Are you blogging and getting freebies? If so, you’ll need to practice full disclosure about the gifts you get for blogging. For example, I may have to reveal that cruise to the Bahamas, the Porsche that was delivered for a few blog entries I did on free software…yeah, right! (sarcasm).
While the most I’ve received–and I count it as worthwhile–for my blogging effort is a few books, I know there are others who have received more expensive gifts (like laptops). A new rule makes disclosure a requirement:
The Federal Trade Commission will try to regulate blogging for the first time, requiring writers on the Web to clearly disclose any freebies or payments they get from companies for reviewing their products.
The FTC said today its commissioners voted 4-0 to approve the final Web guidelines, which had been expected. Violating the rules, which take effect Dec. 1, could bring fines up to $11,000 per violation. Bloggers or advertisers also could face injunctions and be ordered to reimburse consumers for financial losses stemming from inappropriate product reviews. The commission stopped short of specifying how bloggers must disclose conflicts of interest.
Source: FTC Rules Bloggers Must Reveal Freebies
Yes, exactly right. I couldn’t agree more that this rule should apply to bloggers.
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People are getting free stuff for blogging??! What a sham! I've been blogging for four years and I haven't gotten anything but frustration. 😉
People are getting free stuff for blogging??! What a sham! I've been blogging for four years and I haven't gotten anything but frustration. 😉
@Joel – Funny frustration is all you've gotten…Maybe that's why readership is so low? Why not focus on what makes you laugh, smile, happy within the context of work?
@Joel – Funny frustration is all you've gotten…Maybe that's why readership is so low? Why not focus on what makes you laugh, smile, happy within the context of work?
I don't think it is readership that is low. Comment posts are low. I wonder if blogging is on its way out? Microblogging is in because it limits information to 140 characters? Compared to previous years, are you getting as many comments on your blog as you have in the past? Are people commenting anymore?I hear from people that they read my blog but I have learned that they don't like to comment. I have adapted to that. And I can't focus on the things you mention. My therapists have asked me to do that for years. :p
I don't think it is readership that is low. Comment posts are low. I wonder if blogging is on its way out? Microblogging is in because it limits information to 140 characters? Compared to previous years, are you getting as many comments on your blog as you have in the past? Are people commenting anymore?I hear from people that they read my blog but I have learned that they don't like to comment. I have adapted to that. And I can't focus on the things you mention. My therapists have asked me to do that for years. :p