I Am Not a Copyrighter

“Copy,” as we’ve established on another page on this modestly sized website, is nothing more than a stupid word for “words.” I mention that immediately in this rant because not everyone knows this fact. And, as a decent human, I understand everything must be learned at some point and it’s irresponsible to assume someone knows “copy” means “words.” However, from this point forth, it’s irresponsible for you not to know that.

I’ve been introduced to a lot of people as a copywriter. Someone who knows me and the person I’m meeting will say, “This is Jef. He’s a copywriter.”

Sometimes, while that’s being said, I can see the person I’m meeting hearing, “This is Jef. He’s a copyrighter.”

A copywriter is a real job with a title unknown to a lot of people. A copyrighter is such a ridiculous term, a Google search automatically redirects to results for “copywriter.”

However, to a person who doesn’t know what a copywriter or a copyrighter is, he or she is more likely to think the latter, as most people are aware of copyrights.

So, a person is then immediately intrigued and wants to talk to me. Not because I can write words to make this person gobs of money, but because the person can’t comprehend someone actually makes a living stamping a © on things.

“Like trademarks?” they say.

No.

“I thought lawyers did that,” they say. “Do you just file the paperwork online? Can’t I do it myself?”

I don’t know, although I think the answer to all those questions is yes. If some kind of copyright or law office wants to hire me to write eloquent answers to those questions, I will. But they’ll own the copyright.

In summary, I learned my lesson, and am giving you the supreme joy of learning that lesson from me. If you are a copywriter, touting yourself to ad agencies, marketing departments or any industry in which copywriting is common as a copywriter is a very good thing (although there are instances in which these places don’t know what a copywriter is, too).

If you are talking to anyone else in the world, introduce yourself as a writer. You will inevitably be asked what kind of writing you do, but that’s an easier conversation than first having to explain you don’t trademark things.