: nick@nickusborne.com

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SURVEY: TIME FOR ANOTHER LIMERICK

Here are the rules. First, the limerick has to be on the subject of writing online. Second, the word 'get' has to be used three times. Finally, one of those three uses of 'get' has to be the last word in the limerick.

The first and only prize is a signed copy of my book, Net Words.

The winning limerick, and all others that are half decent, will appear on the limericks page on my site.

http://www.nickusborne.com/limericks

Good luck!

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