I just got done with a discussion about using “Value Added Services” in our site’s main nav. I was given this link to a definition of VAS (http://www.mobilein.com/what_is_a_VAS.htm) and the first item that describes Value Added Services reads:
“Not a form of basic service but rather adds value total service offering”
I am always so pleased to see articles on ALA written by women – especially when they are as smart, well-written, and engaging as this one – great job!
Can you imagine having to translate some of this copy?
As an English > Italian translator I am faced with text like this day after day after day, written by some copywriter who tried to hide the paucity of real substance with trendy-sounding words and expressions.
Translating helps to get to the substance of text. The real meaning hidden behind the screen, the plaster under the gilding.
Great article, I think this says it all: “You can keep copy from turning zombie by starting with a clear idea of exactly what you want to say”, yes, keep it simple, something so basic that people often forget.
Much of the web is like this due to SEO Copywriters. I always work with a decent copywriter. Despite English being my first language I can never get sentences to flow. It’s broken English I guess. I think it is something I work on.
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Jason Cathcart
Curious, I ventured off in search of Patient #226 and found his evil twin, or Frankenstein. It appears one corporate entity shotgunned the other’s marketingbabble on top of their product. It was bad enough the first time, but the second site’s version is so badly sewn together, it obviously came later.
A world-class article, whose author should be incentivized for her conceptualization of the synergistic dynamic generated by the win-win, value-added benefits of refusing not to think outside of the box in any way, shape or form.
Any extemporaneous attempts to be magniloquent when in reality you are merely obfuscating the most seminal points of your intended meaning represents literary disaster. Clarity, brevity and unambiguous offerings, however, are the very soul of fine writing and should be employed in perpetuum.
41 Reader Comments
Back to the ArticleGreg Burghardt
I just got done with a discussion about using “Value Added Services” in our site’s main nav. I was given this link to a definition of VAS (http://www.mobilein.com/what_is_a_VAS.htm) and the first item that describes Value Added Services reads:
“Not a form of basic service but rather adds value total service offering”
I just had to laugh and grab my ax…
Aileen Corr
of the Transitive Vampire. Which is high praise.
Mani Sheriar
I am always so pleased to see articles on ALA written by women – especially when they are as smart, well-written, and engaging as this one – great job!
Lorenzo Martinelli
Can you imagine having to translate some of this copy?
As an English > Italian translator I am faced with text like this day after day after day, written by some copywriter who tried to hide the paucity of real substance with trendy-sounding words and expressions.
Translating helps to get to the substance of text. The real meaning hidden behind the screen, the plaster under the gilding.
Alexis Bellido
Great article, I think this says it all: “You can keep copy from turning zombie by starting with a clear idea of exactly what you want to say”, yes, keep it simple, something so basic that people often forget.
Gosh, I hate these zombies.
Johan De Silva
Much of the web is like this due to SEO Copywriters. I always work with a decent copywriter. Despite English being my first language I can never get sentences to flow. It’s broken English I guess. I think it is something I work on.
Jason Cathcart
Curious, I ventured off in search of Patient #226 and found his evil twin, or Frankenstein. It appears one corporate entity shotgunned the other’s marketingbabble on top of their product. It was bad enough the first time, but the second site’s version is so badly sewn together, it obviously came later.
Michael Straker
A world-class article, whose author should be incentivized for her conceptualization of the synergistic dynamic generated by the win-win, value-added benefits of refusing not to think outside of the box in any way, shape or form.
Dr Tim Thomas
Any extemporaneous attempts to be magniloquent when in reality you are merely obfuscating the most seminal points of your intended meaning represents literary disaster. Clarity, brevity and unambiguous offerings, however, are the very soul of fine writing and should be employed in perpetuum.
Brad Van Wick
Simply brilliant!
Brad Van Wick
Simply brilliant!