[Reviews] The First Hundred Million by E Haldeman Julius - Page 2

MichaelWinicki · 09-09-2006, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Subtle

My guess is that most in here don't own "The Robert Collier Letter Book" and yet will pike it because it's featured on lists of recommended books from their favorite gurus. Of those who have it, few have read the whole thing.

I would never recommend the book to any noob who is looking to build a foundation in copywriting. It's a boring read and no one writes letters like those featured in the book today. There are plenty of books in the same price range that are much much better.

You'll get 10 times more bang for your buck by reading books by Sugarman, Caples, Nicholas and Lewis.

wordsmith asked if "The First Hundred Million" was worth buying and NO ONE besides Rave and myself own or have owned the book. Yet, it's on those guru recommended lists. Why haven't ya'all bought that "classic?"

I agree with all that. The Collier book isn't one I'd suggest for a beginner either but there were a couple things in there that I have not found in any other book. And at least for me that was worth the $30 or so that I paid for it. I've taken one of Collier's letters, re-wrote it for one of my markets and have proceded to make thousands of dollars off of it.

At least from that perspective that makes the Collier book one the most valuable in my collection.

The other books you recommend are much better when it comes to "tips" or offer more direction on how to write copy.

One book you left off that is at least equal with those (IMO) is Jeffrey Lant's "Cash Copy"-- that book is just loaed with powerful advice on how to create influencial copy.

I also have the "First Hundred Million"... but don't hold it in the same esteem as the Collier book.

Trebor · 09-12-2006, 09:09 PM

I'm late to this party - but wanted to make a few comments -

If I were a new writer - First Hundred Million would not be the best on "How" to write. But, here's what you would get... Before and after looks at headlines that were modified, tested and their results. Not just winners - but a rare look at loosers that were turned into winners.

One of the most important skills you possess as a copywriter is the instinct to recognize a good headline concept when you hear it. Olgivy had that knack. He didn''t create his famous Rolls Royce headline from scratch - he read about it in some engineering papers or an interview and recognized gold when he saw it.

Caples, Schwab, and Olgivy all stressed the power of the appeal in the headline over the copy. Jay Abraham does as well.

Recognizing golden headline concepts and appeals is tough if you are just starting out and haven't been exposed to lots of before and after test.

This book presents are rare opportunity to do just that.

wordsmith · 09-13-2006, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Olgivy

Darn name! It's so hard to be burnt into memory

it's OGIVLY btw

Lance K · 09-13-2006, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wordsmith

Darn name! It's so hard to be burnt into memory

it's OGIVLY btw

Actually, it's OGILVY!

Mr. Subtle · 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trebor

Recognizing golden headline concepts and appeals is tough if you are just starting out and haven't been exposed to lots of before and after test.

Just in case some of you are out of the loop and haven't seen it, Makepeace/Levis posted a fun headline test this past weekend:

Daniel Levis - Steal These Secrets!

Stephen Davies · 09-13-2006, 05:29 PM

Subtle,
Your really poppin' out some great stuff this week!

Thanks.

Trebor · 09-13-2006, 07:28 PM

Subtle,

That was a great find.

Stephen Davies · 09-13-2006, 09:41 PM

Just got my "Robert Collier Letter Book" in the mail... Yahoo!!!

Can't wait to dig in!