FTC to Bloggers: Be honest

The Federal Trade Commission will require bloggers to clearly disclose any freebies or payments they get from companies for reviewing their products.

 

It is the first time since 1980 that the commission has revised its guidelines on endorsements and testimonials, and the first time the rules have covered bloggers.

But the commission stopped short Monday of specifying how bloggers must disclose any conflicts of interest.

The FTC said its commissioners voted 4-0 to approve the final guidelines, which had been expected. Penalties include up to $11,000 in fines per violation.

The rules take effect Dec. 1.

Read the rest here.

I do my best to site the source of the product, if I don’t, rest assured, I am reviewing a copy sent to review. It does not mean that I will give a positive review – I want you to trust me – nor does it mean that I will cookie cut and paste good marks for the book. I will give you a review based on my interaction with the book. I will attempt to tell you about the book, and if I must, point out deficiencies of the material. I will either give you my recommendation or simply ‘forget’ to do so.

The Federal Trade Commission will require bloggers to clearly disclose any freebies or payments they get from companies for reviewing their products. It is the first time since 1980 that the commission has revised its guidelines on endorsements and testimonials, and the first time the rules have covered bloggers. But the commission stopped short Monday […]
Posted on October 5, 2009 at 3:32 pm by Polycarp · Permalink
In: Blogging, Technology · Tagged with: , ,
  • For the record, I know several bloggers who have received free things and still panned them. A Thomas Nelson reviewer hated her first book so much she's never gone back.

    I reviewed “Kiss” by Ted Dekker, which was twice as long as it should have been and I wish I could get those hours of my life back.

    And, Joel, didn't you get The American Patriots' “Bible”?

    That one really is the gift that keeps on giving, isn't it? (The other possibility being that I'm the only one amused by it …)
  • Polycarp
    You are correct, Wickle. I believe that some of this comes from people who essentially serve as celebrity endorsers. They build a base and hawk the items. I am honest about my reviews and simply do not give away recommendations freely.

    Yeah…the American Patriot's thingie-ma-jig. Thomas Nelson should have given that to Zondervan (owned by Fox News)
  • Rob
    This is an interested development, and I'm curious this impact that this will have across so many blogs out there. As for my own, generally the only thing I shamelessly promote is my own comic book, and most everything else I review is generally negative… 🙂
  • Polycarp
    Ha!

    For me, I try to review it honestly, with or without a recommendation. If it sounds interesting, maybe someone will buy it. But, I don't mind promoting a few things!

    As far as my own works…well, maybe this November, I will write me a book, and when it hits the NY Times no1 bestseller list, retire and spend the rest of my life reading and blogging. That's the plan anyway.
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