Why You Should Hire a Writer,
Not a "Web Designer,"
to Market Yourself on the Internet

Tod Roberts - Roberts Communications - Sarasota, Florida - USA - thorsdag (at) comcast dot net

©2002, T. E. Roberts: Plagiarism is not the sincerest form of flattery. It is theft.

Please, no flames -- I have lots of respect for talented web designers.

It's just that, with very few exceptions, their skills lie in graphic design, HTML coding, and Internet technology. Most of them know little if anything about how to express a clear, simple message. In fact, few of them ever work with a professional writer to translate a client's ideas into powerful, persuasive words.

Contrary to popular misinterpretations of Marshall McLuhan, the medium (whether a printed brochure, video screen, or web page) is NOT the message. Clear expression begins with logical and intelligent understanding. Next comes the application of sophisticated but invisible rhetorical techniques. Finally, the process should end in the creation of plain and simple words.

To quote Cicero, "I'd have written you a shorter letter if I'd only had time." Or in the words of Broadway producer David Belasco, "If you can't write your idea on the back of my business card, you don't have an idea I'm interested in."

If you're looking for a professional, affordable way to communicate effectively on paper or in cyberspace, contact me. I offer several benefits to you and your business or organization:

	I work fast and efficiently and am available around the clock, 24/7.
	I am discreet ... only you and I will know that you hired a ghostwriter for that brilliant web page, article, proposal, presentation, report, ad, speech, user manual, or brochure. (You take the credit, and I'll take the cash.)
	I charge reasonable fees, and I tell you up front what the project will cost.
	I have great references from dozens of satisfied clients, including Andersen Consulting, Computer Sciences Corporation, Mercer Management Consulting, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, and many small companies, nonprofit groups, and individual professionals.
	I handle business-to-business, consumer, and technical communications, in print or on the Internet.
	I'm a stickler for delivering quality and value, on time and on budget (Midwestern work ethic!).
	I emphasize simplicity, clarity, originality, and brevity in the work I do for clients -- the web pages I prepare can be viewed and understood easily because they aren't cluttered with useless images, applets, and other fancy "cybermedia." I believe in sticking with the message -- the medium is secondary.
	In over 25 years of experience, I've successfully weathered lots of communications crises for both employers and clients.
	In my work as a faculty member at Ringling School of Art and Design -- one of the best in the country -- I am constantly exchanging new ideas with excellent young design talent.

I'll be happy to provide a free, no-obligation assessment of your communications needs and explain how I can help you meet them.

<= Back to Home Page