Bob Bly Direct Response Copywriter Official Banner

What Did CNN Mean to Say?

December 23rd, 2008 by Bob Bly

A story headline on CNN.com today reads:

“Shirtless Obama snapped on beach.”

For a second, I envisioned Obama running around on a beach without a shirt in the winter, having snapped under the strain of the looming presidency, gone completely insane.

A second later, I realized the headline meant that he had been “snapped” — his picture taken by a photographer.

This reminds me of an old article telling about a priest who enjoyed contemplative thought while standing under the stars at night in front of his church.

The article said, “The minister was drinking in the night air.”

His parishioners thought he had become a lush.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best: “It is not enough to write so you can be understood. You must write so that you cannot be misunderstood.”

Share

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008 at 12:45 pm and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

57 responses about “What Did CNN Mean to Say?”

  1. Online Advertising Live » Blog Archive » What Did CNN Mean to Say? - bly.com blog - bly.com direct … said:

    […] unknown wrote an interesting post today onWhat Did CNN Mean to Say? – bly.com blog – bly.com direct …Here’s a quick excerptType in your email address today to receive the Bob Bly Direct Response Letter. Privacy Statement Click here for Newsletter Archive Bob Bly’s Direct Response Letter Free tips for doubling your response rates … […]

  2. Dianna Huff said:

    I actually read “shirtless” without the “r” and had to go back and read it again.

  3. Marketing your business said:

    Well said Bob ! I’m hopeful that the more I write the less I am misunderstood. (I hope that made sense).

    Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays !

  4. Terrance Charles said:

    I mean, if you really read it “shirtless obama snapped on beach” that’s what it does sound like. Sometimes they have to be careful not to send the wrong message just for a headline.

    Terrance Charles
    http://www.terrancecharles.com

  5. Big Marketing For You » Blog Archive » What Did CNN Mean to Say? - bly.com blog - bly.com direct … said:

    […] unknown wrote an interesting post today onWhat Did CNN Mean to Say? – bly.com blog – bly.com direct …Here’s a quick excerptType in your email address today to receive the Bob Bly Direct Response Letter. Privacy Statement Click here for Newsletter Archive Bob Bly’s Direct Response Letter Free tips for doubling your response rates … […]

  6. Becca said:

    I have to laugh at this because I had a similar thought when I read that headline. It’s a great example of how important it is to be clear with what you’re printing. And how hard it can be.

  7. Kristi Holl said:

    Reminds me of my English teacher in junior high who taught on this subject using the line “Throw Mama from the train a kiss.” I can’t remember the teacher’s name, but I’ve never forgotten that line!
    Kristi Holl
    Writer’s First Aid blog

  8. Kenn Gividen said:

    And now for a copy-paste of the old Church Bulletin Bloopers…

    Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa, will be speaking tonight at Calvary Methodist. Come hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa.

    Announcement in a church bulletin for a national PRAYER & FASTING Conference: “The cost for attending the Fasting and Prayer conference includes meals.”

    The sermon this morning: “Jesus Walks on the Water.”
    The sermon tonight: “Searching for Jesus.”

    Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 PM in the recreation hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King.

    “Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don’t forget your husbands.”

    The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been cancelled due to a conflict.

    Remember in prayer the many that are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say “hell” to someone who doesn’t care much about you.

    Don’t let worry kill you off – let the Church help.

    Miss Charlene Mason sang “I will not pass this way again”, giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.

    For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

    Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.

    Barbara remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more transfusions. She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Pastor Jack’s sermons.

    During the absence of our Pastor, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good sermon when J.F. Stubbs supplied our pulpit.

    The Rector will preach his farewell message after which the choir will sing “Break Forth into Joy.”

    Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

    A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.

    At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be “What is Hell?” Come early and listen to our choir practice.

    Eight new choir robes are currently needed, due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

    Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles, and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

    The Lutheran men’s group will meet at 6 pm. Steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, bread and dessert will be served for a nominal feel.

    Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.

    Attend and you will hear an excellent speaker and heave a healthy lunch.

    The church will host an evening of fine dining, superb entertainment, and gracious hostility.

    Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 pm – prayer and medication to follow.

    The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.

    This evening at 7 pm there will be a hymn sing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.

    Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B.S. is done.

