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34 Compelling Content Marketing Stats and Facts
– Case studies (65%). More than 70% of B2B marketers use the "big four" social media sites (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube) to distribute content. The top content marketing goals for B2C companies are customer retention/loyalty (88%), engagement (88%), brand awareness (87%) and sales (77%). 1: Welcome to Marketing Stats Summer! #2: TopRank ).
102 Compelling Social Media and Online Marketing Stats and Facts for 2012 (and 2013)
This post, along with 79 Remarkable Social Media Marketing Facts and Statistics for 2012 and 87 More Vital Social Media Marketing Facts and Stats for 2012 previously published here, provide a solid foundation for that understanding. At least on the B2C side, there is a disconnect between what marketers think consumers think is important and what consumers actually value. Visual.ly ).
Best Social Media Stats, Facts and Marketing Research of 2010
Discover the answers to all of these questions and more here in more than 40 of the best resources for social media and marketing stats, facts and research of the past year. Social Media Facts and Stats. Frequent best-of contributor Brian Solis shares stats from Technorati showing that nearly half of all bloggers are U.S.-based, And much more. 40 percent of U.S. Adam T. Email.
87 More Vital Social Media Marketing Facts and Stats for 2012
Marketers have questions, this post has answers: 87 vital social media and online marketing statistics covering everything from how executives and large companies are using social media for marketing, customer service and recruiting to fresh stats on the leading social media platforms to search, email, content and mobile marketing trends. Social Media Stats and Demographics. But 3.1
20 Stats Every Global Social Media Marketer Should Know
That's why we've collected 62 stats that help paint a picture of how social media works around the world , 20 of which we're going to highlight in this blog post. Plus, we're going to show you how those stats can be boiled down into some insightful global social media strategies that global marketers might want to consider. Source: ClickZ ) Tweet This Stat! Nobody knows how.".
B2C Marketers: 4 Reasons Why Webinars Are Worth the Investment
Marketing Action
But it's a different story in the B2C world where anecdotes, casual conversations, and bona fide studies all indicate the same thing: B2C companies don't seem to use webinars. Here's the title: The Benefits of Webinars for B2C Marketers: If You're Not Using Webinars, You're Losing Money. It's called YouTube." B2C Marketing Webinar Management
70 New (Really) Marketing Automation Stats
Marketing Action
Many of the marketing automation stats we regularly use – to make strategic decisions, craft presentations, prepare for sales calls – are getting a bit long in the tooth. It's a great stat that gets a lot of traction; I just found it on 3 different blog posts published within the last week. So we set off to uncover the most recent marketing stats. The Stats. Not at all.
50 (of the) Best Twitter Guides, Stats, Tips and Tools of 2010 (So Far)
Twitter Facts, Figures & Stats. Jennifer Laycock reports some fascinating statistics and insights from a HubSpot study, revealing factoids such as: the average Twitter user has about 300 followers and follows 170. The Truth About the Average Twitter User [STATS] by Mashable. Twitter stats and analytics tools – top 10 by Social Media Today. And much more. Crabs.
55 (of the) Best Social Media Tips, Tactics and Tools of 2010
According to a HubSpot study, 71% of marketers viewed Twitter as a useful marketing tool last year, up from just 39% in 2009. Most valuable is his dissection of the best way to use the popular social sites, YouTube and blogging in an integrated manner that capitalizes on the strengths of each platform. 4 Ways to Find Legal Music for Your YouTube Videos by Mashable. 85% of Inc.
Best Social Media Stats and Market Research of 2010 (So Far)
Data junkies, stats addicts, web trivia buffs rejoice — here are a deluge of social media, search and other marketing research facts and figures from 50 articles and blog posts published so far in 2010. How do B2B social media marketing practices differ from B2C companies? Study: Spending On Email, Social And Search Rising by MediaPost Online Media Daily. YouTube now.
The 29 Best Social Media Monitoring Tools
Social media monitoring is vital for virtually every B2B or B2C brand. Social media monitoring, analytics and stats for Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram, with benchmarking to measure your performance against peers, insights to optimize content, and reporting capabilities. Sample review: "If you want to do general research on Facebook Stats use Socialbakers."
Making the Case for Content Marketing: Research & Statistics
Whether you're focused on a B2B or B2C audience, chances are you're considering a shift toward content marketing. In a study by DemandGen , leads who are nurtured with targeted content produce a 20% increase in sales opportunities. Youtube is also joining the ad-free experience by launching YoutubeRed. Content gains trust. Content also endures.
103 Compelling Social Media and Marketing Statistics for 2013 (and 2014)
How does social media use differ in B2B vs. B2C companies? Find the answers to these questions and many, many more in this compilation of more than 100 compelling social media, content marketing and SEO stats, facts and observations. There are, on average, 700 YouTube video links shared on Twitter every minute, and 500 years worth of YouTube videos watched on Facebook every day.
Best Social Media and Digital Marketing Research and Statistics of 2011, Part 2
Reports, surveys, studies and infographics are among the most popular content posted and shared across social networks. How are B2B marketers using social media differently from their B2C counterparts? Also noted: • One in four Americans watches a YouTube video every day. • " Social Networking Growth Stats and Patterns by Social Media Today. " Twitter Stats.
Paid Advertising 101: Understanding the Basics of Advertising on Social Media
Compelling stats and figures aside, it doesn't take a marketing guru to realize that, with virtually everyone on the planet interacting on social networks, social media might not be such a bad place for your business to advertise. Now, whether it's Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or YouTube, they've all stripped down their processes, simplifying the user experience and making it astonishingly easy to set up ad campaigns on their platforms. Advertising on YouTube. According to data from eMarketer, Advertisers worldwide will spend $23.68 increase from 2014. Shape Your Message.
5 Ways B2B Marketers Can Learn to Love Facebook
It's really only for B2C people, right? In that same study, 36% of B2B marketers said they agree or strongly agree with the statement, "My Facebook marketing is effective.". Compare that stat to what the B2B marketers in another survey said. Based on the two studies, I'd guess that roughly a third of B2B marketers are getting results from this platform. Big deal.
The Psychology of Viral Content
However, these individuals are the same people repeatedly asking their marketing teams to "break the internet," and with more than 75 percent of both B2B and B2C marketers expecting to produce more content this year, it's an understatement to say there's a ton of content out there. Some marketers might argue that no one can predict content's viral potential.
Best Social Media and Digitial Marketing Research and Statistics of 2011, Part 1
Sure, teenagers spend a lot of time on YouTube, but did you know that three-quarters of business executives watch work-related online videos weekly? Or that a third (or more, depending on which study you believe) of all clicks go to the top result on a search engine query? Social Media Stats, Facts and Research Does Facebook Need To Build A Search Engine? Or that 73% of U.S.
The 15 Best Content Marketing Videos Of 2015
B2B Marketing Insider
In a landscape where YouTube already boasts 1 billion monthly unique visitors , these two stats alone should be enough for serious marketers to consider a content marketing video strategy. Even if you're a B2C marketer at a large company, this video is worth watching. Content Marketing ROI: A NewsCred & LinkedIn Case Study". B2B Content Marketing Tutorials.
39 More (of the) Best Social Media Guides, Tips and Insights of 2011
Among the hard numbers he lists: according to a social media industry study , 72% of companies active in social media report higher website traffic, 62% say it has improved search engine rankings, and 48% say it has increased sales. YouTube Tips and Tactics. YouTube etiquette for 2011 by iMedia Connection. 6 Best Practices For Small Business YouTube Marketing by OPEN Forum.
Is Blogging Dead or Are Companies Not Trying Hard Enough?
delicious b2bmarketing
For instance: There were 107 trillion emails sent last year, Facebook is at more than 900 million users , Pinterest is closing in on 15 million users , and there are three billion videos streamed on YouTube every day. But the stat I want to talk about today is the number of blogs on the Internet. I get it. It's not an easy think to keep up. magazine. So, I see.
101 Vital Social Media and Digital Marketing Statistics for (the Rest of) 2013
Find the answers to these questions and many, many more here in 101 vital social and digital marketing stats for (the rest of) 2013. The second-most popular tier includes YouTube, blogging and LinkedIn. 67% of b2c marketers have generated leads through Facebook. ( War of Words: Myth-Busting Social Media, SEO & Content Marketing ). 61% use YouTube and 39% Google+.
5 Ways to Repurpose Your Content and Get More Out Of It
ion interactive
Blog posts, case studies, interactive experiences—all of it requires hours, days and even weeks of our time. According to a recent benchmark study by CMI and MarketingProfs , "70% of B2B marketers are creating more content than they did one year ago." We are constantly bombarded with stats and research about how the human brain responds to visual content, so capitalize on it. During Content Marketing World this year, we learned that "41% of B2B marketers and 20% of B2C marketers in North America are using SlideShare in their content marketing efforts." It's true!
73 Experts Reveal B2B Marketing Trends to Leverage in 2017
I learned this by studying B2C publications/companies such as The Husle, Buzzfeed & Movoto. According to this marketing study , the highest performing teams are 2.3x This study revealed that the highest-performing marketing teams were 9.7x The stats are all going the direction of mobile and have been going for some time. Marketing automation. Personalization.
39 Fantastic Inbound Marketing Blogs You Ought to Be Reading
Posts You Might Like to Read: 35 Mind Numbing YouTube Facts, Figures, and Statistics - Infographic. 15 Important Inbound Marketing Stats and What to Do About Them. Posts You Might Like to Read: How We Skyrocketed Website Traffic 2200% in 1 Year [Case Study]. B2C Email Marketing: Consumers Are Fickle. But I'm always looking for new reading material! 1) Adhere Creative.
Vital statistics for B2B marketers – The case study
Earnest about B2B
From B2B companies being ahead of their B2C rivals in social media adoption to the truth about how active C-level execs are online, the post painted an interesting and pretty compelling picture of what was going on out there. YouTube branded channel: First off, we added the video both to our YouTube channel and website. Then spread the word. The start of the idea. Objectives.
