New Blogger Disclosure Policy According to the FTC

Filed Under (Interwebs) by Morbid Romantic on Oct 05, 2009 @ 10:51 pm
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All the ETC:

So, internet, I take it you’ve heard about the new FTC regulation placed on bloggers, correct?

The FTC will require that writers on the Web clearly disclose any freebies or payments they get from companies for reviewing their products. The commission also said advertisers featuring testimonials that claim dramatic results cannot hide behind disclaimers that the results aren’t typical.

The gist is this: where you have anything good and sacred in this world, there will be people who practice unethical behavior. The book blogger community is, as a whole, an honest community. In my time, I have not met many who were not overall very good, honest bloggers. Most book bloggers such as myself also endorse products and receive free merchandise for review. Once you enter this realm, you really start encountering people who run blogs solely to get products and money. They are even willing to sell out their own opinion for a few freebies and a few bucks, giving dishonest and positive reviews to placate their sponsor. This IS unethical behavior.

And this is, of course, what I hope the new FTC regulation will stat to put a stop to.

Naturally, it means that all of us must abide by the rules. But, I am a big time rule player. I like them, I understand them, and I figure if I am not doing anything wrong, it is an easy transition to make. I also have a sitewide disclosure for sponsored posts, but I am going to include after every book and product review if I received the item for free. My reviews have always been honest, though, free gifts or not. As a community, we have a responsibility to protect ourselves and each other.

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5 Responses to “New Blogger Disclosure Policy According to the FTC”

  1. 1
    . Esme (9 comments.) on 6 Oct 2009 at 12:31 am #

    I saw this earlier today-I am with you. The interesting part about books is that I only accept books that I think I will like. Enjoying a good book and spreading the word is my only motivation.

  2. 2
    . Print Brochures (2 comments.) on 6 Oct 2009 at 3:39 am #

    “My reviews have always been honest, though, free gifts or not. As a community, we have a responsibility to protect ourselves and each other.”

    Cheers to you! That is truly a wonderful thought. I’m sure you’ll be succesful. Thank you for sharing this wonderful post.:)

  3. 3
    . chocolate (3 comments.) on 6 Oct 2009 at 4:41 am #

    I saw this earlier today-I am with you. The interesting part about books is that I only accept books that I think I will like.

  4. 4
    . Mary (6 comments.) on 6 Oct 2009 at 6:34 am #

    I’ve always mentioned if a book was sent to me for review and who sent it. I saw on a blog last night that arcs need to be returned after being reviewed. What ??? I usually give them away – never sell them. But use my money to send them back? I don’t think so.
    .-= Mary’s last blog ..Angel Lane by Sheila Roberts – Blog Tour =-.

  5. 5
    . Deanna (5 comments.) on 8 Oct 2009 at 10:53 am #

    It is sad that people use false opinions just to get free stuff. I don’t really seeing anyone being able to put a stop to that though. Good luck to them for trying.