Why me, and why this hub? I figure that my opinions are just as valid as anyone else's. And besides, writing here on a regular basis will at least provide a sense of sanity as I engage in my quest for employment as a copywriter. Or a web writer. Or an article writer. Or even as the guy who writes the ingredient list on my bag of Bolthouse Farms carrots; the list reads as follows:

INGREDIENTS: Carrots.

Really, it's riveting copy that says it all, and says it concisely and clearly.

By scrolling down, you'll see my work experience and samples first - followed by my daily thoughts, ramblings and other postings which are organized by date.

So, welcome to my hub, and please feel free to join in, participate and have your say too.

Cheers.

Since I am looking for work, and since I am trying to promote this page, it makes sense that I post my resume here.

So, without further ado, I humbly present my work and education history.

Mauro Flammini - flamminim@yahoo.ca

OBJECTIVES

To provide creative and strategically relevant copy through dedicated research, brainstorming and good ol’ fashioned hard work. To also increase the revenue & visibility of clients through smart & informative copy.

SKILLS

RESEARCH: All research is done thoroughly. No stone is left unturned. I make sure to understand any required topic or product in order to produce work that is high in quality and strategically relevant.

COMMUNICATION: Able to communicate and present effectively in both written and spoken words.

MULTITASKING: Able to work on a variety of projects at one time, while giving maximum dedication and effort to each.

LEADERSHIP & TEAMWORK: Able to give and receive direction. Pride comes from achieving personal goals and helping others achieve their goals.

COMPUTER SKILLS: Complete knowledge of Microsoft Office with skills in Illustrator, PhotoShop, Quark and InDesign. Able to adapt to new programs quickly.

PATIENCE: In abundance when needed.

PASSION: Researching, writing, creating and teamwork.

EXPERIENCE

1. Copywriter/Content Manager & Affiliate Manager - Showcase

Requirements of Position:

>Collaborate with designers to build and maintain retail website.

>Take an established retail brand identity and translate it to the web.

>Develop compelling and informative web copy for various “As Seen on TV” items using proven writing, marketing and SEO techniques.

>Ensure information featured on the web is accurate & relevant.

>Organize and oversee product photo shoots, PR releases and develop instruction manuals for various products.

>Manage and provide content, news and promotional tools to members of the affiliate program.

Track Record Successes:

>Maintained affiliate conversion rates above 2%.

>Achieved high page rankings for selected focus products.

>Assisted in developing copy template for product addition.

>Developed excellent rapport with clients, customers and partners.

2. Manager of New Product Marketing - Wonderfulbuys.com

Requirements of Position:

>Become knowledgeable and familiar with new “As Seen on TV” and non-TV items.

>Generate sales-oriented copy using proven sales and SEO writing techniques.

>Ensure accuracy of site information.

>Arrange and oversee product photo shoots.

>Develop copy for instruction manuals and product packaging.

>Plan, develop and implement marketing strategies for high-priority products.

>Manage and provide information and sales tools for affiliate program

Track Record Successes:

>Attained high page rankings for selected products.

>Achieved top-seller status for specific new products.

>Featured in “Merchant Focus” feature on Shareasale.com.

EDUCATION

MOHAWK COLLEGE, Hamilton, ON: 3-year diploma earned with Honors in Advertising & Communications Media

>Courses studied: Advanced Copywriting, Marketing, Direct Marketing, Writing for the Web, Advanced Radio Creative, Media of Mass Communications, Media Law & Ethics

SELECTED FREELANCE WRITING EXPERIENCE

1. MDZ IT Solutions Inc.

Requirements of Position:

>Generate articles & reference e-books using SEO & keyword techniques to be posted on various article directories.

>Utilized spinning software & HTML to maximize article visibility and page ranking.

Track Record Successes:

>Achieved top 5 positioning on Google searches for selected clients & their keywords (Client: MDZ IT Solutions, Keywords: Affordable Ecommerce)

>Increased page ranking and sales for selected clients (Wizard Loan Approval, Millennium 3000 Electronics, Appliance Warehouse Direct)

2. International MedSpa Academy/Cosmetic Laser College

Requirements of Position:

>Researched the Medical Spa industry as a whole (history, trends, competition, etc.).