Skyword's Top Takeaways from Content Marketing World 2016
Content Standard
With over 3,500 conference attendees from all over the globe this year, representing top B2B, B2C, and nonprofit brands, Content Marketing World continues to grow in size. In a recent CMI study, only 20 percent of marketers said they are fully committed to a content marketing approach. Co-written by Linsey Morse. Wednesday. "You're either in or you're out. So what?
38 Fantastic Inbound Marketing Blogs You Ought to Be Reading
Posts You Might Like to Read: 35 Mind Numbing YouTube Facts, Figures, and Statistics - Infographic. 15 Important Inbound Marketing Stats and What to Do About Them. Posts You Might Like to Read: How We Skyrocketed Website Traffic 2200% in 1 Year [Case Study]. B2C Email Marketing: Consumers Are Fickle. But I'm always looking for new reading material! 1) Adhere Creative.
B2B Social Media Marketing -- Does It Work?
delicious b2bmarketing
On the surface it seems there are more successful B2C social media examples than B2B, but online seems to be where its at if youre looking to market to those B2B decision makers. Several years ago they developed some hilarious YouTube videos targeted to business decision makers, and most recently have opened up their arms to Twitter. In addition, they have a dedicated YouTube Channel for Kodak B2B. Are you a Search Engine Watch Member? | What is a reasonable conversion expectation from click to form fi. Why dont some of my keywords show, even though we bid very high?
17 Compelling and Highly Usable B2B Marketing Statistics
delicious b2bmarketing
One of the best sources of information is industry statistics. This is set to reach 12% by 2013 Source : AMR International B2B Online Marketing Assessment and Forecast to 2013 US business-to-business (B2B) advertising and marketing spending will increase by 0.8% this year, to $129 billion Interactive spending will climb 9.2%, to $51.5 by Fred on Avoid the Corner of Death! I was just wondering what.
Why You Need Social Media, Even if Your Customers Don't
Are there B2C companies without potential customers on Facebook? 79% of US adults use social media (if you were tuning into our webinar with Facebook today, you would have heard that very stat)! Wouldn't you rather leverage the power of big social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, Flickr, LinkedIn, etc. And eMarketer predicts there will be 1.43
103 Compelling Social Media and Marketing Statistics for 2013 (and 2014)
How does social media use differ in B2B vs. B2C companies? Find the answers to these questions and many, many more in this compilation of more than 100 compelling social media, content marketing and SEO stats, facts and observations. There are, on average, 700 YouTube video links shared on Twitter every minute, and 500 years worth of YouTube videos watched on Facebook every day.
Crunchy, salty, nutritious news & views on B2B marketing for technology companies | Velocity - the B2B marketing acceleration agency for technology companies
delicious b2bmarketing
Millions of white papers, books,… Read more… Doug Kessler | March 24th, 2009 | 4 comments SouthWest rap elevates the brand Saw a fabulous YouTube video the other day, where a Southwest airlines attendant delivered the pre-take-off welcome and safety instructions via an entertaining rap. They've waded through thousands of case studies and brochures and web… Read more… Doug Kessler | October 31st, 2008 | no comments Tech marketing trapped in Plato's Cave Will we ever learn? Case studies and customer testimonials. Come and get it!
19 New Featured Sources on the B2B Marketing Zone
Great B2B Marketing Stats (in a GREAT format!) , June 13, 2010. B2B Voices ( Trade Youtube Twitter Leads Sales ). Marketing Finger ( Resources Studies Social Media Consulting ). CeeKue ( Promotion Word of Mouth B2C CRM Google Content Tips ). Mi6Agency Marketing ( Emarketing CMO Demographics Case Study Audience Twitter Aging ). Sarah Worsham ( @sazbean ). Topics.
B2B Lead Generation Using a Business Blog
Industrial Marketing Today
HubSpot in their recent study of over 1,400 small- and medium-sized businesses, found that marketers with blogs generate 67% more leads. The chart below shows the difference between B2C and B2B companies. Cooper September 24, 2010 at 4:28 pm Can't argue against those stats. The focus here is definitely on quantity. They want better qualified and sales-ready leads.


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The final installment in a three-part series taking a closer look at photography in the Whitney's collection, this exhibition focuses on works by conceptual artists of the late 1960s and early 70s. During that time, photography became a favored medium (along with video) for art that placed more importance on concepts than on aesthetic and material concerns and rejected the necessity of the gallery or museum as a primary site of exhibition. The presentation features work by Mel Bochner, Adrian Piper, Bruce Nauman, Michael Heizer, and others.
This exhibition is organized by Elisabeth Sussman, Sondra Gilman Curator of Photography.

subset: commoncrawl


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Mick Jagger Is Gonna Be A DAD (Again)
Oh geez.
Mick Jagger, 72, is expecting a baby with his girlfriend of two years, ballerina Melanie Hamrick, 29. Which is kinda like saying, well, we're gonna have a kid but he's probably going to be raised by his mom? Or is that too judgemental? Dude is OLD.
U.K. newspaper The Sun reports that this will be baby number one for the ballerina (yes, Mick Jagger is dating a twenty-something ballerina),àand baby number EIGHT for Jagger, whose kids are: Georgia, James, Jade, Elizabeth, Lucas, Karis and Gabriel ââ¬â with his oldest being 45 and his youngest 17.
I'm happy for the couple, but also a little sad for that kid. I'm not saying Mick Jagger's going to die tomorrow, but I am saying having that old of a dad might be a raw deal. But hey…big perk? He's MICK FRIGGING JAGGER.
Below are some pics of Melanie looking very ballerina-esque, in case you wanted to peep Mick's girlfriend.
Photos: Instagram
Tags: couples, father, melanie Hamrick, Mick Jagger, photos, pregnancy


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DIY Photography started in 2006 as a place for gear lusting photographers (hence the name), it has quickly evolved into a place of inspiration, education, gear chat and a place for photographers to hang out.
With a strong focus on educational content, we feature some of the best and most inspiring photography found worldwide, exciting behind the scenes footage, gear reviews and the best photography tutorials to be found on the web.
A Look At The Numbers
DIY Photography is visited by over 360,000 unique photographers monthly and growing
- Over 1,500,000 monthly page views
- Over 590,000 monthly visits
- Klout score > 70
- Alexa Ranking < 27,000
Our Readers
Our readers vary from amateur shooters to high end pros with over 83% declaring to have at least one DSLR. Considering the content of the blog it is not surprising that our readers are tech oriented, self motivated photographers looking to improve their skills.
Demographics breakdown (US)
- Young: 70% under 44
- Educated: 57% has college education
- Affluent: 43% has Yearly household income of over $100K.
Geographical breakdown
- UK, Canada, Australia: 16.5%
- Germany, France, Italy,Spain: 12%
- And the rest is coming from millions of places from all over the world including 0.01% from Madagascar (I don't know who you are, buddy, but thanks for visiting)
Social Media
- Over 5,500 RSS subscribers
- Over 66,000 twitter followers
- Over 72,000 Facebook fans
The DIY Photography Team
We are looking for long term relationships with businesses that love photography and photographers. We are not looking for ad networks or placement resellers.
Advertising Specs
File type can be jpg, png, and tasteful animated gif or soundless, non obtrusive Flash animations . You can host the file, or we can host if for you.
Each of the top three ad slots are divided into rotating placements of 250,000 impressions each.
The 125×125 buttons are rotating with a 500,000 impressions guarantee.
For pricing please download our media kit here [pdf].
Item | Location | Appearance |
Header | Top of page / 728×90 | 1 per blog, appears on every page |
Sidebar | Right sidebar / 300×250 | Max 2 units, appears on every page |
Button | Right sidebar / 125×125 | Max 4 units, appears on every page |
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content | Before comments / 336×280 | 1 per blog, Content pages only, after the post and before the comments |
RSS Banner | Below each RSS item | DIYP has over 269,000 RSS subscribers, the banner will be placed under each RSS item we release. |
Other | Other special promotions are available contact [email protected] |
For more details, information or inquiries please download our media kit [pdf] or contact Jeff Lalier at [email protected]
Our Sponsors Rock!
Join our ever-growing list of companies and service providers who have helped us grow. Here are a few brands we have worked with. We are looking forward to working with you.


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Click on the "Convert & Download Video + MP3" button to start the video conversion. After the video conversion is finished, you can download the converted video in the formats MP4 or 3GP (for mobile phones) or you can download the converted audio as a MP3 music file. This online service is completely for free.
DMCA: Are you the owner of this convertable material and do you want to disable the conversion of your media on clip.dj? Then you can request a conversion block for this video.
253Impressionante o tamanho da Python, ela consegue segurar o jacaré e engole ele vivo, o coitado se debate até o fim, Essa ...


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Why can't a sandboxed application save files to a mapped network drive?
I've created the required OpenPipePath exceptions. Do I have to use network paths like \\Windmill\C ?
For example, Photoshop gives this error:
Trust No Program |
Home | Help & FAQ | Forum | Download | Buy |
Perhaps if you give programs in the sandbox full access to the file sharing subsystem then it would work better?
Go to Sandbox Settings > Resource Access > File Access > Full Access
and add the items
Might be enough to add just the Mup one. Please check if this makes any difference.
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests


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Can you guys please give me your opinion on the Ridgid R885 MaxSelect Circular Saw? What do you guys think about the composite table....any warping or cracking issues? I ask because I'm currently looking for a Ridgid cordless saw that can be used with the Ridgid 18V lithium ion battery (No. R840091). Do you think the R885 would be the best choice or does Ridgid make another model that will work better with the battery that I previously mentioned? Thank you.
No announcement yet.
Cordless Circular Saw
Re: Cordless Circular Saw
Originally posted by the_aerator View PostI think the X3 is a better choice. It is only sold @ HD in a kit but you should be able to snag on off of Ebay. The X3 out performs that one even when it has the 24v battery on it.
