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Lighthouse Communications Samples

For published samples of both Web site and traditional marketing communications copywriting, email me at woods.lee1@gmail.comHere are a few Web sites. Several are in work at this...

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Who's Afraid of Writer's Block?

Imagine walking out your front door, getting in your car, and just sitting there, not knowing why you're there, where you're going, or what you hope to accomplish when you get there. Well, that's how...

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Winning the War of Words

Not only do I recall my first job, I recall my first memo, a recommendation on how to shorten a lengthy approval cycle. That was a long time ago, and I doubt that the cycle has changed a bit, but...

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It's Not Theater, But You Still Have to Play to Your Audience

Your readers open your email, pick up your report, open your correspondence. Why should they read it? Why would they want to read it? They will, but only if you adapt your message so they can relate to...

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Should You Comment?

The business world continues to spawn new ideas, new processes, and new techniques at an astounding rate. The significance or meaning of it all, however, is not always obvious to readers whose minds...

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Pardon My Soapbox

Like the politics of the Middle East, gun control, and the drug problem, writing in general -- and business writing in particular -- is sure to start a lively debate. If you have ever joined such a...

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Writing is Rewriting

Rare is the writer who gets it right the first time. Most first drafts are flawed and need to be fixed. If you skip this step, readers will come to an early conclusion: flawed writing, flawed writer....

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Don't Lose Your Reader's Trust

Careless or wishful statements will destroy a reader's trust in your judgment and in your ability to present your information honestly and objectively. Scan what you write and eliminate or revise any...

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What's Your Point of View?

All writing has a point of view. Should you write yours in first person, second person, or third person? Choose the one that suits the circumstances -- especially your role in the circumstances. Once...

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You Gotta Ac-cent-uate...

When you write, you may not always feel positive. You may feel complacent, or angry and vindictive. But if you allow such feelings to shape your writing, you will probably regret it. The anger will...

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So You Want to Sound More Natural, More You

When you begin to write, picture your reader(s) sitting across from you, listening to your every word. Now, let that silent voice inside your head start talking to them. Start with the bottom line, a...

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Was That You on the Six O'clock News?

Students of business writing are forever amazed by the number of otherwise intelligent professionals who keep putting their heads on the block by writing things that are either accusatory,...

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Search Engine Optimizers: Creative and Don't Know It

Successful Web sites combine both left-brain analytics (KEIindexing, keyword phrase/density) and right-brain creativity (content that meets the wants and needs of the intended audience).If you're a Web...

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Web Site Content: C'Mon, Let a Little Analog Into Your Life

You have a business, or you work for an organization that wants its Web site to gain a higher position in search engine rankings. Understood. Don't we all. But how? One way depends on how you decide to...

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Meet Victor Barnacle

The woman kept scanning the organization chart, looking for a vacant slot. There had to be something the little man could do. Scribe? Wig weaver? Sconce scrubber? At least he was a Type A personality;...

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The Student as Writer: A Path to Understanding

It is rumored that a few students pursuing degrees in science and technology do not like to write. Such a judgment may be too harsh. Instead, let’s suggest that people with analytical skills look...

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Business Writing: Time for Change

The business community is rarely singled out for excellence in written communication, primarily because the people who practice it day after day are not professional writers. Letters, emails,...

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How Social-Political Realities Affect What You Write

On the job, your reason for writing letters, memos and proposals can get caught up in a variety of social and political forces, causing your readers to react emotionally.People may try to look at...

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Dispelling the Grammar Goblin

I keeping saying that I’m a copywriter, noting my past writing assignments from Web site designers, corporations, ad agencies, and universities – but occasionally, when passing a mirror, I squint at my...

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What's Up With Up?

In one more memorable episode of Seinfeld, Kramer is visiting Jerry in the hospital. Injured when a fork fell on his head, Jerry listens as Kramer scolds him for not ducking.“You know, Jerry, when...

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No Strategy? No Sale

Your competitors are cooking up ways to beat you. You can count on that. So don't make the common mistake of thinking that a simple description of your product or service will be enough to sell it....

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Come Again?

A few gems culled from the emails and memos of corporate America. If confronted with these examples, the writers would probably say, "That's not what I meant."" What I need is an exact list of specific...

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Bogart: Alive and Well on the Internet

There are those who believe that product information can be delivered creatively, as long as the information is delivered. Such is the Web page example below. The site owner, selling a variety of gift...

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It's Just a Little Ole' Modifier

I was backing out of the driveway, on my way to the drugstore, when my wife stepped onto the porch and shouted.“Honey, would you pick me up some brown eye shadow?”“Sure!” I yelled back. “No problem!”At...

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Making Words Work in the Workplace

I go to workshops. I talk to people. I listen. I make notes. And every time I do I walk away with the same belief: far too many professionals do not realize how important good writing is to their image...

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