converting vistors to buyers

[cbscreative]

I think the skill to write is much more learned and developed than natural. Although I agree that some people may have more natural talent than others, I think almost anyone interested can learn to write.

I never really thought of myself as a writer until about the beginning of this decade, though I did do some writing for several years before that. When I took some advanced writing courses at a local business university, it helped me further develop the skill, but also revealed that I was better at it than I thought, and helped fuel the desire to write. Those courses, which are required for anyone seeking a degree, assume that anyone can be taught to write, or write better. I believe this is true as long as the desire is present.

BTW vangogh, I think you write plenty well.

[rezzy]

My impression is there are different types of writing. A childs book would not be written the same way as a business report or that of getting customers to purchase something.

The sentence structure and word choose helps to convey a certain message and different writers are experts at a certain method. Just like actors always portray a similar character type throughout their movie career. It becomes almost awkward when they are out of their element.

[billbenson]

Is there a correlation between people who like to read and write?

[cbscreative]

Is there a correlation between people who like to read and write?

I've heard it said that good writers are avid readers. I think it's true. Although reading a lot does not necessarily lead to writing, writers do tend to read quite a bit.

[Dan Furman]

I think the skill to write is much more learned and developed than natural. Although I agree that some people may have more natural talent than others, I think almost anyone interested can learn to write.

To a point. But as someone who's tried to teach interested people, I find it much like drawing - try as I might, I will never be able to draw well. It just isn't in me. Perhaps someone can teach me to draw a little, but to do it really well... not really. It's art.

The thing with writing is (in the context that we are talking about it, which is copywriting), you have to write well enough so other people will voluntarily read it. And keep reading it. And feel like "yes, I have to contact this person". That's really hard to do.

In fact, I'm not sure that can really be taught unless a decent level of talent is already there.

I always say "if you write a nice Christmas letter... meaning people look forward to it and tell you how good of a writer you are when they get it, you may have what it takes."

And yes, VG writes pretty well. Definitely good enough to do this for himself.

[Dan Furman]

Is there a correlation between people who like to read and write?

Maybe. I LOVED to read. Not so much anymore, though... it's almost like "ugh, more words..."

[vangogh]

Thanks Dan

Steve I think anyone can learn to be a better writer than they are, but that doesn't mean they can learn to be a great writer. I think we're all born with certain innate abilities or perhaps we nurture those abilities through the life we lead. I don't know if you can just anyway and turn them into a great writer or artist or carpenter or whatever.

Bryan I do think there's a correlation between reading and writing. Perhaps in reading writers develop those innate talents. I know in my case I read a lot and from an early age I read literature. I read great writers. Because of that I think I developed that innate sense of what makes for good writing. However I've also studied the craft of writing over the years, mostly the craft of fiction writing, but writing in general as well.

[cbscreative]

Well I hope I didn't imply that "anyone" can be a great writer, but I think most people can be taught to communicate effectively. That also doesn't mean they could be copywriters as Dan pointed out. However, within a given niche, I think anyone with passion or desire and training could be effective to reach an audience that shares their interest.

Many experts believe that every person has the capacity for creativity, it just needs to be developed. I believe this is true, but often, sometimes through the educational system itself, the creativity gets supressed. And if a person does not believe they have creativity, then they are missing the most important ingredient for harnessing it.

Beyond that, what makes a great writer is different for everyone. Someone who has had intense experiences can use that to put passion into their writing that a person whose life has been easier would never be able to do. When I write sales copy, I draw a great deal from many years of selling experience. Without that, I doubt any amount of training could have been as beneficial as face to face selling with many, many types of people in real world situations.

[vangogh]

Well I hope I didn't imply that "anyone" can be a great writer

Wasn't thinking you were implying that. I do think that anyway with the desire and some work can learn to do anything better. That includes anything creative. I guess where I'm coming from is the idea that two people could put in the same amount of work learning something and won't end up with the same results. We all seem to have certain natural talents. Whether those talents come from genetics or if they come from our early experiences I'm not sure. Probably some of both.

The other thing to consider is how much time and effort it will take to become good at something. And then weigh that time and effort against your desire to become good. Sometimes it makes more sense to hire someone else who already is good.

I do agree that everyone can learn to be better at anything.

[rezzy]

This brings us around to why we have pros at certain things because no one can be great at everything! If we could all great at everything we tried, this forum would cease to exist.