Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
a new symbol has been designed to encourage people to reuse products.
The importance of typos
In what kind of world would a freelance copywriter be writing a blog entitled The Importance of Typos? In an increasingly AI-driven world. That’s what kind.
The Duty of Candour: on institutional honesty, public inquiries, and the weight of words
The language of apology without accountability is also its own form of dishonesty.
Sincerity and authenticity in copy
If you’ve ever had to get sign off on a press release from a non-communications leadership team, you have probably played strikeout bingo. The red pen has deleted many a ‘delighted’, ‘strength to strength’, and ‘game-changing’. There are many, many more, that give us...
Why verbing nouns needs to stop
I like, because it makes me smile, that some Australian towns thank you for visiting as you drive out by farewelling you - there are signs that say ‘Porpoise Spit farewells you’ at the edge of town. The first time I saw one of those signs I thought it sounded clumsy...
Happy new horse and book year
Which brings us back to reading and why the Year of Reading isn’t just a nice idea – it’s necessary. In a world of AI slop and misinformation, we need trusted sources more than ever
Humour in copywriting
Leave it out. Clear, helpful copy will never offend anyone. A joke that falls flat can damage trust and credibility.
AI = Death knell of typos, or does it?
Allegedly, the advent of AI means that there will no longer be such a thing as a typo. Yeeha. So, no more "genital reminders", “speak shorty”, “very busty” or wishing someone has a "lonely weekend" in work emails. AI spell-checkers are brilliant. Where a ‘normal’...
Words and phrases that get on my wick (and/or are used incorrectly)
A little list of linguistic offences
Me, on See it. Say it. Sorted. and public information messaging
According to this Prolific North piece, "See it. Say it. Sorted." is one of the most successful public information campaigns of all time. Really? Apparently so. According to this, “Since the campaign’s launch in 2016, reports to British Transport Police’s 61016 text...