Hey there, lovely you! This is the 77th issue of the Fundraising Writing Newsletter. Kindly share it with someone who's striving to stay gold. (They can βsubscribe for free.)
In this issue:
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Hi Reader,
One great thing about movies and books (and movies based on books) is that they offer:
If you've read SE Hinton's classic novel The Outsiders and/or seen the 1983 film version, for example, then you and I have some memories in common. Like this one:
I hope you do share this "memory" with me, because:
1.) the book and movie are wonderful and
2.) the image of Ponyboy and Cherry (two opposites) watching the same sunset β their humanity triumphing over their differences β is beautiful.
It's an image I think of when I muse about the concept of the "magic hour" β i.e., just after the sun sets (or just before it rises) and the light is magic.
I blame Professor Russell James for making me think in poetic pictures. π
It all began when he first mentioned the concept of the "magic age" and the reason . . .
You see, we've all experienced the "magic hour" β
β yet most of us know little or nothing of the "magic age."
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So let's compare and contrast:
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The magic hour = a time of day good for thinking, reflecting, and appreciating.
The magic age = a time of life good for thinking, reflecting, and appreciating.
* * *
The magic hour = the last (or first) moments of a day.
The magic age = the last years of a life.
* * *
The magic hour = a time of quiet stillness that can nonetheless be mentally productive.
The magic age = a time of life when a person may "go quiet" on you ... but you should not go quiet on them!
* * *
In the following video excerpt from Tom Ahern's recent bequest marketing webinar, Professor Russell James explains how the magic age is key to good fundraising.
He talks at length about:
Once you've watched this video, I hope you'll never forget about the magic age, about your donors who've achieved it, or about the fact that we're not so different from them β we watch the same sunset! π π§‘
For your brain, heart, and funny bone...
Until next time: May your humanity always triumph over your differences, and may you happily and gracefully live long enough to attain and savor the magic age!
All our best,
Fundraising Copywriters βFundraisingWriting.comβ |
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PS: If you'd like to read past issues of this newsletter, the Fundraising Writing Newsletter archive is here.
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PPS: Need help with your donor communications? You might want to check out some portfolio examples (of appeals, newsletters, cases...) from The Case Writers β a collective of pro fundraising copywriters and designers with winning results (including yours truly).
We're Julie Cooper and Brett Cooper, fundraising copywriters for great causes. Does your fundraising bring in as much money as it could? You can send donor communications that stir hearts to action. We'd love to help. π Start by subscribing to our FREE and fun weekly newsletter.
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