In what ways does the X3 outperform the 24V MaxSelect circular saw? I know that it turns at a higher RPM, but in what ways does it out perform the 24V saw? Just curious.


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Party Favors ~ Candy Train
When you plan a party, giving your guests, particularly to the little ones party favors that will be appreciated is a nice way to say 'thanks for coming.' This budget friendly and fun to assemble candy train is always a hit with the kids. We need a packet of life savers, double mint, and few Hershey varieties. Attach them with a glue stick for body, wheels and whistle of the train. And, hear the delighted squeals.
20 Comments
By Sandhya, February 13, 2010 @ 11:27 am
My God! u r mind-blowingly creative!!
By Usha, February 13, 2010 @ 4:39 pm
What a cute idea. Hosted many parties for the kids. Never thought of this. The kids(receiving) would love this and mine would have been more than happy to help make some.
By soumya, February 13, 2010 @ 7:04 pm
Really cute idea. My daughter will be very happy to give or receive one of these kind.
By Shilpashree, February 13, 2010 @ 7:42 pm
That's really a very neat idea very creative…now i want to throw a Kid's party just to make these
By Indhu, February 14, 2010 @ 1:13 am
That's a great idea…
You have a wonderful website. I have tried so many receipes of urs, and most of it have come out very well. Thanks. -
By vani, February 14, 2010 @ 12:44 pm
wow!!!!!!!!!!!!what a cute idea…..will defenetly do it for my daughters bday party that is coming up on feb 18th!!!!!!!!!!nice idea..
thanks a lot… -
By Padmaja, February 14, 2010 @ 10:01 pm
Indira, I am going to make these for my kids just like that as their special treat for the week. They're crazy about trains!
By Leena Ajgaonkar, February 16, 2010 @ 8:59 pm
Simply Amazing Indira !!! I admire your creativity !
By Connie, December 14, 2010 @ 5:36 pm
Hi, I made these candy trains 22 years ago for my two sons for a Christmas party at school, everyone loved them and we all had fun making them, have fun, the kids love them
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Creative rights to Sherlock Holmes and his universe belong to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
KS and BCB: For KCS, our cherished sister in Christ. Proverbs 17:17
Portrait, part 1
It was a picturesque view looking down on Baker Street; a snapshot of daily life and all of its small joys. Men and women were making their way to the theatre, or home from work after a long and productive day, all feeling satisfied with their work.
One particular pair of gentlemen is making their way back to their cosy rooms, looking worn. They look quite normal, though their lives are anything but. They attack life in a bold and new manner such as the world has seldom seen, defending the weak and upholding justice. Of course, this attitude occasionally results in failure. It is after one such failure that they are returning home to-day.
The more athletic-looking of the two seems to be very worried while the other, taller one seems exceedingly depressed. They both refrain from words, as none are right for the moment. But eventually, the silence is broken.
"Miserable, inexcusable failure!" ejaculated Sherlock Holmes, throwing his hat upon the table and tossing his coat to the side, sighing heavily. He and Dr. Watson had just entered the sitting-room of 221B, returning from the less than magnificent finale of a case.
"It wasn't your fault, Holmes. You could not have predicted their actions," the doctor remonstrated.
Holmes snatched up his pipe and his lone Persian slipper and fell into his chair heavily, stuffing the pipe with the strong shag tobacco.
"I should have been able to. My blindness is inexcusable. And now, a man is dead because I was so infernally slow," he said despondently.
Watson placed his hat and gloves on the sideboard and took up Holmes's discarded coat, hanging it up with his own. Holmes lit his pipe, closing his eyes and leaning back in the velvet-lined chair as he inhaled.
Watson watched the man with a concerned gaze, but spoke strongly for his friend's benefit. "He may have died anyway. You cannot possibly know."
Holmes looked grateful for the smoke, but still very unsettled. He opened his eyes and looked over at the doctor. "He would not have been in such danger if I had not thought… If I had only known those blasted brothers were aware of my plans!"
Watson walked over to the fireplace and took a cigar from the coal-scuttle, sitting across from Holmes in his own armchair. "Well," he sighed and watched the detective uncertainly, "…there are times when events move beyond our control. I cannot see that you could have done anything differently that would have changed the outcome," he said, lighting the cigar.
"We had just enough time…I could have been there—we could have been there—if I had only foreseen…"
Watson thought for a moment. "But you could not have known, Holmes. Neither you, nor I, nor Inspector Lestrade had any idea of what they were going to do. And the constable…" he paused, a sad look threatening to overtake his features, but he repressed it. "He was young and eager…he wanted to prove himself and ran head-first into danger. Any different action on your part would not have changed his." He looked at the unchanging face of his friend and realized that was not helpful. He sighed and smoked silently, thinking this would be one of those times his friend would choose to brood rather than talk. He was wrong.
"He had a family, Watson. Perhaps if we had been…" he shook his head, as if to clear a thought. "It is inexcusable."
Annoyed with the man's stubbornness, the doctor spoke more harshly than intended, "Then pray tell, what could you have done differently that would have changed the situation?"
Holmes did not reply. A few moments of silence passed, Watson staring at Holmes and Holmes staring at nothing as the two smoked.
Watson took a deep breath, "Sorry, old man…I'm just as upset as you. But I can't see that we could have done anything differently that would have changed the outcome," he sighed, "So there is no point in brooding over it."
Holmes sunk further into his chair and stared at his pipe, a melancholy look in his liquid eyes. "I have failed…" he murmured. "Perhaps I should retire from detection, if I can make a blunder such as this…"
Watson almost dropped his cigar in shock. "Holmes! Your work is your life. I cannot imagine you would even consider that!" Holmes was unresponsive, so the doctor thought for a moment. "…It…is not as if this is the first time you have fai—erred," he corrected quickly, "And really, we apprehended the one. His brother left a trail enough for even Lestrade to follow," he took a tentative puff on his cigar. "It isn't as bad as all that," he finished lamely. He didn't really believe his own words.
"If I was the ideal reasoner that your works portrayed me to be, this would not have happened," said Holmes at last, quietly. Watson put out his cigar and leaned his head upon his hand with a sigh, listening to his friend. "Young Daniels would be safely at home now, and the elder Carter would be in gaol with the younger."
"Daniels was proud of his work. As a fine a constable as the Yard could ever have asked for. If…if he could have chosen an ideal death, I believe this would have been his choice," said the doctor. "And they will catch Carter. Surely there was never a trail left by any criminal in history. Lestrade will soon have him."
Holmes scoffed sullenly. "I have no doubt that Lestrade will get his man. It will be a fine day for him."
Watson looked at Holmes worriedly. If he could not take pleasure in bashing the officials, he really was in a bad state.
Still, Watson snorted a bit. "Yes, it will…And he will be hanged for the death of Daniels. Justice will be done."
"We are fortunate that Carter was so careless. If he had not been…Heaven only knows who else might have suffered for my blunder!" His pipe went out suddenly, and he looked at it for a long moment. "Well," he said, standing to his feet wearily, "it is growing late. Mrs. Hudson will no doubt have supper up soon. Tell her I won't be dining to-night." He trudged off to his bedroom, his whole body seeming to drag with the simple action.
Watson watched the detective disappear into his room, the door closing solidly behind him. It was not unlike the man to fall into a black mood after a case, but this was far worse than any that Watson had been witness to.
True, the case had ended terribly with the death of a brilliant young policeman. Daniels had more instinct than most of the inspectors on the force, but the brash and immaturity of most men his age had been his downfall.
Perhaps that was one reason why Holmes was taking this failure so hard. Daniels may have reminded him of himself, and he had felt as a mentor to him.
But no amount of guidance or regret would alter the circumstance. As a man of logic, Sherlock Holmes should have recognized this. But he had taken the road more often travelled and chosen to shut himself up, physically and emotionally. The doctor was clearly aware of this, and it worried him. At times like this, Holmes was liable to resort to the use of his seven-per-cent solution and suffer through his self-recriminations. Watson feared that it was only a matter of time before one day Holmes went too far with his idea of "medication."
He sighed and left the cosy sitting-room to go to his own…not that it felt cosy at all. His room offered no feelings of comfort, either. A deep foreboding had settled into his mind and heart, even as he lay in bed trying to put the day's events out of his mind.
The night passed uneventfully and the sun rose once again upon London, the heart of the great British Empire. People likewise rose as they normally did to start their days, their worries on little more than what they would have for breakfast and what the weather would be like. Sherlock Holmes, however, did not rise at his usual time.
That had not surprised Watson, nor had it changed the doctor's own habits, and he sat distractedly at the small table speaking to their landlady about the morning's meal.
"Are you sure that Mr. Holmes won't be breakfasting, Doctor?" the lady asked for the third time.
Watson glanced at Holmes's closed bedroom door and sighed. "No, Mrs. Hudson, I don't think so."
Mrs. Hudson sighed resignedly. "I don't know how he stays alive, thin as he is and as little as he eats…" she said as she placed one tray on the table before Watson, but kept the other to take back to the kitchen. "Not eating supper last night, either!"
"I shall try to get him to eat later, Mrs. Hudson. Don't you worry." He offered her a reassuring smile.
She raised her eyebrows dubiously, but returned the smile. "If Mr. Holmes does want anything when he wakes, he is welcome to it, but tell him it shall be cold!"
"I shall," he answered as the lady left the room.
Watson watched as the door closed behind Mrs. Hudson, and thought how different a sound it was from the sound of Holmes's door the night before. There was so much character in that simple action that the dejection Watson had felt then was just as strong now.
He pushed his scrambled eggs around with his fork as he looked at the door of his friend. What a perfect analogy, is the room behind a closed door, for until the door is opened, the room is a mystery. Sherlock Holmes was the same. And Watson wasn't sure how to open the door.
He pushed his tray aside, having no appetite, and reached for the newspaper. Perhaps he could find something diverting to keep his mind off of recent events.
At that moment, the aforementioned closed door opened to reveal Holmes, looking tired but still more rested than he had the night before. He still wore his nightshirt, and his grey dressing-gown was on over that. He did not even look about the room but began walking over to the mantelpiece with single-minded purpose.
