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When One Door Closes…
By Michael | November 23, 2008
Earlier this week, copywriter Michel Fortin decided to close his copywriting forum, the largest one of the ‘Net. For many, it was a big shock. As a moderator on that forum, I can honestly say I wasn’t surprised.
Michel wrote an emotional letter which he posted on the front of his forum explaining his reasons behind making this decision. After reading the letter, my reaction was mixed.
Let me explain.
On one hand, Michel’s forum was one of my favorite places to hang out. Over the years, I had developed a number of friendships through that forum.
It was also a great resource of copywriting and marketing knowledge, shared by thousands of people over the years.
Unfortunately, I understood much of what Michel said he was feeling because I’ve been there before myself. When I decided to close my massage therapy center, I had had enough. I was completely burnt out with the day-to-day stressors that came with running a business of that size.
In fact, I was so burned out that I opted to close the business rather than try to find a buyer. Trying to sell the business would have meant that I would have been forced to stick around for another 6-24 months to find a suitable buyer and then help transition the center to the new owner. I didn’t want to wait 1-2 years to get out… I wanted out IMMEDIATELY.
Do I think Michel has closed his copywriting forum temporarily?
Probably not.
I know Michel a little better than the average online marketer or copywriter… having talked with him numerous times by email and by phone. I’ve even ghostwritten copy for him.
I don’t believe Michel would reopen that forum unless he had a burning desire to do so once again. I can’t see Michel reopening it and just going through the motions of running it the way he’d want to see it run.
I don’t have any proof. I don’t know what Michel has planned for the future either. I’ll probably find out what Michel does next at the same time as the rest of the world and that’s okay with me.
In my opinion, Michel is one of the best copywriters in the world. He’s probably even better as a marketer which doesn’t always get the public recognition.
My point is Michel needs to do what is best for Michel. As a former business burn-out myself, I support his decision even if isn’t one that doesn’t benefit me the most.
So what does benefit me? Moving forward with my career and my life. I’ll still periodically check in with Michel by email to see how he’s doing but providing for my family will always be my top priority.
As for missing the social lounge for copywriters, I got some great news a few days ago. It seems my buddy & fellow copywriter Bruce Wedding opened a new forum for copywriters. It’s growing quickly and has a strong chance to become the new hang-out for copywriting dudes like me. I even decided to be a moderator there after Bruce asked me if I would.
You can check it out at: http://www.copywritingboard.com/
So come stop by. Get a sales letter critique while you’re at it. It’s a free copywriting and marketing resource that grows stronger by the day. Your bank account may wind up thanking you for joining this new forum.
Until next time,
Michael
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Topics: Copywriting - Offline, Copywriting - Online, Direct Response Marketing, General Discussion | No Comments »