embedded file script not working - outside of folder

[united]

Hi,

Objective:
- run shell script on a command and put results in another folder



shell script
cp $1 $1-2 <-- this works
cp $1 ../$1 < -- this DOENS'T Work (HOW?)

command:
cp <file> <file>-2 <-- works
cp <file> ../<file> <-- works

Question:
- How do I fix the (HOW?) so the file is generated on the directory above or specified.

Troubleshooting which didn't work
- tried cp $1 ~/Desktop/$1
- tried cp $1 /Users/<username>/Desktop/$1

[Mr_Noodle]

Does the path have any spaces in it? Also, is there a reason why you aren't using Hazel's Copy action?