Went to the big seminar in San Fran. Had a blast and learned a lot.

The coolest thing here, compared to what I've heard about other seminars...

First off... you got Harlan... my new friend (I hope)... My mentor David Garfinkel... and the Capo Di Tutti Capi... John Carlton.

Wow... 3 entirely different approaches to writing copy, each of which makes millions of dollars.

David - I love him. He had the whole room demonstrate his templates. Together we wrote a letter in 5 minutes. Loved meeting him in person for the first time, and while I knew it before, I can now see even more clearly why he's the greatest copywriting coach in the world.

Harlan - The master swiper. Since I'm so right brained and creative, this method might never work for me... but Jeez Louise, it's a freaking brilliant way to do it. Fast as hell, and nearly foolproof. It was just amazing seeing how he swipes Carlton with lightning speed... WITH CARLTON IN THE ROOM!!! Okay on second thought... I think I might employ this method from time to time... like when I have 3 client letters due in the same week.

And the Capo - This guy is one guy I was anxious to meet. Carltons headlines are ubiquitous. We've all see them swiped everywhere. But talk about intensity. Carlton should be known by the name "Mr. Intensity." He's a story teller to the Nth power. Hearing him spill what's in his brain, was pure gold for a storyteller like me. And... he's a take no prisoners kinda guy. The kinda guy you want to hang at a strip club with (especially since you know he's probably got a half a million in singles in his pocket!)

Overall a lot more learning done this weekend then I ever expected. You all know me... the skeptic... and even the skeptic was impressed.

I've never piked anything and no one has asked me to do any piking here, but seriously... when the dvd's come out from this weekend, I'd recommend you get them.

No matter what your style or what you're looking to work on, one of these 3 guys covered it in pretty good detail.

If you follow one of these gurus. You'll get more out of the other 2.

Like me... I'm a student of David's. So a lot of what David taught was more of a refresher for me. I've covered much of this material with him personally. But those there who saw the templates in use for the first time, were blown away.

But learning Harlan's style... and Carlton's style was all virgin territory for me.

For student's of Harlan, I'm sure his stuff was mostly refresher stuff. And same for Carlton's followers.

So even if you know what you're doing... have a mentor teaching you his ways... You're going to pick up 2 other eye-opening styles, just like I did.

What was cool, too, was the interaction between the 3 -- they should have just kept a mic on Carlton with all of his side comments.

This is one of the first times where I've seen them (i.e., seminar givers) take efforts to make sure that the questions and comments by folks in the audience got heard, by running a mic to the audience participant. As well as at least some of John's side comments

Only thing was, John talked about how, among his friends, it's a honor to be insulted (but not to be insulted by non-friends!). But, sheesh! I'm trying to talk to David on a break, with John sitting right next to him -- and I'll I got was insults -- does that mean I've made it to the copywriting inner circle now ???

(Depends on your definition of "inner circle", I guess. Speaking of which, JC has revamped his programs and is no longer offering the "inner circle" option -- you can see his various programs at John Carlton - The Marketing Rebel - Operation MoneySuck Salesmanship Essentials .

David, as always, was his wonderful, amiable self...

Yes -- and the three men each have their own individual -- and very unique -- styles...

Live JoyFully!

Judy

I think I was probably the youngest person there at barely 23 and man was it an experience!

Six months ago I was a college kid who "thought" he knew about advertising and writing (at least decent) copy. In the time since I have done as most by discovering the masters, stockpiling books and absorbing everything I can get my eager little hands on.

I could say this weekend had been the icing on the cake... but that wouldn't do it justice. No, being in the same room and getting to experience three distinct methods firsthand solidified the whole lot of what I had been studying.

This wasn't the just the icing, this was the oven... and it was baking it into my brain!

Let me also say it was great meeting Tim. A young kid we should all keep an eye out for. He has the raw ambition and a helluva lot more energy then the rest of us.

It was great meeting everyone I met for the first time or 3rd.

My platonic wife Donna (or as we are now known "Donna-tello")... Elizabeth Purvis... Judy Judy Judy... Leah... Anthony... Mike Marasco... Karl... My friend Chris Haddad... And of course, surprise of all surprises Zach in the role of Steven Spielberg. Met many other great people, but I don't think they hang on this board.

One of these wide-eyed innocents from the great state of Minnesota discovered a fascinating "hole" on her balcony. (Trust me, it's funnier not knowing what that means)

I had an absolute blast... this was my first seminar and I don't think it could have gone any better.

First of all, the people there just rocked -- it was so fabulous to get to meet some of you folks whom I've seen on these boards and elsewhere. I didn't expect to see Vin (!!!!) there, or Chris Haddad, for example, two guys I wanted to meet. Talked to Karl for three hours; they just flew by. Leah Carson! (yes, lady, I noticed your sparkly lipgloss. ) Donna! Beth Ann Erickson! Judy! Whew.

And content-wise, I definitely got my money's worth and then some. All three presenters were the bomb, of course. If you ever get the chance to see Carlton in person, run-do-not-walk. His passion for writing (not just copy, but writing) will knock you down. Run, do not walk.

Also: Vin!!! *flails*

Value-add: I laughed my head off.

Much thanks to Harlan, David and John for putting this together.

Actually, if you ask my troops, I've never taught that stuff before.

I've never broken down swiping to that level before.

It was the closest I've come to modeling myself.

But that's how I do it.

I'm sure Martin Conroy is rolling over in his grave.

That presentation was worth the price of admission alone. For serious.

Mad skills were taught at this thing, I'll tell ya.

I didn't know that. Wow.