Watson started at the sound of the bedroom door closing. He looked up, quite surprised to see his friend awake.
"Why…Holmes?!" was all his shocked mind could come up with to say. His eyes followed the direction of Holmes's gaze to their resting place on the cocaine-bottle. Holmes shifted his stare over to Watson, as if startled out of a dream.
"Ah, Watson. Good morning," he said flatly.
"Um, good morning…" said Watson, thinking quickly. "Would you care for some breakfast?" he asked, gesturing to the table, and then realized there was only one tray. He swallowed slowly, but Holmes did not seem to notice his error.
"No, thank you. I'm not hungry," he said, continuing to look dully at Watson.
"Oh, well…" he glanced around the room quickly, his eyes finally settling upon the newspaper beside his breakfast tray. "There are some interesting advertisements in the agony column, if you would care to read?" he said with poorly suppressed optimism.
Holmes's eyes flashed to the mantel, then back to the paper on the table. He then proceeded to walk to the table, taking up the paper and falling into the chair across from Watson.
The doctor watched the detective nervously, as he had not actually read the agony column. He pushed his food around again to distract himself as he watched his friend's eyes darting over the pages. The only noise for a few moments was the sound of Watson's fork and the papers rustling. Holmes set aside the less interesting pieces of newsprint and continued to read. Watson glanced at the mantel, and then back at Holmes's bored eyes. He knew what inevitable course the morning would take if he could not find some way to distract his friend. He nervously twisted the napkin in his hands and cleared his throat.
"It looks to be a very nice day, Holmes…" he trailed off uneasily.
Holmes sighed greatly as he glanced over the agony columns. "Indeed? I hadn't observed it."
"Oh…" Watson said simply as he looked at the uninterested face of his friend, not knowing what course to take. He picked up one part of the newspaper which Holmes had discarded and glanced down at it absently. An advert about a string concert in Kensington Gardens that afternoon caught his attention. He would have ordinarily been interested, but he did not want to leave Holmes alone, and of course Holmes would not want to go…not to-day, anyway.
Holmes looked up over his paper, peering at Watson with clear, discerning eyes.
"You're worried about me."
Watson, startled out of his despairing thoughts, dropped the paper into his uneaten eggs.
"Well, yes I am," he said, looking at him openly and slightly puzzled. His eyes even suggested that he wanted Holmes to continue, and a small, tight smile flashed across the detective's lips.
"Don't be so surprised. It's simplicity itself."
Watson permitted a small laugh. "I'm sure it is."
"You asked me if I cared for breakfast when, clearly, you had told Mrs. Hudson I would not be eating and there was no breakfast for me to have," Holmes began, as if lecturing a pupil. "You then suggested that I should read the agony columns, saying they were interesting, when just as clearly you had not even touched the paper and therefore would not know. That and a few other things led me to my conclusion," he finished, his eyes lowering back to the paper. "You were not entirely wrong about the paper…however, there's nothing of lasting interest."
"Mm…" Watson bit his lip uneasily and sighed. "Correct as always, Holmes…" he said distractedly, glancing out the window for a moment at the bright sun, and then back to the paper resignedly. Again he saw the advertisement for the concert, and inspiration suddenly struck him like a ray of light.
"Holmes?" he said, looking up energetically.
"Hm?" the detective answered, not taking his eyes from the paper. Watson bit his lip again and drew a nervous breath.
"There's a concert at the park later—a string quartet from Wales. Would you care to attend?"
Holmes's grey eyes rose to meet those of his friend, studying him for a moment. One black brow climbed his forehead questioningly. "An attempt to keep me from my cocaine-bottle, I think," he said. Watson swallowed guiltily. "I do not much feel like venturing out to-day, my dear Watson. And I am afraid that I would not make for very spirited company, besides."
The doctor looked down disappointedly, frowning slightly. "Well…if that is the way you feel…" he trailed off despairingly.
Holmes set the newspaper down on the table and rose, heading for the mantel. "I'm afraid so, Watson," he said as he collected the remnants of yesterday's pipes. "I'm sure the concert will be just as good without me." He stuffed his pipe with the crude mixture that made up his first pipe of the day.
Watson stood up quickly, his chair moving noisily away from the table with the force of his motion. His jaw dropped slightly, and he found himself at a loss for words as he eyed his friend's hand resting so near the cocaine-bottle on the mantelpiece. He walked over to his armchair after a moment and sat down sulkily. "No," he said, "I don't really care to go without company…"
"Ah." Holmes clenched the stem of his pipe firmly with his teeth as he struck a match against the stone hearth. "I see," he said, lighting the pipe. Watson simply sat, staring at the wall. "Well," Holmes said as he wove out the match. He paused a moment to take a few long draws from his pipe. "It isn't likely I will be good company here, either. Unless you are willing to endure what you have called my 'black moods,' you should go."
Watson sent a flickering glance up at Holmes. "No," he mused, and then glowered at him. "No, I think I shall stay here," he said with finality, straightening up in the chair and folding his hands in his lap.
Holmes looked at Watson with a raised brow. "Just as you wish."
He settled down into his own chair and looked up distractedly at the ceiling, puffing thoughtfully at his pipe. Watson repressed a smirk, knowing he had played his hand well. They sat silently for several minutes, Holmes smoking and staring at the ceiling and Watson staring at Holmes. Finally, the detective looked at Watson critically.
"I suggest you do something better with your day than just staring at me, smirking like a cat."
Watson feigned innocence. "Whatever do you mean?"
"I know my Watson better than that…" Holmes said, looking thoughtfully at the mirror above the fireplace.
Watson blushed and glanced around the room absently, wondering what Holmes was thinking. "Perhaps," he said, looking back at Holmes. "Perhaps you do." The doctor's eyes gleamed with sudden mischief.
Holmes's brows furrowed as he looked at Watson in some confusion. "Watson, I am in no mood for your games…"
The doctor smiled and raised an eyebrow at Holmes, tilting his chin imperiously. "I'll make a deal with you, Holmes…" he said as he rose, stepping over to Holmes's chair and taking up the cigarette-case from the table next to it. "I believe…that you cannot truly know what I am thinking at all times. Spend the day at the park with me, and see if you can't interpret my thoughts in everything we do."
He took a cigarette from the case and lit it, smiling confidently.
Holmes watched Watson suspiciously, exhaling slowly. "Watson, I've told you, I'm in no mood. I'm sure you can appreciate the fact. I know you only wish to help, but…" he paused, observing the slowly fading look of confidence from his friend's face. He sighed. "Does it have to be the entire day?"
Watson drew lightly on the cigarette, his hand shaking a little from anxiety. "Only so long as it takes to walk to the park, hear the concert, and return."
Holmes sighed, holding his pipe firmly as he looked at Watson. "All right, I'll join you. Though I fear neither of us will have the most pleasant day…" he said as he stood. "You know I would much rather be here with my cocaine-bottle, but I suppose it may do me some good."
Watson raised his eyebrows, pondering his companion's pessimism. "…Get ready, then. If we don't want to be late for the concert we should leave directly."
Holmes glanced at Watson doubtfully and walked toward his bedroom. "Do you propose we take a hansom or walk?" he called from inside.
Watson pulled his gaze from the bottle that still undoubtedly beckoned his friend and took another puff of his cigarette. "The air seems well enough. A walk would do us good." He moved back toward the table, glancing at the advertisement in the paper as he pulled his watch from his pocket to check the time. He replaced the timepiece and headed for the main door. "I'll just be a moment, Holmes," he called. "I want to brush my teeth."
Holmes acknowledged from his bedroom and Watson exited the sitting-room and made for the bathroom. Moments later Holmes re-entered, finishing the knot on his necktie. He took up the cigarette case from where Watson had left it and put it into his pocket, along with another trivial item or two. He stepped over to the fireplace to wait, leaning his elbow upon the mantel. The cocaine-bottle caught his eye again, and he stared at it for a long time.
Watson returned a few minutes later, dabbing the corners of his mouth with his handkerchief. He saw the item that held Holmes's attention and stiffened.
"Are you ready?" Holmes asked, turning to face his friend.
Watson eyed him suspiciously for a moment, and then spoke in a low, hard voice. "Yes. Shall we?" he said, gesturing toward the door. Holmes frowned slightly, but crossed the room and went through the open door. Watson followed, closing the door soundly behind them.
"You had better inform our good landlady that we are going out," Holmes said, casting his gaze back up the stair. The doctor nodded his acknowledgement and called toward the kitchen.
"Mrs. Hudson? We are going out."
The lady's head appeared through the kitchen door. "Mind that you both have some supper," she said.
"We shall, thank you." Watson put on his gloves and opened the front door of the building. "After you, Holmes."
"Thank you, Watson," he said, stepping outside and starting toward Regent's Park.
Watson locked the door and hurried to catch up with his friend. "Wait, Holmes!" he said, and the detective stopped and turned back as Watson caught up. "The concert is in Kensington," he said, taking his friend's arm and steering him the other way.
"I see," said Holmes, allowing Watson to lead him along. That fact worried the doctor, and he tried to think of some way to distract him. He called his mind back to their earlier conversation.
"So…?" he said, looking at Holmes expectantly.
Holmes looked a bit puzzled for a moment, but a light soon came to his eyes. "Ah," he said as they strolled toward Oxford Street. "Well, you are not so difficult to read, my dear Watson."
"Oh?" said Watson, looking ever so slightly insulted.
Holmes inclined his head leisurely. "Just before we left the sitting-room, you thought that I was pondering taking the cocaine."
"Indeed, I almost thought you had taken it. But of course, you didn't…"
"No, indeed. That would be a little ridiculous, as I would not get to fully enjoy it while out."
Watson bristled and tried to repress the reaction of taking a tighter hold on his friend's arm, but seemingly failed as Holmes's bicep tightened beneath his grip. He ground his teeth together. "Oh, I don't know…" he narrowed his eyes, "have you ever tried it while out? You may give the public some original form of amusement if you were to do so."