    The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.

    Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use back door.

    The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The Congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

    Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

    Mrs. Johnson will be entering the hospital this week for testes.

    The Associate Minister unveiled the church’s new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday “I Upped My Pledge – Up Yours.”

    Our next song is “Angels We Have Heard Get High.”

  9. Stacey said:

    It reminds me of a sign I once saw in a store window that said “Sale on Fur Coats – Buy One Coat, Get the Other Half Free”

  10. Orlando Personal Trainer said:

    I was just helping my son (before Christmas break) with an English assignment on misplaced modifiers. A sentence read, “Blanketed with snow, the van slid down the slippery hill.”

    Of course that was just one of about 25 he had to correct but it’s a common occurrence to misplaced modifiers in the English language. In the previous sentence it sounds as if the van was blanketed with snow. To correct it you could change it to something like, “Blanketed with snow, the slippery hill caused the van to slid backwards.”

    Of course CNN could have rewrote the cation to read, “A shirtless Obama was snapped at the beach.”

    Since we are talking about it though, maybe they meant exactly what they said?

  11. Note Taking Nerd #2 said:

    Hey,

    This reminds me of Jay Leno’s “Headlines” shtick he does on his show.

    Proof read your stuff. Have someone else proofread it. And then have that same person read it out loud to you.

    I can’t imagine any of those ads that made Jay’s list went through that process.

    Note Taking Nerd #2
    http://www.mynotetakingnerd.wordpress.com

  12. Steve Martin said:

    Shirtless Obama snapped on beach!! lol i heard they were comparing him with arnods body

  13. Morgan said:

    What a silly story from CNN anyway. A shirtless Obama? Who cares?

  14. successallabout said:

    Good
    https://www.successallabout.com

  15. neon eyeshadow said:

    This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I found your website certain neon eyeshadow for my needs. I truly like what you have acquired here, really like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it. Thanks for sharing.

  16. Rohaan said:

    Great post. I like this post. Thanks for sharing this useful information. buy insulated food bags

  17. Abbas said:

    I read your blog post and this is nice blog post.. thanks for taking the time to share with us. have a nice day covers for boots

  18. panache Bespoke said:

    Thanks for sharing wonderful information Regarding CNN.CNN a high profile electronic media.
    <a href="https://tailormade-shirts.com/"<Custom Made shirts

  19. Liaqat Ali Nawaz said:

    I had a similar idea when I read that headline, so I have to laugh at this. This is a good example of how important it is to be clear about what you print. And how difficult it is!

  20. website developer said:

    Hey, would you mind if I share your blog on my social media channels? There are a lot of folks that I think would enjoy reading your content. Please let me know. Thank you.
    freelance web developer

  21. Quickbooks update error 15223 said:

    Update error 15223 generally occurs while updating Quickbooks desktop. it can occur due to corrupt damaged windows file, inappropriate Internet explorer configuration and many more, if you want to know more about this error and how to rectify it, head for the link above

  22. daniel lisa said:

    If you need any technical assistance regarding Quickbooks head for Quickbooks error support

  23. BEAN said:

    This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free.https://www.infobrez.com/employee-shift-scheduling-software

  24. Sara Cave said:

    Well, I think this a deliberate attempt to be misunderstood. Because being clear about it would make the news boring, and let’s admit it – no one likes a boring piece of news. I think being creative enough to leave room for doubt is a quality that every writer should have. I remember when I decided to pay someone to write my dissertation and was looking for a website, I hired one that was the most creative in its approach – because I wanted my dissertation writer to be creative. In my opinion, headlining it in this way is a clever move – otherwise, you wouldn’t be talking about it.

  25. Mens Dress Shirts said:

    So what does it sound like when you actually read “Beach Snap Shirtless Obama”? Sometimes they have to be careful not to send the wrong message just for the headline.

  26. Mnes Custom Shirts said:

    What did CNN say? – Bly.com Blog – bly.com Direct… A brief excerpt of today’s email address to receive the Bob Bree Direct Response Letter. Click here for an archive of our privacy statement newsletter. Bob Bree’s Direct Response Letter Free Tips to Double Your Response Rate

  27. Mens Black Dress Shirts said:

    This is the first time I have visited here. I’ve found so many exciting issues with this particular blog, one thing pls wants to ask you to keep posting useful blogs of that type.