>Provided copy, articles and web content, as well as overall marketing and advertising suggestions.

>Collaborated with designers to create website content, tone & theme.

Track Record Successes:

>Acquired a deep understanding for an industry previously unknown to me.

>Launched website with immediate results of potential students visiting the site.

>Balanced and adapted to the needs of generating high-quality, relevant copy within tight deadlines.

3. JAN Kelley Marketing

Requirements of Position:

>Brought in on a project (McMaster University) basis to translate print advertising campaign into radio and television commercials

>Maintained tone, theme and styles of print campaign as they were shifted to radio and television channels of communication

Track Record Successes:

>Television commercial produced based on translated copy work provided

>Solicited donations on behalf of McMaster University via print & television campaigns to help fund the building of the Ron Joyce Athletic Centre.

>Provided various clients with high-quality copy for a variety of media channels.

4. Volunteer Freelance Article Writer, Naturally Hamilton

Requirements of Position:

>Research and understand thoroughly various topics relating to natural, environmentally safe home gardening techniques.

>Write articles both friendly in tone, positive in nature and easy to comprehend to be implemented by readers.

Track Record Successes:

>Various articles picked up and published in local magazines, including Panorama Magazine of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce (March 2007)

I haven't posted here in a few days due to the fact that I've been pre-occupied for the past few days.

Cubby recently had surgery to remove some lipomas (fatty growths that aren't dangerous). There were 4 lipomas to be removed in total, so she's stitched up pretty good and feelin' kind of blue.

As such, we've been having to literally spend every minute with her to make certain she doesn't scratch at her stitches, and to ensure that she doesn't jump up and down on to and off of things - as that could also pull out her stitches.

She should be good as new and back to her old self in about 2 weeks, when the stitches come out.

So, if anyone's wondering where I've been the last little while - now you know.

If I ever get my act together, I may eventually write the novel that currently resides only in my head. It's really good, too - you should definitely read it. Character development, conflict, resolution, enlightenment - it's all there in spades.

But, until that actually happens, I take pleasure in my freelance writing and writing on this site. The reason that I enjoy my freelance writing experiences is that, on a daily basis, I get to write about different topics that span the spectrum. One day, I may write an article about life insurance. And on another day, I may write an article about the importance of SEO. Now, these may sound like boring topics, but that is where the challenge and thrill lies.

It's a challenge to take my writing skills and prowess and craft an interesting, smart and relevant article about topics, that, on the surface, may seem mundane. But, if I can inject a bit of personality and irreverance into something as plain as iPod batteries, then I will have succeeding in both the "work" objective of presenting an article and the "personal" objective of getting to write and crafting something new and interesting.

Before James Cameron took the Titanic tragedy and framed it with the story of Jack & Rose, it was simply - or wrongly, depending on where you sit - something that happened a long time ago.

And while today's 96th anniversary of its sinking will be marked by Titanic enthusiasts and by those who just happen to know that it took place today, it's worth remembering that Titanic isn't just a blockbuster movie that spawned a spike in Titanic-related items.

It was a tragedy of massive proportions where chaos reigned supreme, where class segregation determined who had at least the chance to live and who had no chance at all, and where thousands of people died in cold, icy waters in complete darkness.

Here's my take on the Titanic legacy: when she was built and launched, the industrial age was in full effect, and, perhaps, mankind had foolishly believed that humans have finally bested Mother Nature. Consider all the advancements in technology and manufacturing that took place in the 30 years leading up to Titanic, beginning with the light bulb and telephone. Everything was on a bigger, stronger and grander scale that could only be matched by the human imagination.

The Titanic was considered "practically unsinkable." Unfortunately, she met her fate because of Mother Nature (the iceberg) and because of the lack of forsight by humans (there were no binoculars in the crow's nest where the lookouts were stationed, thus giving them no chance to spot the fatal iceberg).

96 years ago today, the Titanic sank after striking the iceberg about 3 hours prior. And, while your mode in life decided your odds of living, it really didn't matter. Rich folks died a painful, horrific death and poor folks survived by the skin of their teeth. Towns and familes were completely devastated.

Should you watch the movie recently, rememeber that it is romantic version of a historical event. And while some facets of the movie are fact, there was no happy ending for many of the passengers and crew on board.

