THE MUSE AND THE MAVEN
I’m fresh off reading Tom Collins’ March 1 Makeover Maven and the inevitable letters to the editor about his column.
I sense that he’s spending about as much time and energy on the rebuttals these days as he is on the makeovers. Both make for great reading. Thanks to Tom for educating those who continue to think (erroneously) that one pix is worth a grand of words.
I’ve kept just about every Makeover Maven column Tom’s written and pull them out whenever my Muse goes on strike. It’s a surefire way to get her (him?) back in action again.
Also, I once touted his columns as a good resource at a roundtable I moderated. One of the participants called (a year later, at least) and asked if I’d share them. She was trying to convince her creative staff that tried-and-true DM principles would bring more bang for the buck than some of the “Huh?” ads — that is, “all show and no go” — they wanted to run.
Just wanted Tom to know that his legend (and lessons) have a long tail!
John Shilgalis
Copywriter
Longmont, CO
HMM…
I found it ironic that Tom Collins chose the Overture ad to “make over” while Overture paid for a full-page ad in Direct at the same time he was ripping their ad apart (The Makeover Maven, February). So I wonder, was it just the “ad” opposite page 62 they paid for, or is Tom’s column an advertorial?
All the same, his column was very good. If a column or article doesn’t grab my attention within the first paragraph, I’ll usually stop reading. I read every word of Tom’s column.
Shirley Ortiz
Circulation Manager
Journal Publications Inc.
Harrisburg, PA
TOM COLLINS REPLIES: I was as surprised as anyone to see an Overture ad in the same issue.
My column was far from being an advertorial for Overture. It’s not often that an advertiser is criticized in accompanying editorial matter. It’s true that my makeover and column probably did a better job than their ad of selling their service, but that’s what my column is all about.
I am not an employee of Direct, and have no connection with the magazine other than to write and send in my columns and makeovers — and they have never suggested subject matter to me.
THEY’RE SMALL, BUT THEY’RE TOUGH
I’ve just finished reading the article, “InfoUSA Ad Campaign Targets Legislators” (March 1), which detailed InfoUSA’s marketing/lobbying effort to get Congress to ease up on the do-not-call legislation for small businesses.
I have to tell you that, as a small business owner, I am not at all happy with that position. It’s ridiculous to suggest that small businesses are being destroyed by this legislation. And, even if they are, does their survival justify the almost constant harassment of good people in their homes and offices, trying desperately to find a little quality time with their friends, families and co-workers?
There are other ways to market besides telemarketing, and with legislation such as the DNC list, the playing field is level for businesses of all sizes.
Patrick W. Brenden
CEO/President
Home Run Software Services Inc.
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