I know I do have some readers who don’t attend blogging conferences or social media events, or move in those circles, so I wanted to advise them about the new FTC Guidelines for endorsements and testimonials (a.k.a. reviews).
The main idea is that anytime a blogger receives “material connections” from a company (cash, product, etc.) that a reader “would not expect” then that blogger must disclose the relationship. If the blogger does not disclose, then the blogger or even the company can be held liable. The result could be a large fine.
In general, it has always been the right thing to do, and many bloggers have been doing it for a while. I have had my Disclosures page for some time as I feel it is important for you to know when I have received something that I review. You will notice that many times I review items that I buy myself, I do it because these books or products interest me and I have decided to share with you.
Whenever I do review a product it is always something that I would have bought anyways, like my Disclosure pages says: “If I start reviewing Harlequin romances, fashion products or the latest gospel album, you will know I have hit my head and you should be worried.”
So if you are a blogger who does receive products for review, I recommend that you do two things:
- Immediately implement a disclosure page. You can find examples here and here (towards bottom), as well as my own.
- Consider signing the Blog with Integrity pledge and maybe add the badge. (see what it looks like in my sidebar)
When you do both of these things you let your readers know that you respect them and feel it is important for them to know that you are an authentic and genuine blogger who does not intend to mislead and that you intend to do the right thing.
Another little tip, keep track of what you receive and give-away. One of my blogging buds was audited. She is a SAHM who has (I think) 3 blogs. She got audited by the I.R.S. and had to account for all the product, cash and trips that she received. It is such an important issue, that during the conference she is running in less than a month, she is bringing in an accountant to discuss both the new FTC guidelines, as well as the tax implications of your blogging activities.
If you live in the Midwest, you not want to miss the opportunity to attend I_Blog conference in Perry, Iowa, November 14-15.
This is the end of my public service announcement, I trust you all will do the right thing!
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Andi, thanks for sharing that. I noticed your blogging with integrity badge awhile back and have looked at your Disclosures page. The way you talk about/promote items seems very up and up and based on sincere interest, not some monetary driven agenda. I’ve just gotten my first freebie and I had to think about how to talk about the item w/o putting off readers while at the same time being honest about what was happening.. of course since I was reviewing a sex toy the whole alienation topic took on a whole new dimension!
Delicate balance. My bigger fear is alienating a reader who finds it offensive. But, I can’t really do anything about that.
For those who want to hear a reasonable story, NPR did a story this week, maybe Tuesday on their All Things Considered Show, around 5:30PM EST.