  28. One Dasty said:

    What we dowell mannered pug puppies and french bulldog puppies. We produce this puppies with desiring colors to make sure our nursery comes first in breeding special colored pug puppies and french bulldog puppies here in the state. We also make sure all puppies adopted from us have the below characteristics.
    https://pugslandbreeder.company.com

  29. robert said:

    https://savannahbengal.company.com/

  30. Joe Clark said:

    Affiliates Program delivered in the social platform or outcome synthesis MCA Leads Data is effectively viewed as a neglected but worthy upward.

  31. Quickbooks error code h202 said:

    QuickBooks error code h202 occurs when QuickBooks Desktop attempts to connect to a business file but is unable to do so owing to faulty hosting setup settings, DNS server conflicts, and other issues. Intuit recommends using the QuickBooks Database Server Manager to fix the problem. You can also utilize the QuickBooks File Doctor Tool to resolve the issue.

  32. Ndure Shoes said:

    Shop from a wide range of Mens collection from Ndure. Shop from a wide variety of men shoes, Mens chappals, sandals, sneakers, sports wear, loafers, slipons and boots from Ndure. Our shoes are made from best quality material that is durable. Shop from a wide range shoes color and style. At Ndure, we have a fashion for each one of You.

  33. Ndure Shoes said:

    Ndure offers their customers jackets of all types, including Denim Jackets For Women, leather jackets, puffer jackets, and Sherpa denim jackets. Buy the best available winter blue jeans Jackets for women online in Pakistan from Ndure. We bring you high quality bomber jacket, Puffer Hooded Gilet for womens online.

    Ndure offers their customers the highest quality tracksuit for women of all types, including ladies jogging bottoms, jogging suits, velour sweatsuits and gym track suits. Get the best available Womens Tracksuit sets online in Pakistan. So, buy the best velvet tracksuits women from Ndure online.

    Ndure offers their customers the highest quality jackets for men of all types, including leather, bomber jackets and windbreaker jackets. Get the best available Men’s waterproof jackets online in Pakistan. So, buy the best puffer Jackets and hooded jackets from Ndure online. We bring you high-quality men’s Mock neck black Gilet Jackets.

  34. nickmosan said:

    When using QuickBooks in multi-user mode, the error “QBDBMGRN not running on this computer” occurs. QBDBMGRN is a QuickBooks function that enables multiple users to access the database and company files stored on a hosted server. When the QBDBMGRN service is disabled on your computer, the QBDBMGRN.exe error occurs.
    qbdbmgrn not running

  35. Ellie Joe said:

    In this blog, we will apprise you about the possible causes and how you can Fix QuickBooks restore failed issue like a Pro. However, our QuickBooks desktop support team is always ready to help you out in your QB related problems.

  36. Ellie Joe said:

    QuickBooks Unrecoverable Errors may appear for many reasons. Also, since its nature is random, codes that show up with them may vary most of the times. But despite the cause or the error code, there are some credible solutions that you can perform to resolve the QuickBooks desktop unrecoverable error. Alternatively, you can also dial 1-800-615-2347 and speak to our certified technicians.

  37. Shop ECS said:

    ECS is offering the best pret wear of summer which make your wardrobe fashionable. ECS fabrics is premium quality and full of new design launch by ECS.

  38. Rios Cosmetics said:

    Rios is a multi-brand store that provides amazing makeup remover and makeup remover wipes. The store aims to provide satisfaction through high quality products like makeup remover wipes. Their makeup removers are perfect and just what you need Rios fulfills your every demand, with the best makeup remover kit.

  39. Rivaj UK said:

    Grab amazing cosmetics and related products like primer makeup and the best primer, only from Rivaj. So, grab their best primers today and enjoy. Their primer makeup sets are truly unbeatable and offer a high degree of satisfaction. Rivaj offers the best primer makeup to their customers all the time.

