Comments on: Why Pretty Good May Be Really Good for Your Business

By: Carson W.

Carson W. — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 06:12:17 +0000

Being pretty good drives you to be the best. But the wisdom behind it is that if your mentality is that you are always the second best you don't stop to be the best. Even if you are already on the top but you're thinking is that you are still second best then you will not stop on perfecting your craft. Carson W. Skinny Jeans Men

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:33:33 +0000

Karen,

I prefer the simple and more modest claims, primarily because it becomes easier to meet and hopefully exceed the expectations associated with this claim.

If you are the ‘worl’s best’ at something, then it becomes impossible to exceed the expectation associated with that claim – you can’t be better than the best. And being the best represents only living up to your claims, not exceeding them.

Claims using superlatives however, can be effective if you can back these up with figures. If your product wins some kind of official award or recognition for being the longest lasting or most durable or whatever, then you could certainly mention such an award – it is testament to quality.
.-= Andrew´s last blog ..Niger Delta Crisis – Big Oil’s Big Lesson =-.

By: Rebecca Smith

Rebecca Smith — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:29:10 +0000

Hi, Karen -
As a word lover, I really enjoyed this post about the power of simple, honest language. (Your description of a “pretty safe airplane” had me LingOL!)

I’d describe myself as a very good writer, but I’d never claim to be the “world’s best.” That sort of boasting would go against my brand of clear and straightforward copywriting — and would probably turn most clients off.
.-= Rebecca Smith´s last blog ..Merriam-Webster’s 2009 Word of the Year: Admonish =-.