What does this mean for you? In simple terms:
*If you are receiving money for a post, you have to disclose it. For example, if a florist is paying a wedding blog to write about them, the blogger has to disclose that fact.
*If you receive a product to review for a post, you have to disclose that. So if a camera company sends a photographer the latest gear to play with and write about, the photographer has to disclose that they received the product for free.
These are not gentle suggestions on the part of the government. The FTC can fine each violation of these regulations for up to $11,000 per post beginning December 1st.
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10 comments:
Thank you for being such a great resource for industry information. The articles you post and write are truly valuable.
What about blogs who list their "favorite" vendors, but don't tell their readers that the list is actually paid advertising?
Evan, that counts. They are receiving money to promote the company on the blog, so it has to be disclosed as paid.
Thank you for letting us know. Do we need to go back and change old posts or does this just go into effect for future posts?
This has been quite a day. With these new regulations and the added loss of some of our old faithful magazines, the plot is certainly thickening.
Thank you for keeping us all informed, your tag line rings very true today. This day is the end and the beginning for many in our industry.
I have a different take on this new regulation, as I am and will always be, NOT in favor of being overly regulated by the government. What will end up happening is poor little Suzie Blogger will get the fine instead of the big liars/thieves that deserve to be shut down.
I think if the FTC wants to start with something, then they should definitely get up on a Saturday morning cable show and watch the bogus celebrity endorsed info-mercials. IF this wasn't about money, they they would have beefed up this regulation A LONG time ago and not waited 29 years.
This has been quite a day. With these new regulations and the added loss of some of our old faithful magazines, the plot is certainly thickening.Thanks for sharing.
does this just apply to blogs based in the states or worldwide? I havent heard anything about this over here in the uk...although blogging isnt really big business over here...help! thanks
I think this is a good thing and will help readers make a better evaluation of the information they are taking in from bloggers. Thanks so much for sharing this and giving the shortened version! ;-)
Saundra, I SO agree!
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