  40. qarim said:

    Morteza Jafarzade – “Dadashi 2” > Old Song > Download With Text And 320 & 128 Links In Musico

  41. ebrahimzadeh said:

    Aliha – “Mishe Faghat” > Old Song > Download With Text And 320 & 128 Links In Musico

  42. musicfa said:

    Exclusive Song: Alireza Ghorbani – Shahre Deltangi With Text And Direct Links In UpMusic

  43. amelia smith said:

    Here in this post, we have discussed the steps to resolve the QuickBooks Payroll Error Code 15223 following the reasons by which this error has occurred.

  44. tiptop-einrichtung said:

    A friseureinrichtung outlet is a store that offers discounted furniture and equipment for hair salons. Here, hairstylists can acquire high-quality furnishings at more affordable rates.

  45. valleerealestate said:

    At Valleerealestate, our dedicated real estate team is committed to providing exceptional service and expertise. With a wealth of experience in the industry, our team of skilled professionals will guide you through every step of your real estate journey, ensuring a seamless and successful transaction.

  46. valleerealestate said:

    Discover the best of urban living with our collection of vancouver condos for sale. From stylish downtown lofts to waterfront retreats, Valleerealestate offers a diverse range of condominiums, tailored to suit your lifestyle and preferences in the vibrant city of Vancouver.

  47. Doris said:

    Great post! Tailor M365 User Adoption solutions to meet the specific needs of different user groups within the organization. Understand their pain points and provide solutions that address those issues.

  48. iHost VPS said:

    Experience unbeatable value with iHost VPS’s budget-friendly VPS solutions. We believe in high-quality hosting without the premium price tag. Purchase an affordable Cheap VPS Buy today and enjoy a dedicated virtual environment tailored to your specific requirements.

  49. iHost VPS said:

    Discover unbeatable value with our budget-friendly VPS Cheap 1$ plans at iHost VPS. Get the hosting you need without breaking the bank. Despite the low cost, we ensure reliable performance and seamless operation for your online projects. Trust in our expert support team and robust infrastructure to deliver an exceptional hosting experience at an incredibly affordable price.

  50. iHost VPS said:

    At iHost VPS, we clarify the difference between VPS and RDP . While both offer remote access to a server, a VPS is a complete virtualized environment with dedicated resources for hosting, whereas RDP is a protocol for remotely connecting to a Windows-based system. Our expert guides can help you choose the right solution based on your specific needs.

  51. BabyBoxShop said:

    Welcome the new baby boy with a personalised touch. Our range of personalised baby boy giftsincludes an array of charming items that can be customised with his name or initials. From cuddly blankets to playful onesies, these gifts are sure to make a lasting impression on the new parents and their bundle of joy.

  52. BSNS Consulting said:

    Achieve prominent online visibility with BSNS Consulting’s Best Search Engine Marketing strategies. Our team leverages the power of search engines to place your brand at the top of search results, ensuring maximum exposure and targeted leads. Partner with us to optimise your search engine marketing efforts and stay ahead in the competitive digital realm.

  53. iHost VPS said:

    Cheap VPS Hosting refers to a hosting service that offers Virtual Private Servers at an extremely affordable price point. These hosting plans are designed to be budget-friendly while still providing a reliable platform for users to host websites, applications, or other online projects. While cost-effective, it’s essential to ensure that the hosting service meets the required performance and support standards.

  54. CaVPS Host said:

    With CaVPS Host’s Remote Desktop VPS, experience an exceptional level of remote access and control over your virtual server. Our services are designed to facilitate seamless connections, enabling you to manage your server resources efficiently. Enjoy a secure and user-friendly experience for all your computing needs.

  55. Tiptop-einrichtung said:

    A Nageltisch is simply a nail table or manicure table. It’s a piece of furniture designed for performing various nail care treatments, such as manicures and pedicures. These tables often come equipped with storage drawers and a comfortable work surface.

  56. John garre said:

    True message behind CNN’s latest coverage with our insightful analysis. Dive deep into the story and understand the context behind the headlines. Enhance your understanding with our animated informational video.

  57. TipTop Enrichtung said:

    Discover affordable salon chairs for TipTop-Einrichtung – your premier destination for quality salon furnishings. Upgrade your salon with our budget-friendly Friseurstühle, combining style and comfort without breaking the bank. Explore our selection today and elevate your salon experience affordably. friseurstühle günstig : Your path to stylish salon seating at unbeatable prices, exclusively at TipTop-Einrichtung.

Leave a Reply