Re my “Father-Son Talk” essay in the Oct. 11 issue: 

“I loved your piece on father-son talks. It was funny because it was so painfully true!” – SA

“Once men were direct and straightforward. Sadly, slowly, they turned into pushovers.” – VB

“I don’t expect you to remember me, but I met you over a decade ago at an event in Florida where you spoke. We chatted briefly at the bar. And that inspired me. I have read and followed you for years and I just want to say ‘thank you’ and I am glad to hear that you survived your two strokes. It seems to have been a wake-up call and I hope you treat it as such. Take care and be well.” – VM

“I’m so – SO – happy to still be reading your blog!” – MS

Re my essay about owning a piano in the Oct. 4 issue 

“We have pianos in both our homes, too, for about the same reason as you do…. Two other items come to mind when I think about what used to make a house a home. The Encyclopedia Britannica and a globe. Later came the NYPL Desk Reference, but that was on the eve of the internet.” – SL

My Response: Yes, you are SO right. We had no money, but we had the hardcovered books and the Britannica and the globe. These were prestige items for anyone that wanted to be seen as well educated in the very suburban communities of Long Island, NY.

You couldn’t tell at arm’s length, but our globe was made of cardboard. But because it was so nicely made, in three dimensions and with all the colors one could imagine, it looked expensive, like an expensive heirloom.

Because of its size (I think there were 24 volumes in the set) and the leather binding, the EB was very expensive. I think my dad bought it on some kind of payment plan. I used it exclusively in college. Thanks for the reminder!

Re my brief about self-checkout machines in the Sept. 30 issue 

“Based on your experience, I think you’ll like this. Click here.” – JD

“I’m thrilled your surgery went well! Awesome goals you have and excited to see you pursue them with your newfound health!” – HG

“Happy to know you are doing well – and happier to note the power of your writing is as impactful as ever!” – AD

“Delighted you are back doing projects you care about.” – RG

“I just wanted to say how happy I am to see you get through your recent speed bump in life. I really love your blog and look forward to reading your observations. I’ve learned a lot over the years. Please stay healthy and keep the joy coming our way.” – TA

“You’ve been a mentor from afar for me. Especially your essays on productivity. I wish you continued health and success for many more years!” – ND

“I continue to be dazzled by all you write – and everything else you do.” – BB

Emails about my surgery keep coming. (I’ll be answering as many as I possibly can personally.)

As always, I’m happy to say, I’m also getting requests for my help/advice. Like this one…

“Ever since I completed AWAI’s direct-response copywriting program, I’ve been itching to ask you something… If you were just starting out in direct-response copywriting today, what would you do to ‘make it’? I know I have writing talent, and I think I could be a good copywriter (maybe even great), but I lack guidance. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.” – CI

My Response: There are two things you can do as a student of advertising copy. After you’ve completed your AWAI coursework and feel that you have mastered the basic concepts and understand the sort of copywriting you are good at and like to do, find an entry-level job. Either as a researcher or junior writer for an established copywriter or as an employee at an advertising company or in the advertising department of a large business.

Then commit to spending two years working at least 80 hours a week on your skills. If you can’t commit to that, you should look for other work. If you commit to it but fail to keep your commitment, you’ll know that you don’t have what it takes. If you commit to it and keep your commitment, you will be ready… and the big, wide world of copywriting will be your oyster.

“Really appreciated seeing your Friday post. A terrific message that I wish others would embrace. We each need to advocate for ourselves…. Keeping you in our hearts and prayers!” – MB

“Talked to SM today… and he explained what happened. I was shocked… and sad. I explained to him that all of us BJJ copywriters are like your bastard children… some directly, some with a degree of separation…. but you’ve taken such good care of our community… so, for our community – I wanted to say thank you.

“SM then told me about how he mother-henned you – and talked about the taking a break from Jiu jitsu… or stopping altogether. I told him, ‘Absolutely NOT! There are so many ways to train safely… that stopping would be ridiculous.’ I explained that I couldn’t imagine my life without BJJ – that I would feel lost – and I’m going out on a limb that you would too. So, pardon my French, but… FUCK that!” – SM

“I feel in my gut that you will come out of this on top. It is scary and challenging; in both instances, you seem to rise above. However, there is also the unknown and the part that’s out of your hands. Hold your hope and faith. I’m thinking of you.” – BM

“Sending you positive energy for a full and quick recovery.” – EN

“I love your blog, Mark. I’m so happy and relieved you’re back! You look great.” – JG

“Soo happy to hear that you’re on the mend – how scary! Glad you were surrounded by people who pushed you to go get checked out that day. Hope you’re taking it easy & recovering (though… I doubt that’s in your DNA – to ‘take it easy’).” – KS

I’m happy to say that, in addition to many, many good wishes, I’ve been getting lots of positive feedback about my decision to keep going with this blog… 

“Thrilled to hear you found a better neurologist and are now on your way to bouncing back better than ever. Thank you for the update and many thoughts and prayers your way! (Psyched you’re continuing your newsletter… look forward to it every week.)” – HG

“Really have enjoyed reading your blog. Very ironic that you discovered this health issue after writing about aging. I’ll be thinking of you this weekend as you embark on the surgery and early recovery process. Glad to hear you will keep writing the blog. I selfishly love it!” – JT

“I’m shocked and truly sorry to hear about your health issues. I hope your surgery was a success. Please do keep writing your blog… 99% of the stuff out there isn’t worth reading. But I learn something from every one of your columns. (Plus, you have turned me on to tons of great movies that I never would have seen otherwise.) Hope you keep at it… and that you’re up and around again soon.” – AG

“Best of luck! Stay tough…” – BR

Why I keep doing what I do… 

“You gave me advice when I was 19 back in 2005 in ETR that changed my life forever. While I was slow and stupid with the implementation, I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. Thank you!” – JH

About my books:

“I’m reading your book The Reluctant Entrepreneur. And just read your book Ready, Fire, Aim. Very inspirational reads. Thank you.” – DV

From Bob Bly re the “Ketchup” brief in the Sept. 2 blog: 

“I met and chatted with the ketchup author at an ASJA conference decades ago, when his book Pure Ketchup first came out. I was so fascinated and inspired by his pioneering work in the odd subgenre of ‘culinary history’ that I wrote one of my own, on hot dogs.”