FTC - Bloggers must disclose payments for reviews - GoFuckYourself.com

SmokeyTheBear · 10-05-2009, 08:45 AM

PHILADELPHIA - 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.

Barefootsies · 10-05-2009, 08:46 AM

Sweet justice.

munki · 10-05-2009, 08:49 AM

This could actually shake some shit up.

Fletch XXX · 10-05-2009, 08:51 AM

hmm I blog products and have gotten shit for free, am I really supposed to say that its not real testimonial now? LOL

http://www.fletchxxx.com/fleshlight/pics.html

jact · 10-05-2009, 08:54 AM

I wonder since the term "blog" is so ambiguous, could review sites (porn review sites) fall into this? They're reviewing a product, a website. They're (likely) being paid for the visitors they send. Does that mean they might be required to divulge the payout?

Fletch XXX · 10-05-2009, 08:55 AM

in addition, we all get "payments" for blog entries!!

affiliate money is payment

Barefootsies · 10-05-2009, 08:58 AM

This has been in the pipeline for a couple of years now. No one should be surprised by this.

fatfoo · 10-05-2009, 08:59 AM

It makes sence that they need to disclose freebies and payments. After all, these benefits should be taxable.

Fletch XXX · 10-05-2009, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokeyTheBear

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

conflict of interest?

What conflict is there if Logitech sends me a free keyboard to review?

And I review it, blog it. Conflict?

Agent 488 · 10-05-2009, 09:00 AM

story is a little old and aimed at mainstream bloggers. if it even gets enforced at all. well maybe they will pick up one blogger and throw him against the wall as an example ...

Agent 488 · 10-05-2009, 09:01 AM

you really can't see the conflict it it?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fletch XXX

conflict of interest?

What conflict is there if Logitech sends me a free keyboard to review?

And I review it, blog it. Conflict?

Sarah_Jayne · 10-05-2009, 09:01 AM

I have a vegetarian cooking blog and now and then have been sent things to try. I would always disclose in my post that I was sent it for free but then I also would tell the company that sends it that I will be honest about if I liked it or not.

Of course though, mine isn't US based or hosted so unless the EU puts in a similar rule I don't have to do that by law.

marketsmart · 10-05-2009, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barefootsies

Sweet justice.

no, sweet justice would be the FTC going after all the nutriceutical companies that are ripping consumers off on a daily basis running everything from deceptive business practices to straight up fraud..

FTC is a joke...

Sarah_Jayne · 10-05-2009, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Agent 488

you really can't see the conflict it it?

It is the wrong term..unless he works for another keyboard company then no it isn't a conflict. If he is essentially writing an advertisement but making it look like a normal post then that is about disclosure, not conflict.

That is why mock articles in magazines have that little 'advertisement' tag on them.

Fletch XXX · 10-05-2009, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarah_MaxCash

It is the wrong term..unless he works for another keyboard company then no it isn't a conflict. If he is essentially writing an advertisement but making it look like a normal post then that is about disclosure, not conflict.

thank you.

crockett · 10-05-2009, 09:08 AM

I actually thought they did this a few months ago.

Agent 488 · 10-05-2009, 09:12 AM

non-disclosure of a free keyboard would be a conflct of interest.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarah_MaxCash

It is the wrong term..unless he works for another keyboard company then no it isn't a conflict. If he is essentially writing an advertisement but making it look like a normal post then that is about disclosure, not conflict.

That is why mock articles in magazines have that little 'advertisement' tag on them.

Fletch XXX · 10-05-2009, 09:17 AM

So, if you admit its a free keyboard but still give it a fake positive review, its cool.

Well thats no problem... LOL

SmokeyTheBear · 10-05-2009, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fletch XXX

conflict of interest?

What conflict is there if Logitech sends me a free keyboard to review?

And I review it, blog it. Conflict?

well to be fair the ftc didn't call it conflict of interest, the article writer did.

From the way i read it you are required to disclose freebies or payments regardless of if there is a conflict of interest.

Fletch XXX · 10-05-2009, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokeyTheBear

well to be fair the ftc didn't call it conflict of interest, the article writer did.

From the way i read it you are required to disclose freebies or payments regardless of if there is a conflict of interest.

gotcha, and thanks for clarifying, conflict of interest might not have been the best choice of phrases I think.

SmokeyTheBear · 10-05-2009, 09:20 AM

i guess the theory being let the viewer decide if it is a conflict of interest if they know you got some free shit or paid.