Holmes frowned and looked down at Watson. "I beg your pardon?" he said a trifle hotly.
Watson slowly swallowed the lump in his throat. "Nothing…" he replied quietly, his voice slightly husky. He released Holmes's arm and increased his pace, planting his stick more firmly on the pavement with every step.
The detective studied his face curiously. "I am sorry, Watson," he said. "I know that my habit causes you much grief, and perhaps I should not speak of it in such a cavalier manner."
Watson muttered to himself, "Shouldn't do it at all…"
Holmes heard his friend's words, but said nothing in reply.
Watson frowned and sighed, looking all around them. His face cleared a bit as he observed the great amount of activity in the streets. "Can you read all of their thoughts as well? Or am I unique?" he asked, looking up at Holmes.
"Mm… All people think differently. Some of these are as easy to read as if they had signs round their necks; others I cannot discern without a few more clues. I must have enough time to watch their expressions and actions, and even then a vital clue may escape my notice."
"So all of these people…" he gestured over the streets with his stick, "Can you point out any one whom you cannot read?"
Holmes looked across the crowd, his height a positive advantage. "If given enough time I would be able to read them all, I daresay, but just in passing…" he glanced around a few moments more, an amused look coming over his face. "One that I can read is that gentleman over yonder," he gestured across the street with his stick, "he is thinking that he is late for luncheon, and is concerned what his wife will think of his appearance. An early luncheon with guests, I would imagine…"
"How can you possibly know that?!" Watson asked incredulously.
"I've been observing him as he came up the street. His pace was quick, and he cast repeated, nervous glances at his watch. You will notice that he is dressed for an event such as having guests over for luncheon, and that he has been shopping—though why he did not have the servant do it, I cannot imagine. You will further observe that he was checking himself in the store window worriedly, for he has been splattered with mud by a passing cab." Watson stared at the man in question, searching for all these indications Holmes had given him. "The ring on his finger speaks of a wife, and the otherwise immaculate dress shows that the wife cares for his wardrobe. He appears to be concerned that his wife will not be pleased with him. There are other possibilities, admittedly, but with other slight indications and the evidence we have, this one seems the most likely."
"I see…" the doctor said, wondering how Holmes could have observed and deduced so much so quickly. "You never cease to amaze me, Holmes," he smiled.
Holmes returned the gesture, though not quite so broadly. "Elementary," he said, trying not to appear as flattered as he felt. Reaching Oxford Street, they turned to the right and Holmes felt compelled to speak again. "Surely you are not always so amazed by me? Sometimes you must find me most boring."
"Not in the least!" Watson replied with sincerity. "There could not be another man in all of London with such faculties of observation and deduction as you have," he exclaimed. "You take it too lightly, Holmes. You have a unique gift that deserves admiring."
Holmes looked down at the street, blushing slightly. "Well, it is good to know that I do not weary you with my endless observations."
"I could never be bored with them. One of my greatest delights is watching you at work."
Holmes appeared to be having difficulty containing his smile, and Watson watched his friend's face for a moment. He returned his gaze to the street ahead of them, not bothering to restrain his grin, and they walked on for a while in companionable silence.
The moment of peace was broken, however, when Inspector Lestrade himself came up the street at a steady pace, so absorbed in his thoughts that he nearly bumped into the two men as they walked.
"Oh, pardon me—well, if it isn't Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson!" he said with some surprise.
Watson was slightly startled at first, but his face took on a blank expression as he saw who it was. "Hello, Inspector…" he said without enthusiasm.
"Hullo, Lestrade," greeted Holmes.
The little detective looked as if he had not rested much. Dark circles were forming under his eyes and the state of his clothes was less than perfect. Undoubtedly he had been very busy since the night before. "That was some rough business last night, eh, gentlemen?" he asked. "Poor Daniels…a fine fellow, that."
"Indeed," said Watson, glancing down at his shoes uncomfortably. He looked back up and heaved a hopeful sigh, "Any luck?"
"Mm, yes," Lestrade replied. "Don't you worry…the younger Carter's been talking, and we've just about got our hands on the elder. We'll have him. It's just a matter of time."
Watson watched Holmes uncertainly, wondering what sort of reaction he would have to this.
"Excellent, Lestrade," the detective said, a distant look coming to his grey eyes, "Do tell me if you capture him."
"Of course," said the official, "No doubt you want to be present at his hanging."
Watson observed Lestrade's obliviousness with contempt. "Shall you be getting after him, then?" he asked, just a trifle impatiently.
Lestrade did not seem to notice the harsh tone to the doctor's voice. "Yes, we're very busy—hot on his scent. If you'll excuse me, I really must be off." He nodded his farewell to the two and continued past them.
They watched him leave, and Watson turned cautiously to Holmes. "That was an uncharacteristically painless encounter."
Holmes sighed, seeming to have lost all of his energy from just moments before. "Well, I doubt Lestrade is in any mood to gloat too much. He was, after all, very near to Daniels when he was shot."
Watson rubbed his jaw thoughtfully, "I'm surprised he's in such a good mood, considering that Daniels bled to death all over him…" Watson trailed off, realizing the utter inanity of his statement.
Holmes looked at the ground. "All the more reason to get his man," he replied soberly. Watson studied Holmes's face, trying to discern his mood.
"He wouldn't even know there was a counterfeiting ring if not for your intervention," he began, choosing his words carefully. "In a matter of months, London would have been in the midst of a great economic crisis if not for you."
"Certainly not," said Holmes with a wave of his hand, "The notes they were printing were the finest I had ever seen. Lestrade wouldn't have known a Carter note from a genuine Bank of England. But…" He looked quite depressed again, and his brow furrowed deeply. "They were not the brightest of men. I do not see how they knew I was onto their trail…!"
Watson's own brows drew together in puzzlement. "Did you ever do anything or say anything that could have revealed your identity to them? Surely criminals are always suspicious of the hired help…"
Holmes's head turned to Watson quickly, looking somewhat offended. "Of course not!" he said firmly.
"I meant nothing by it Holmes," said Watson, looking slightly hurt, "But they must have discovered your game somehow."
"Two hours of make-up each morning…it certainly wasn't by recognition!"
"Hm…" the doctor pondered. "Could one of your contacts have given you away?"
Holmes stopped walking and tapped his stick thoughtfully against the street as he looked around. Watson stopped as well, curiously observing his friend as he hesitated.
"It is possible…" the detective said at last with a sigh.
Watson watched the movement of the pedestrians as he thought. "But how could they have been ready to leave so fast? Your informant said they would be in London at least another month." He took a few steps forward to gaze absently into a shop window.
"I do not know. My information could have been wrong… Obviously, it was not adequate."
"It could simply be that they became uneasy and decided to flee," he suggested, turning back to face Holmes.
"That is also possible."
"Your net was drawing tightly around them. There were few moves left they could make." Watson walked back to Holmes's side, and they continued down the street. "The variable of unpredictability is an unfortunate plague in both our professions."
"Indeed…" Holmes said, distracted.
Watson was at a loss. Holmes had seemed to be getting at least a little better, but Lestrade had come along and reminded him of his worries… He took his stick in his hand and began fiddling with the handle and swallowed nervously.
"Well," he began uneasily, "What am I thinking now, Holmes?"
Holmes looked over at Watson suddenly, remembering what he was supposed to be doing, and studied him. Watson stared back, eyebrows raised expectantly.
"I should think the same thing you have been thinking all morning," Holmes replied, his eyes running over the doctor, "Except now you worry that Lestrade's intrusion has worsened my 'condition.'"
Watson bit his lip, "Well, yes…" Suddenly, a thought came to him. "Holmes, perhaps it was one of Lestrade's men who gave us away!"
Holmes's brows drew together lightly. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"What I mean is, perhaps one of them could have been careless in his work and accidentally betrayed the fact that the house was being watched."
Holmes looked thoughtful a moment. "That is entirely possible," he said. "I should tell you Watson, that I have already considered that possibility."
"I need to inquire as to who was on duty," Holmes continued. "It is certainly possible… Though I'm not so sure Lestrade would be so careless as to choose men that were not up to such an important task."
Watson looked reluctant to speak as his thoughts grew even deeper. "It could have been Daniels," he began slowly. "He was young and inexperienced... He seemed the type to get so deeply into the game that he might have forgotten he was supposed to be a silent player. All it would have taken was a conspicuous presence to make the Carters suspicious."
"True," said Holmes. "But until we get to talk to Lestrade again, I'm afraid we cannot tell for certain."
"Of course…" Watson said glumly.
They walked silently for a while, both turning their thoughts inward, meditating on the dark cloud surrounding them. Watson watched his stick as it hit the pavement rhythmically, the pattern almost serving to pace and drive his scattered thoughts.
Holmes glanced at Watson, observing his uncharacteristically downcast face. "…Why don't you try to deduce something…from the people around us?" he ventured.
Watson's head shot up, startled out of his reverie. "Oh, um…" He looked around, and his eyes settled upon a young couple not far away. "Those two over there," he said, "they…have recently become engaged."
"Go on," Holmes encouraged.
"And," Watson continued, his confusion at the task making him suddenly nervous, "…the young man has come into a sizable amount of money within the past few days." He looked to his companion for confirmation.
Holmes's ascetic visage offered no assistance, but there was a tight smile upon his lips. "And?" he asked, "Anything else about him? What of the lady?"
The doctor looked at the couple again and shook his head, "I can see nothing more."
"Ah, my dear Watson, you can see everything, but you fail to draw conclusions from what you see," Holmes smiled, his tone notably warmer.
Watson slouched a bit, looking mildly embarrassed.
Holmes began his string of observations, "That they have recently become engaged is quite easy to see, as you no doubt deduced from the way she keeps staring at the inordinately large diamond ring on the fourth finger of her left hand. The young man, however, has not come into so much money as it may seem… He is a writer like yourself, as you can see from his right sleeve cuff and the almost permanent ink stains upon the hand. He has recently sold a story—one of a series, which seems to be doing quite well."