Yesterday, Jacques Rogge, the head of the IOC, came out and said that the upcoming Olympic Games in Beijing were in crisis due to all the controversy surrounding China, Tibet and the ongoing protests along the Olympic Torch relay route.

Gee, you think?

To me, it doesn't really matter where the games are held. Now, that's not defending China's human rights record and it's not sweeping the issues of protesters under the rug. But, each country has its own skeletons in the closet that such a large event like the Olympics is bound to reveal.

Many people feel that Canada, specifically Toronto, were snubbed when Beijing won its Olympic bid. However, if the games were to be in Toronto this year, there would be protesters lining up on the Gardiner and the QEW trying to get their message across. And who could blame them? After all, they would have a captive and interested audience.

Perhaps the Canadian issue would be the plight of Aboriginals. Or the fact that way too many skilled and qualified immigrants are forced to work low-paying jobs because their experience and skills are not recognized here. Or maybe it would be Canada's lenient justice system. The fact of the matter is that, Canada, China or anywhere else for that matter, the Olympic Games are bound to bring out protesters, naysayers and people who just like to complain.

There is, though, one sure-fire way to, if not eliminate the protesters, then to at least mitigate one of their main arguments, which is always the use of public money to host such an event: make the Olympics a private enterprise. Corporations and individuals interested in having the Olympics can use thier own funds to bid, win and host them. Take away the taxpayer's money and you take away the taxpayer's biggest issue with the Olympics.

Now, of course, that's only one small solution, and it might not even be the right one. And the source of Olympic money does not supercede human rights issues. But, the IOC was absolutely determined to get the Olympics to China, and now it has. And with countries threatening to boycott, China's human rights record and government censorship policies, the Tibet issue & Beijing's legendary pollution being thrown into the spotlight, it might have made sense to at least wait to award the games to China. The Olympics and China are not going anywhere.

FIFA, the world body that governs soccer, was determined to award the World Cup to Africa, which it has done for the next tournament that will be held in South Africa. Hopefully, they are watching the proceedings surrounding Beijing very closely and taking notes.

To no one in particular. But, when it comes to the singing Happy Birthday, there isn't a simpler song on the planet that sounds as absolutely dreadful as Happy Birthday does when it's sung poorly.

Seriously. Ever hear a rendition of Happy Birthday when it's sung by people who just aren't interested at all? It sounds like a sect of druids worshipping the goat of the sun god. Or, it just sounds like uninspired moaning and groaning...much like Kelly Preston does with Travolta.

The next time you're singing Happy Birthday - give it some effort. Even if the people around you sound like they're re-enacting bingo night at the retirement home. At least you'll feel good about yourself.

By my own admission, I'm not much of a reader. If a book doesn't really grab me in the first few pages, I abandon it - thus doing myself a great disservice. It's a pretty juvenile line of thinking to engage in, I do admit.

However, there was one book that I was immediately intrigued with by it's cover - a man in a hood; revealing himself to exist, yet still concealing his true identity. I always looked at it whenever I was at the bookstore. Finally, I read the back of the book and decided to purchase it and give it a chance. That book was Pilgrim, by Timothy Findlay.

The premise of the book is simple: a man called Pilgrim claims that he cannot die and has lived forever as various people over the course of history. He finds himself alive again after apprantly commiting suicide, and now is in the care of the legendary Dr. Jung; who, in treating this man comes to doubt his own sanity: is Pilgrim crazy, or has he really lived forever?

The writing in this book is absolutely superb. Every word, every page, I was able to envision the story and put myself in it as a quiet observer, and not just as a reader. The intellectual fencing match between Pilgrim and Jung is brilliant: each challenging each other's methods, motives and purpose. Plus, the entire book takes place throughout the most important and vibrant moments in history. A testiment to Mr. Findlay's dedication to historical accuracy.

I've read this book many times before passing it along to an advertising creative director who allowed me to work for her on a project. Each time I read it, I came away with something new and previously undiscovered and unenjoyed. Although I do not own it at this moment, I intend to do so again in the very near future.