Hotrocket · 10-05-2009, 10:34 AM

I find it interesting that they single out blogs..seems all web pages should be included or it will just open up the regulation to legal challenges.
If the govt wants to regulate the net so bad, you'd think they would hire people that know how the internet really works...lol

10-05-2009, 08:45 AM	#1
SmokeyTheBear ►SouthOfHeaven Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: PlanetEarth MyBoardRank: GerbilMaster My-Penis-Size: extralarge MyWeapon: Computer Posts: 28,609	FTC - Bloggers must disclose payments for reviews PHILADELPHIA - 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. __________________ hatisblack at yahoo.com

10-05-2009, 08:46 AM	#2
Barefootsies Choice is an Illusion Industry Role: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Land of Obama Posts: 42,635	Sweet justice. __________________ Should You Email Your Members? Link1 \| Link2 \| Link3 Enough Said. "Would you rather live like a king for a year or like a prince forever?"

10-05-2009, 08:49 AM	#3
munki Do Fun Shit. Industry Role: Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OC Posts: 13,393	This could actually shake some shit up. __________________ “I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.” -Oscar Wilde

10-05-2009, 08:51 AM	#4
Fletch XXX GFY HALL OF FAME DAMMIT!!! Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: that 504 Posts: 60,840	hmm I blog products and have gotten shit for free, am I really supposed to say that its not real testimonial now? LOL http://www.fletchxxx.com/fleshlight/pics.html __________________ Want an Android App for your tube, membership, or free site? Need banners or promo material? Hit us up (ICQ Fletch: 148841377) or email me fletchxxx at gmail.com - recent work - About me

10-05-2009, 08:54 AM	#5
jact Confirmed User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Oakville, Canada Posts: 9,134	I wonder since the term "blog" is so ambiguous, could review sites (porn review sites) fall into this? They're reviewing a product, a website. They're (likely) being paid for the visitors they send. Does that mean they might be required to divulge the payout? __________________ Free agent

10-05-2009, 08:55 AM	#6
Fletch XXX GFY HALL OF FAME DAMMIT!!! Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: that 504 Posts: 60,840	in addition, we all get "payments" for blog entries!! affiliate money is payment __________________ Want an Android App for your tube, membership, or free site? Need banners or promo material? Hit us up (ICQ Fletch: 148841377) or email me fletchxxx at gmail.com - recent work - About me

10-05-2009, 08:58 AM	#7
Barefootsies Choice is an Illusion Industry Role: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Land of Obama Posts: 42,635	This has been in the pipeline for a couple of years now. No one should be surprised by this. __________________ Should You Email Your Members? Link1 \| Link2 \| Link3 Enough Said. "Would you rather live like a king for a year or like a prince forever?"

10-05-2009, 08:59 AM	#8
fatfoo ICQ:649699063 Industry Role: Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 27,763	It makes sence that they need to disclose freebies and payments. After all, these benefits should be taxable. __________________ Send me an email: [email protected]

10-05-2009, 09:00 AM	#10
Agent 488 Registered User Industry Role: Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 22,511	story is a little old and aimed at mainstream bloggers. if it even gets enforced at all. well maybe they will pick up one blogger and throw him against the wall as an example ...

10-05-2009, 09:01 AM	#12
Sarah_Jayne Now with more Jayne Industry Role: Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 40,077	I have a vegetarian cooking blog and now and then have been sent things to try. I would always disclose in my post that I was sent it for free but then I also would tell the company that sends it that I will be honest about if I liked it or not. Of course though, mine isn't US based or hosted so unless the EU puts in a similar rule I don't have to do that by law.

10-05-2009, 09:08 AM	#16
crockett in a van by the river Industry Role: Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 76,806	I actually thought they did this a few months ago. __________________ In November, you can vote for America's next president or its first dictator.

10-05-2009, 09:17 AM	#18
Fletch XXX GFY HALL OF FAME DAMMIT!!! Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: that 504 Posts: 60,840	So, if you admit its a free keyboard but still give it a fake positive review, its cool. Well thats no problem... LOL __________________ Want an Android App for your tube, membership, or free site? Need banners or promo material? Hit us up (ICQ Fletch: 148841377) or email me fletchxxx at gmail.com - recent work - About me

10-05-2009, 09:20 AM	#21
SmokeyTheBear ►SouthOfHeaven Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: PlanetEarth MyBoardRank: GerbilMaster My-Penis-Size: extralarge MyWeapon: Computer Posts: 28,609	i guess the theory being let the viewer decide if it is a conflict of interest if they know you got some free shit or paid. __________________ hatisblack at yahoo.com

10-05-2009, 10:34 AM	#22
Hotrocket Confirmed User Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 1,327	I find it interesting that they single out blogs..seems all web pages should be included or it will just open up the regulation to legal challenges. If the govt wants to regulate the net so bad, you'd think they would hire people that know how the internet really works...lol