"Yes, you will observe the copy of The Strand under his arm with a pay stub nearly identical to the kind you receive sticking out between the pages where it surely marks his new publication. The new watch chain he is sporting, in addition to the size of his fiancée's ring speak of his great profits."
Watson thought about this a moment as he looked at the gold chain and sparkling diamond. He thought perhaps it may be time to bring up the subject of a raise in pay with his own Strand associates.
"The young woman works at a florist's shop," Sherlock Holmes continued, "and quite possibly owns it. Note her fingers and the fresh flower on both their persons, and her business-like dress and deportment. They are on an outing for the day, and he is planning on spending a lot of money on her since it is the first time they have seen each other in some weeks."
"You cannot possibly know that!" said Watson, incredulous.
"Note her complexion, then that of her suitor, and how fresh she looks. This woman has been away from our London air in the country for at least a fortnight," Holmes said with a smile. Watson looked at the woman closely. "And no doubt you see how positively amorous they are. They have been apart."
"Brilliant, Holmes…" Watson said, somewhat disbelieving. Everything confirmed his deductions…as always.
"You see now? It is really quite simple."
"I don't know about that… But there is indeed more than I observed."
"My dear fellow, some day you will have learned the trick, and then I shall really seem a most ordinary man."
Watson suppressed a smirk. "You could never be ordinary, Holmes," he said.
"Hmph," snorted Holmes, "I do believe you are implying more than just my abilities…" a small smirk touched his own lips.
"Is that a deduction or an assumption?" Watson asked playfully, raising an eyebrow.
"A little bit of a deduction, a little bit of knowing my biographer," Holmes replied as he looked about. "It really is a pleasant day…"
Watson looked at Holmes curiously. "You think so?" he asked, raising his eyebrows.
"The weather's fair," said Holmes matter-of-factly. "If we are to be out in it, it is best that it is tolerable, is it not?"
"Yes..." The doctor pondered this for a moment. He looked up suddenly, "So what am I thinking now?"
"You're wondering about my change in mood," Holmes replied simply with a light smile, looking down at his friend.
Watson's eyes opened a bit wider. "Why, yes... But how could you...? Never mind." He tucked his stick under his arm. "I am sure it is all ridiculously simple," he said, frowning thoughtfully.
"It is. I know you too well."
The doctor's upper lip twitched, "I suppose so." He thought for a moment, and suddenly his eyes twinkled with mischief. "So what am I thinking now?"
The great detective sighed through his nose, looking off to the side. "You're thinking about stumping me," he replied.
Watson's jaw dropped, and he was momentarily stunned to silence. "But—now how did you deduce that!?"
"You're too stubborn, my dear Watson. Petulance does not become you at all."
Watson fumed silently for a moment and quickened his pace to where it was stronger and less leisurely. Holmes matched stride easily with Watson and took his arm.
Watson looked up at Holmes for a moment, and then sighed and smiled. "Well, I can hardly expect to baffle the world's greatest detective."
Holmes smiled tightly, looking to the street again.
They finally arrived at the park, which was fresh and green after the light rain the day before, and the sun shone down upon the two men as they strolled along. There were many other people out on such a fine day as this, their minds cleansed at least for the present by the peacefulness of nature in the park. Holmes seemed to be pulling out of his black mood quite well, and Watson was silently thankful he had managed to get Holmes to accompany him, even if by unconventional methods.
Birds sang brightly in the trees above and flowers were bursting into magnificent, fragrant blooms, nearly making one forget about the sounds and smells of the city surrounding them. It is a curious thing about nature, in that it can endure unfathomable disasters and still manage to right itself and continue in precise harmony. Friendship is similar. No matter how many storms there are, the true friendships are always fresher and stronger when the clouds clear.
The immortal pair had crossed from the street through Hyde Park, and were now strolling through the beautiful Kensington Gardens. The detective continued to awe the doctor with little snippets of information about the others around them, tossing the facts out as if it was child's play.
One elderly gentleman even overheard Holmes's deduction about his being in a troublesome situation with his daughter, and became perturbed enough to charge at them with his heavy-looking stick.
The two hastily left the man to his rantings and continued beyond the Round Pond to the gazebo, where the string quartet was warming up.
Watson looked back warily, scanning the park with his eyes. "I don't see him anymore..." he said, sounding a bit relieved.
"Well, Watson, I'm sure we don't have to worry about him anymore," said Holmes offhandedly. "That cellist looks familiar...I believe I've seen him before..." Holmes was obviously interested in the concert now and had no time to think about the old man that had seemed ready to give them a sound thrashing with his walking stick.
Watson let out a nervous breath and looked at Holmes. "Oh? Recently?" he asked, approaching the folding chairs that had been set out.
"Mm, no, I think about six years ago...Possibly November," Holmes replied thoughtfully.
"Six years ago..." Watson thought. "That would have been right after we moved into Baker Street. I don't recall going to any concerts then?"
"No, I was alone."
"Oh," said Watson, looking mildly offended. "What venue?"
"Do not take it personally, Watson. I believe I was pursuing a criminal then and was there in disguise, alone," Holmes explained. "The man I was after was in the audience. But if I remember, the cellist was quite good."
"This is incredible Holmes. That you can notice a specific instrumentalist while watching a criminal and remember six years later is beyond me," Watson looked at his friend, truly impressed. "I am interested in hearing him now. Do these others look familiar?" They paused at the back of the audience.
"No, I don't think so. I thought for a moment that I knew the violist, but only for a moment," Holmes replied, fingering absently at his glove-buttons as he stood.
Watson looked back to the quartet and noticed the violist was a woman, so he turned a mischievous gaze upon his companion. "Are you certain?" he asked with a wink.
Holmes turned quickly, frowning and glaring at hearing his friend's tone. "Certainly nothing like that, Watson!" he said ardently.
Watson managed to keep a straight face, but he could not conceal the laughter in his eyes. "Really Holmes," he said sincerely, "would it be such a departure from your values to give women and the softer emotions a chance?"
"Yes, it would."
Watson laughed heartily. "Why?" he asked.
"I have no time for such things, Watson. I cannot let anything interfere with my work."
The doctor rolled his eyes, "Still falling back on that excuse?"
"It is not an excuse. It is logical reasoning."
Watson planted his stick in the ground and leaned upon it. "I will give it to you that family life and detective work—especially your work—do not go hand in hand. But still, Holmes…"
"Furthermore, women simply cannot be trusted."
"Why ever not?" Watson asked, looking surprised.
Holmes sighed, "Women are inscrutable...their slightest actions may depend on volumes, and their most extraordinary actions upon some small piece of useless gossip. They are a complete mystery, and far too senseless."
Watson smirked. "I thought you love a good mystery?" he teased.
"Not a mystery like that…" the detective replied distastefully.
Watson smiled as if he knew something Holmes did not, but Holmes seemed oblivious to Watson's grin as he observed the musicians.
The doctor frowned. "I know you're listening to me, Holmes," he said as the people began to settle into their seats.
Holmes looked over at Watson, his brows raised slightly in question, "What?"
Watson examined Holmes's cynical face and sighed, "Never mind..." he muttered, turning his attention back toward the musicians. "Oh! Holmes, look, there's that man!" He pointed forward to a grizzled person a few rows before them.
Holmes's eyes followed Watson's gaze, "So it is..."
They glanced up from their study of the man as the musicians settled in and tuned their instruments.
"We had best find seats before they are all taken..." Watson remarked, glancing at the crowd.
"Right," Holmes agreed. "Shall we?"
Part Two can be found on bcbdrums' profile!


text:
Google is bringing a taste of the 'plex to SXSW with its 'Google Village'
- 1
South by Southwest Interactive has been called "summer camp for geeks" and apparently Google wanted in on the fun this year. For the first time, the company will set up shop with what it's calling the "Google Village".
The company made the announcement along with a link to the site for the Village, complete with a schedule of events and musicians who will be playing at the venue on Rainey Street, which is just a few feet away from the Austin Convention Center. Here's how the company explains its presence at SXSW:
Google Village & Live from the Lot
This year at SXSW, we're bringing a taste of the Googleplex to you. Come stop by the Google Village during Interactive to get a glimpse of Google's view of the future, and don't miss two full days of rooftop concerts at Live from the Lot during Music.
Win a trip to Amsterdam!
We've teamed up with Product Hunt to offer you the chance to win an all expense paid trip to TNW Conference 2017!
The Google Village will be open all day on March 10th and 11th and will feature musical acts like The Shins and The Ting Tings. Along with music entertainment, the company will use its Village to host hackathons and bootcamps that will aim to teach brands how to fully utilize Google+ to promote themselves.
This year has been a big one for Google already as it makes its push into becoming a social company and not just another social network. It'll take way more than a few product tweaks to change the minds of geeks and being on the ground at SXSW with a presence so close to all of the action will help Google field questions and discuss its mission moving forward in person. The company is becoming more approachable with every feature it releases and this initiative shows that it's not messing around when it comes to capturing the hearts and minds of early adopters.
Our own Brad McCarty and Courtney Boyd Myers will be at SXSW this year, will you? Let us know in the comments!
Read next: Dell's not a PC company anymore? Good, because enterprise IT is where it needs to be


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The challenge of managing boundary-spanning research activities: Experiences from the Swedish context
Contemporary and future challenges when managing research involve coping with emerging prerequisites which include, among other things, a new knowledge production discourse, new research funding methods and new ways for international collaboration. Managers for boundary-spanning research activities need to combine the sometimes opposing logics and perspectives of the multiple stakeholders--the individual researchers searching for independence, sustainability and freedom and others searching for integration, relevance and predictability. Based on a collaborative research set-up including interviews, discussions and workshops with major Swedish research funding agencies, research program managers, experienced industry partners and key stakeholders, the paper identifies six main managerial challenges: (i) lack of focus on research management and unsatisfying prerequisites, (ii) weak identity and low status of the role of the research managers, (iii) few incentives for research management, (iv) lack of leadership development opportunities for researchers, (v) multiple (and sometimes contradictory) expectations from different stakeholders, and (vi) sustained funding. Finally, the managerial implications of these challenges for universities and funding agencies are discussed.
