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PSYCHOLOGY TODAY "HITLER" LETTER
Before the classic "bathroom door" letter was created by Bill Jayme for Psychology Today magazine
(see page 29), the long-running control letter was another classic by John P. Walsh.
On the outer envelope was a picture of Adolf Hitler and this teaser:
The year, 1930. The place, Berlin. You are a practicing psychoanalyst
confronting an interesting new patient. His name is Adolf
Hitler. He is a professional politician regarded as one of the country's
rising young men. Now he has come to you because
(continued inside)
he is troubled by persistent anxieties. He speaks confidently about his
plans for Germany, yet he admits to fear of failure and therefore
punishment by "lesser" beings. Lately, however, when he considers
some of the harsh deeds demanded by his grandiose plans, he has
been bothered by feelings of guilt. Nevertheless, he is convinced that
the ends justify the means. He is bothered only because his increasing
anxieties and guilt feelings may impede him in the execution of
his designs. Hitler asks you to put an end to these disturbing feelings.
Can you help him?
By all means a classic "grabber." Of course, that alone won't sell magazine subscriptions. But
Walsh's excellent letter copy picked up where this quotation from a Psychology Today article left
off:
You don't have to be a a professional to be interested in — even fascinated
by — this hypothetical problem. Not a professional doctor,
psychologist or minister. All it takes is a normal amount of curiosity
and interest in how and why people act as they do.
Because I believe that description embraces you, you see here an
invitation and a fleeting offer. It is to ...
become a subscriber to the magazine that bridges
the gap between laboratory and living room . . .
PSYCHOLOGY TODAY
www.greatestsalesletters.com - 228 -