For this particualr book, my natural inclination to quit within a few pages was put on hold, as I completely immersed myself into Pilgrim's world and his plight. I should learn from that lesson, and hopefully, eventually, I will.

But, if you are looking for a challenging read that is both entertaining and educational, while not sacrificing either quality for the sake of the other, I highly recommend Pilgrim by Timothy Findlay.

Today wasn't one of my better days. I really don't know how else to put it.

I am so about to date myself and make the official transition from old geezer to old fogey. But, checking out MuchMusic today (for that, I should be drawn & quartered at high noon), the music being released today is just...terrible. Really, it's awful.

Now, I understand that music is subjective, and what may be angelic to one set of ears is demonic to another. But, for the moment, let us assume that I know everything and that I am completely correct on this matter. Actually, we should do that for all moments - like forever - and not just this one.

There are probably a few factors that have led to the decline of quality music. Of course, these are my own ideas, and shouldn't be taken as factual by anyone:

1. Lack of talent. Well, duh. But it seems that anyone can strum a guitar, write a poem and glue them together to make music. But songs, real songs, were once crafted and written by masters who took thier profession seriously. Today, the songwriting team will create it, the soundmixing team will edit it, the marketing team will sell it and the public will buy it.

2. Lack of inspiration. I'm sorry, but when money, time, resources, and I guess talent are being used to write songs about rims, spinners, shoes and white t-shirts, then we've hit a new low. I seriously doubt that aspiring musicians try to get the attention of record executives with songs about laffy taffy.

3. Lack of attention spans. Not by musicians, but by us. Who really has time to listen to an album from start to finish and locate the hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered? There's too much entertainment options to choose from, and not enough time to choose them wisely. Therefore, the need to make complete albums is supplanted by the need to craft one hit song for the iPod and fill the remainder of the album with unlistenable filler.

4. Lack of interest. It's hard to really concentrate on making a good album when you have to launch the clothing line, appear on the reality show and make the movie cameo. Today's artists - the popular ones - are businesspeople first & artists second. Music is simply a division of artist X international.

A group like Fall Out Boy or Good Charlotte may have their videos in heavy rotation on MTV. However, compared to a group like the Rolling Stones, which haven't tasted musical relevance in years, there is no comparison. The artists with the most popular songs will never be the ones who pull in the biggest concert numbers. Conversely, the groups that usually do well on the concert stage don't really find themselves occupying the top of the charts for much too long.

That's not to say that all new music is beyond redemption, and that all old groups are without fault. But, just as, say, special effects in movies have progressed over the years, the overall quality of music has, well, regressed.

That's just one person's opinion - mine. What's yours?

1. Write in short, simple paragraphs. Nothing is more difficult to read, or even look at, than 87 lines of uninterrupted text. With the web, you essentially have an unlimited amount of white space to work with - so feel free to keep your copy short, simple and direct.

2. Use headers to break up your text. People surfing the web aren't there to read War & Peace in full - they want the gist of it. Same with your copy; use a header to summarize the paragraph following it. Even if they don't read the paragraph in its entireity, at least they'll know what it's about.

3. Research before you write, then research what you write. If you make a claim, you best be prepared to back it up. Especially since your reader is already on the net & can easily locate sites to debunk your statement. As any good writer & marketer knows, once credibility is lost, it's almost impossible to get it back.

4. Although web readers aren't going to sit there on your site for hours on end, they will give you more attention & time than, say, a magazine ad. Use that time to tell a story that can relate to the reader. It will have much more resonance & meaning - plus, your web reader may share your article or copy with others.

5. If you have a call to action, make it easy for your reader to find it, and then do it. If you want to make a sale, or get a name on a petition, you can immediately do so on the web. Put the call to action - whether it's a link to click or a form to fill out - in an easy to find place & highlight the fact that this is how and where the payoff takes place.

Last night, the Oilers were officially eliminated from playoff contention.

A moment of silence, please.

Now, the Oilers weren't expected to do much of anything, much like Britney Spears' recent appearance on How I Met Your Mother. However, the Oilers did pleasantly surprise and make it interesting when they appeared all but dead earlier on.

While this year is done, next year does look promising.

Still sucks, though.

Only 449 days to go until Transformers 2 is released on June 26, 2009.

And now you know, because you needed to.