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Volume (Year): 38 (2009)
Issue (Month): 7 (September)
Pages: 1136-1149
Handle: | RePEc:eee:respol:v:38:y:2009:i:7:p:1136-1149 |
Contact details of provider: | Web page: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/respol |
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- Dubois, Anna & Gadde, Lars-Erik, 2002. "Systematic combining: an abductive approach to case research," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 55(7), pages 553-560, July.
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The American Indian Studies program provides opportunities for St. Scholastica students to study history, contemporary developments, tribal cultures and to interact with Indian professionals and peers.
American Indian Studies offers a 24-credit minor designed to complement programs in a variety of different majors.
Knowledge of American Indian contributions to our social, political, economic and scientific development will enable students to develop a broader view and a deeper appreciation of our national heritage.
Minor: INS 2201, 2202 (HIS 2201, 2202), and 3301 (RES/PHL 3301). Select one course from either 2203 or 2204 (ART 2204); and one course from 3308, 3320 or 4401. One additional course is needed to complete the minor. Students may petition American Indian Studies to take alternative elective courses.
All students, both Indian and non-Indian, are encouraged to select courses as electives from the core courses. Students may also select courses to fulfill the curricular area distribution requirements.
American Indian graduates are currently employed in a variety of fields. including:
The Indian Scholarship Program is offered by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, often in cooperation with state education departments, for individuals of American Indian descent who meet eligibility requirements. These grants may cover up to full demonstrated need. Inquiries should be addressed to the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office nearest you, or to the state office having program jurisdiction.
Students may also be eligible to apply for the following financial aid:
The minor in American Indian Studies is offered in a traditional, on-campus format at our main Duluth campus.


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BrickShooter is a uniquely addictive challenging game for strategists of all levels. Try to clean field from colored bricks during 60 levels.
Either scripts and active content are not permitted to run or Adobe Flash Player version 13.0.0 or greater is not installed.
Score the most points you can before the field is filled with bricks.
Is this game not working? Any suggestions? Send your comments.


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It usually takes a few weeks to possess your casino and poker online gaming site fully operational an internet-based, after which it's your decision they are driving traffic towards your website.
casino and poker online are a good spot to play if you have use of a card room in your town I'd recommend spent some play at live games. If you fancy a flutter you will get your fix. Locate a good home game or look
for a local card room if at all possible and go play a couple of times per month if you're able to. The majority of the well-known casino and poker online sites are run by reputable companies who've been within the gaming niche for quite a long time. Play casino and poker online to determine more hands and make use of the ease of a web-based poker site whenever you cannot get free from the home or simply possess a very little time to experience.
Within the recent game playing industry events, which I joined, I overheard a discussion between two guys and one of them instructed another that using a casino website is a means to make quick money online.
. It is therefore vital that you stabilize your casino and poker online have fun with real live games to operate in your skills. Playing inside a live game is very totally different from playing on-line poker. You may either to setup and manage your personal customer care team otherwise allow the operator handle this for you personally.
The immediacy from the internet has exposed a brave "new world "for gambler. This skill isn't attainable in internet poker room play; you need to be sitting over the table out of your opponents to achieve this expertise. The administration of the site is going to be processed every day causing you to be enough time to concentrate on your online marketing strategy.
casino and poker online need constant attention which is essential that you offer good customer care out of all languages of the target markets. Most poker pros will agree the psychology of poker is an extremely important a part of the things they're doing well. Customer retention is with you. There aren't many players who claim eternal loyalty to some gaming site and therefore the active gaming cycle on the particular site can vary from weeks to a few months. You now are becoming to the facets of poker that cope with playing another players and not simply them you're dealt. Creativity in marketing and customer retention is crucial in the current competitive online entertainment business and something is only able to concentrate on the right players by understanding the players themselves. In on-line poker you won't ever need to be in person together with your opponent whereby live games you can observe your attacker so that you get the chance to determine any tells that they're going to exhibit. The program of these sites happen to be produced by mainly several specialist developers plus they all try to provide you with as enjoyable and realistic an event as you possibly can that you should play casino poker online. This is often a vital skill in enhancing your poker game
Max Lyons
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Another #UNLAstory. This time we didn't even have to leave our block. La Brea Posse in full effect on this one. New brand Rokit with their debut launch. Peace to our boy Nico!
ROKIT lifestyle, both on and off the court; a product of blood, sweat and tears. Inspired by a unique marriage of skateboarding and street basketball subcultures framed in a contemporary aesthetic, ROKIT is an homage to champions born of pavement and blacktop.
Although they seem to be two drastically different worlds, many who grew up in skateboarding culture understand the diversity of individuals involved; from inner city stars to misled youth the culture is a melting pot of backgrounds brought together by the love of the sport. With that in mind it's easy to see the same in street basketball culture and it should come as no surprise that those who step off a deck would then step onto a court and vice versa. From the paint to the ledge, on and off the court, ROKIT is a reflection of a lifestyle familiar to many but lived by few.
T-shirt with Rokit Icon embroidery.
ROKIT new-release ROKIT S/S 2016 T-shirts Tops UNLAStory //cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0051/0392/products/ROKIT_Icon_T-Shirtx_1024x1024.jpg?v=1465033953 2016-05-05


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Professional Copywriting Courses
Blackford Centre for Copywriting
Accredited Diploma in Copywriting
Want to be a Copywriter?
Become a copywriter, and earn money doing what you love - writing!
This Diploma course shows you how to write great copy, how to win clients, and how to maximise your earnings.
You can study the course online at home, and there's a printed edition that comes to your door. There's no pressure – and we give you lots of support.
So, what exactly do copywriters do?
Copywriters write the words for web pages, press ads and brochures. They also write direct mail, newsletters and TV commercials. In fact, wherever a company wants to sell something, you'll find a copywriter producing words for it.
The pace of change is accelerating. Consumers want more information. And businesses are constantly launching new products.
That means organisations are having to create new brochures, write sales letters, and add more web pages.
All this adds up to more opportunities for copywriters.
Level 4 Diploma
At the end of this course successful learners will receive a Certificate of Achievement by ABC Awards and a Learner Unit Summary. Read more...
Copywriters are special
Copywriters are a special breed of people. They're skilled writers. They have an excellent standard of living. Their work is intellectually demanding. And they inhabit a glamorous world.
Their work appears in glossy advertisements, in TV jingles and in beautifully produced brochures.
(OK, we also produce a lot of ordinary stuff, as well. But we don't tell anyone that).
Most copywriters work unseen; and few people know about them.
You could be part of that world.
Student Success Story"Although I'm already a very motivated person, the course gave me the confidence to 'go it alone'. Three years down the line and I'm still working as a full-time, freelance copywriter. I have a good range of customers and projects. I really enjoy my work and would certainly recommend the Diploma in Copywriting to people looking to pursue this type of career." |
Can you write?
Copywriters need to condense a client's vague ideas into crisp copy. It's a skill we can nurture in you.
You also have to find a way to position a product - to highlight its advantages. That, too, we can teach you.
If you can write (or you're prepared to learn), you can be a copywriter.
And once you've learnt the secrets, you can write any kind of publicity material.
Having a client approve your first piece of copy is a real thrill. And that's surpassed only by the thrill of receiving their payment. Imagine getting paid for doing what you enjoy.
Who knows where it could lead? Perhaps a top award at the glitzy awards ceremony at Monte Carlo or New York? Perhaps a phone call from a top advertising agency boss, offering you a job?
Student Success Story"I think the best thing is the voluntarily assignments and I do encourage all students to do them. I have built great relationships with the clients that have come to me via this service, which has lead to me submitting marketing materials for them and then leading on to other things. For example, press releases, direct mail, pitches and concentrating on an overall brand image for an online fashion boutique, has now lead to me reporting at London Fashion Week for another Fashion company." |
Is there much competition?
The copywriting course contains books,
manual, audio, guides, and much more
Unlike the world of book writing, there's little competition - because there are few copywriters.
A few people work for big city advertising agencies; but most of us work freelance.
We tend to do the smaller jobs that the big ad agencies don't want to tackle. They'd charge too much. And they can't respond quickly enough. That's when a freelance copywriter is needed.
Many client companies are too small to justify hiring a big agency (because most firms employ fewer than ten people). But they need someone to write press releases or direct mail letters. You can provide that service.
And in provincial cities and towns, many advertising agencies rely heavily on freelance copywriters. They don't have enough work to pay specialists full-time, but they need lots of different writers.
Student Testimonial"I have been so impressed with course. It has been very comprehensive and will certainly stand me in good stead running my own business." |
A message from a former student to their tutor"Just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know that business has gone really well since I went freelance and I'm so thankful for the support you gave me during my studies. I really did need that confidence boost before daring to go for it and I still refer to your feedback during moments of doubt. |
How busy do you want to be?
Some copywriters like to have just one or two clients. Others like to work all hours of the day and night. As a copywriter, you can earn $130,000 (£80,000), and many earn a lot more. The sky's the limit. But many of the learners we talk to just want the freedom of working from home.
Some copywriters enjoy being around their children. And they get a kick out of being their own boss. We also like working with words. Does that include you? So it doesn't really feel like work.
There are very few costs. You need access to a computer, internet connection, and a phone. And that's really all you need. Some copywriters rarely even see clients - the work comes down the telephone or over the net. Virtually every penny you earn is profit.
