Is long Copy Still Relevant?

[Shahrukh Khan]

"In a move to uplift the craft of long copy writing, Grey's Bodhisatwa Dasgupta announces the launch of the second edition of his long copy competition, the first of which was held last year. The contest began on January 15 and will go on till March 1." From here

In a world of Twitter and FB Status Updates, is Long Copy still relevant? Do people still have the patience to read long form? Especially in ads?

[Shahrukh Khan]

Attaching the poster for the competition. Honestly speaking, I havent read it yet.

[kyarajesh]

nooo...

[Saumya]

what nooo?

[vikram sharma]

I think its not.

[kyarajesh]

Long copy is not relevant in press ads. but yes being a good writer helps you when writing a brochure, website or craft a script.

[vikas]

I disagree.

Long copy may help in certain categories, in certain markets and certain publications.

I would definitely route forlong well written copy in an airline magazine. You are a captive audience without much to do.

[kyarajesh]

even in airlines, you have tv screens luring you with an item no. or a nice hollywood film

[Saumya]

@Kyarajesh: dont look at what is existing as inspiration. Look at what is missing.

You say Airlines show movies. (although domestic ones don't and they carry far more passengers).
Have you seen people reading the papers and magazines in the Airlines as well? You probably missed on that. Perhaps because YOU like to watch movies and then extrapolate that information on the masses. Sad.

[kyarajesh]

People do read newspapers and magazines. They pick out the stories that interest them. But reading a full page ad is rare. I do, as I am in advertising. but i doubt everyone does so.

[Saumya]

Well, if an Ad is interesting, I tend to read it. You dont. So where does that leave us?

You are trying to extrapolate your personal interests on the junta at large. Thats not right.

Also, if yiou think Movies is all that people watch, why dont you join the movies? Anyway, everyone in advertising who's career is coming to an end, thinks he can make better films than the fashionable 'Iranian' names they like to quote.

[kyarajesh]

my personal interest. well, if i could i would just read n write. quit my job and read. i am talking about the junta only. from my observation. every creative person has a keen sense of observation. n i would like to believe i have too. indians are not as receptive to long copy press ads. like may be english men are. that's my observation. may be your observation is different. advertising is a field tht celebrates the difference in openion. don't be harsh about it.

i have also written long copy ads. and my ex-boss pratap suthan has liked some of them.

[Saumya]

I guess. But I still think a well written long copy will get read.

[vikram sharma]

maybe people in advertising like to read long copy.