Comments on: Copywriting swipe file tutorial

By: shinetiger

shinetiger — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:17:00 +0000

Interesting. I was turned off by this article, at first, noting the strong emphasis in the first paragraph on copying others. I want to write original stuff. Your last paragraph gave a whole different reason for collecting a swipe file, which is what I would use it for. Therefore, I’m going to call it something different – maybe a scope file (def.1 “extent or range of view,” def.2 “space for movement,” def. 5 “aim or purpose”)

By: Poyel

Poyel — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 08:18:55 +0000

Thank you for this informative article. I could not agree more. A good, systematic and easy-to-use swipe file is (almost) indispensable for productivity in writing.

By: John Cairns

John Cairns — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 11:11:36 +0000

I’ve been creating an electronic swipe file, I think I need to take your advice about keeping a physical one. Coincidently, I took home the top of my big mac cardboard box today Mcdonalds always got good stuff to steal

By: rick

rick — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 21:46:44 +0000

The importance of making your swipe files physical cannot be stressed enough. So many times files like this seem to get ‘lost’ in the bowels of the computers, or are not read at all or forgotten althogther.

So much good copy is still written the old school way … on paper … so why scan it? Keep it!

Thanks, this site is a great find.

Rick

By: Thomas

Thomas — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 21:37:57 +0000

Thanks very much for this great article. I instantly created your recommended swipe file folders.

I never heard about “swipe files” since today, but the idea is great. Sorry, but I�m a copywriting beginner and I want to learn as much as possible.

Thanks again

Thomas

By: leartiste67

leartiste67 — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:00:46 +0000

Hi,
Thanks for the great article! Planing on saving it! To get started on my own “swipe file” for my artwork and the book I’m writing as well!
I’m a happy camper!

By: Ivan

Ivan — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:57:39 +0000

Wow.. First priority for it started today. Yes, I also found out the great use of Swipe File for my blog and marketing effort.

I thought that I should have a swipe file software to do this. But you recommended me to do it manually and physically.. Hmm Thanks for the advice

By: Eric Medemar

Eric Medemar — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 23:54:19 +0000

I could not agree more. I keep a swipe file on my desk with the last 10 years worth of cosmopolitan magazine covers…Talk about easy bullets.

I’ve also printed out the entire John Carlton collection…PURE GOLD.

Great write,
Eric

By: THOM.NG

THOM.NG — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:45:51 +0000

Hi, it’s nice advice. How about TVC? Should I have a swipe file which include TVCs?

By: Wolfgang

Wolfgang — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:33:13 +0000

Very helpful articles.
I will implement today.
Wolfgang
La Rogaia

By: Love to write articles

Love to write articles — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:07:33 +0000

I like your concept about swipe file. I certainly agree that there are some benefits of physical file, I will surely try it next time.

By: Kozan Huseyin

Kozan Huseyin — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 22:09:08 +0000

I like to use Microsoft OneNote, it allows the kind of organization this article speaks about, but in digital format.

I can appreaciate the benefits of a physical one though, it can help with creativity much more.

By: What's Going On, With A Few Tips Inside

What's Going On, With A Few Tips Inside — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:48:52 +0000

[...] Copywriting Swipe File Tutorial [...]

By: Behind the Affiliate Summit East 08 Copywriting Clinic | LisaRiolo

Behind the Affiliate Summit East 08 Copywriting Clinic | LisaRiolo — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:52:28 +0000

[...] a copywriting swipe file. Do not consider this a recommendation to steal or [...]

By: Ajax

Ajax — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:54:46 +0000

Informative article! Really appreciate the information on swipe files. As a copywriter, I should also start keeping one. Thanks & all the best!

By: Dhane Diesil

Dhane Diesil — Fri, 30 May 2008 09:48:18 +0000

By far one of the best explanations of swipe files I have seen.

This website has been a diamond in the rough for me. I cant seem to close the browser.

So much great information!

By: Guido

Guido — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 22:42:02 +0000

Thanks for the ideas. This site is great!

By: Instant Message for charity

Instant Message for charity — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:19:53 +0000

Hopefully, I’ll be able to now actually come up with a swipe file that’s more organized.

My previous swipe file was a mess, thanks for the practical lesson.

By: Ntsike

Ntsike — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 17:03:39 +0000

I just completed a songwriting class. And one of things we discussed to enhancing your songwriting talent was keeping journal, which is similar to a swipe file. Be active in your pursuit of ideas that are rock solid. If you have seen the same ad run for say 6 months or longer. That would clearly indicate it must have been attracting some kind of attention. People won’t just continue paying for ads that don’t work, unless they have more money than brains. Clearly if it made you pause, it made someone else pause also. Remember, people are more alike than they are different.

Keep your eyes and ears open for anything that draws your attention to something you had no interest in. Emulate it don’t copy it!

By: MT

MT — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 03:17:42 +0000

Thank you for this how-to! I’ve seen a lot of copywriters recommend starting swipefiles, but never was sure *exactly* what it was, or how to go about it. Much appreciated