Student Success Story"I've recently been offered a full time position as an in house copywriter for a building society and am over the moon. It wouldn't have been possible without all your help and support whilst doing my Diploma so I wanted to say thank you again." |
BonusesFor a limited time, we're offering these benefits (totalling £1,091) when you register on the course. They all help you become a copywriter. Bonus 1. Fully-customisable Marketing and Stationery Kit (value £275).This ten-piece kit gives you ready-made advertisements, posters, leaflets and even your business stationery. Just add your own contact details, and print them. Click here for details of the kit. Bonus 2. Free mentoring when you complete the course (value £365)Once you complete the course, we'll give you three months' free business mentoring. You'll have a personal mentor who'll help you set up your own business (if you want to do that). For three months after getting your Diploma you'll get one-to-one advice and support from an active practitioner. So if you're unsure on how to launch your own business, this mentoring programme will put you on the road to success. And because it's all part of the Blackford Centre's course, it won't cost you a penny. Bonus 3. The Diary of a Professional Copywriter (value £35)Follow the highs and lows of a professional copywriter's life, as our freelance copywriter reports each week on his experiences in the field. You'll get insights into his day, and learn from his successes and failures. The Diary is available exclusively to our learners. Bonus 4. Files for a free copywriter's website (value £385)When you set yourself up as a copywriter, you'll need a website, right? But getting a site designed can be time consuming and expensive. And sometimes you don't even get what you hoped for. But register on the course, and you'll receive a free website design for your copywriting business. The site comes in a choice of five colours, complete with sample text. It will save you a lot of money, weeks of delay and the trial and error that comes with designing a website. For more information, click here to see the free copywriter's website. Bonus 5. Business Blueprints (value £17)This 47-page eBook contains complete step-by-step checklists for starting a successful business. Click here to learn more about Business Blueprints. Bonus 6. Roadmap (Value £14)Our Roadmap (right) shows you step-by-step how to become a copywriter. It comes with instructions for use. The Roadmap is not available anywhere else. "It made everything clear and simple." |
Student Testimonial"I absolutely loved this course and would advise anyone interested in copywriting to enrol." |
The course is carefully designed to show you how to become a professional copywriter. It's structured to give you the right information when you need it. There is comprehensive documentation and specialist support material.
Your assignments will be marked by one of our experienced tutors. It means your work is checked in a friendly and confidential atmosphere before being exposed to the outside world. And you can do the course by email.
The 'Diploma in Copywriting' course is a complete learning package. It is crammed full of information, tips and exercises. Everything is beautifully packaged to provide you with your own permanent reference library which you can consult long after completing the course.
Constructed by copywriting experts, the course distills years of experience, covering every kind of market and all types of publicity. And it incorporates the most common questions and comments made by our students. By taking this course, your success as a copywriter is almost certain.
The course is personal to you
Your course is fully personalised. We carefully mark your assignments, and show you how to improve. We provide advice that you can't get anywhere else, and we give you the encouragement that you need to succeed.
The courses are based on the real world. By the end of the course, you'll have met all the main problems that a copywriter encounters. So you won't have any surprises when you face a client.
We even have a post-course service to help you get your copy right, and solve the problems you encounter. By getting a rapid response from us, you avoid the danger of errors in those all-important early assignments.
You also have two advantages over copywriters who have learnt 'on the job'. They have rarely been taught the craft in a systematic way (so they're less professional); and they rarely know the full extent of copywriting (such as how to create brand names).
One of the most important things about the course is giving you the confidence to pitch yourself as a copywriter. Also, to realise that copywriting involves lots of different skills, some of which you have to master outside the course, like social skills, marketing, telephone manner etc.
From starting as a copywriter and writing some web copy I was asked to do web design, which is now a secondary stream of work. For copywriting I have one or two good clients for whom I do most of my 'mainstream' copywriting. I also do design work, like logos and posters, typesetting (including novels), typing (which I sub-contract). In short, never say no to anything you think you could do. And keep your clients happy! Your confidence enables them to be confident in tackling different projects.
In short, put energy and enthusiasm into your business and you'll get rewards. It's a different life to the 9-to 5 (I often work evenings and weekends but have more opportunities for leisure during the week). You'll soon find out that freelancing and self-employment is a better way to work!
- George Wicker, Suffolk
You get exclusive information
The course gives you an invaluable insight into the copywriting world. You can't find these trade secrets disclosed anywhere else. The course is distilled from actual experience, to give you the answers to questions like:
- What sort of organisations need copywriting?
- What should I write: press releases, direct mail, or press ads?
- Where do I find customers?
- How do I learn about the client's product?
- How much do I charge?
- What paperwork do I need?
- How do I write a radio commercial?
There's a students' virtual common room
When you enrol on the course, you'll get access to our students virtual Common Room.
Here you'll find advice, useful articles about copywriting, and the current versions of the course materials (we regularly update the course materials). You'll also be able to seek advice from a course advisor.
About our students' success
One student was asked to produce two short paragraphs on twelve different kitchen and bathroom ranges. He received £55 (US $90) per range, thus earning £660 (US $1,077) in just one evening.
Another course member now provides a monthly press release service for a local firm of lawyers. Every month she receives £750 (US $1,224) for work that takes her less than two days.
These are typical of the amazing rewards our students get from copywriting.
Click here to read more comments from students.
Just look at the course benefits
- Unlike other organisations, we provide complete coverage of the subject, covering all types of copywriting. Plus, we provide a full service back up.
- There are 11 assignments for you to complete, and you get a free copywriter's manual, available nowhere else.
- You'll have email access to your tutor, who will give you free advice and suggestions on anything to do with copywriting, including your own work.
- You can contact our course advisors at the Blackford Centre by phone or by email.
- You can also contact other students, using our student database, to which you can add your details.
- You get to work on real-world assignments from real clients, which will add material to your portfolio.
- Because most people are busy these days, you can take as long as you want to complete the course.
- And if you aren't delighted with the course we offer a 60-day no-quibble refund.
I now have regular clients, some of which pay me on a monthly retainer, and my business has grown considerably over the past two years, with my turnover set to double in year two.
- Thomas Ridge, Manchester
About your tutor
The Blackford Centre's tutors are full-time copywriters, who bring their on-the-job experience to the course. You'll get advice directly from active practitioners - not armchair theorists.
They've worked for big advertising agencies, on global accounts and smaller regional ones.
They've also worked directly for big-name clients, and for smaller ad agencies in smaller towns and cities - so they understand the needs of low-budget clients.
That means you'll get someone who really knows how to help you.
How long does the course take?
You can complete the course in around nine months, depending on your other commitments. Some students do it faster, while others take longer. That's one advantage of distance learning. You can learn at your own speed, not at your teacher's.
And there's no time limit on the course. So if you need to be away for six months, you can do so without worrying.
Could you become a copywriter? Take our free assessment now. Click here. |
Your qualification
Students who satisfactorily complete the course are awarded the Diploma in Copywriting. They also receive the Blackford Centre's Diploma certificate.
When you complete the course
Once you complete the course, you'll receive your Diploma, which is a recognition of your skills and knowledge.
We also send information about your success to your local newspapers. That's a good way of telling potential clients about your availability.
We'll also put your name on our list of Approved Copywriters. And you can get free logos (like the one on the left) to put on your website and your letterhead.
Who enrols on the course?
All kinds of people decide to become copywriters. But typically they are:
- Writers seeking to put their writing skills to good use. They know that copywriting will always be in demand: a computer can't write advertisements and press releases.
- People in advertising agencies, PR consultancies and client companies who want to know more about the subject. They include copywriters, secretaries, and even accountants.
- People who want to supplement their income by working from home. Many need to fit their work around other commitments.
What you'll learn from the course
By the end of the course, you'll have acquired the following skills:
- You'll have learnt the skills of the copywriter's art.
- You'll know how to create copy for all types of publicity.
- You'll know how to win business for yourself.
What happens when you finish the course?
Even when the course ends, we can still continue to help you. On completing your final assignment, we'll give you details of how you can get advice and guidance from the Blackford Centre. When you go to see a client, or you have a query, we'll be no further than your phone or email.
The right course for you?
This is the only worthwhile home-study copywriting course in the world. Let's look at two other courses you could buy.
College A has a well-known course. But it gives you only two tutor-marked assignments. Not many people realise that - we provide 11 assignments). Their course is a sales letter course in disguise. If you want to learn only about direct mail, that's fine. But we also teach you how to write web pages, press releases, brochures, and newsletters. That dramatically extends your scope for earning money. College A thinks that copywriting is about 'hard-sell'. They teach you to 'sell, sell, sell'. But if you're marketing a retirement property to an elderly couple, you need a gentle, reassuring sell. Similarly, many young people are suspicious of the 'hard sell'. Copywriting has many 'tones of voice'.
On the plus side, College A has a great forum. Maybe we ought to have one, too. However, our students can contact each other and share experiences, using the students' database.
College B offers only five modules. And it doesn't tell you how to set up your own business. The marking is done by academics. This isn't surprising because the course is run by college lecturers. All our tutors are real-life copywriters who earn their living from writing copy. And we have in-depth advice on setting and marketing your business. For their sake, it's a shame so many people enrol on other courses. But at least you've come to the right place :-).
It's time to get started
Having read this far, you've got what it takes - motivation. Fill out the enrolment form now, because this is where the adventure and rewards begin. It's easy to start:
- Register online by clicking here. If you need help or information, write or phone the Blackford Centre.
- We'll send you the full course materials within five days - anywhere in the world.
- When you get the course, read the first module. It's laid out in an easy-to-follow format. Then do the first assignment. It asks you simply to describe your life, your interests and your aims. Send (or email) it to your tutor for assessment. Your tutor will return it to you with friendly advice and comments.
- Do the same for the other modules, until you reach the end of the course. By then, you'll probably be earning good money as a copywriter.
We look forward to helping you succeed.
Read more: About our fees and registration
Student commentsI've helped a friend with some copy for two brochures for their holiday lets in France, and a small advert for the same in Cycling Weekly. I enjoy the long copy. It's far easier in my mind, but trying to squeeze the same value into 30 words is fun. I'm now struggling with a flyer for a building friend of mine. This really is a struggle as I realise that this is a totally different gig. I probably need to defer this one until much further into the course, which I am enjoying immensely. |