Since I first wrote about the FTP blogging rules for endorsements, I’ve read some interesting posts on other blogs about it. Shoemoney held a “town hall chat” with John Chow and other bloggers, and he talks about it in his post What you don’t know about the new FTC rules on Disclosure. He basically thinks that the fake news sites and obvious guru bad guys (lying about income and results to make sales) will be made a into a scapegoat – one way or ther other. Those of us using affiliate links and being honest probably won’t be affect at all.
It’s interesting to see Matt Cutts’ put up a page about disclosure too. His basically says that he’s a google employee, he owns google stock, he doesn’t take any free gifts or money (even travel expenses to conferences). I guess you have to say that if you’re an employee blogger. It’s kind of the reverse of someone disclosing they make money or how the endorse something.
In the spirit of things, I’ve created my own disclosure page. Check it out. If you review or endorse anything online (or make money online and blog about it), AND you live in the U.S. – you should probably create your own disclosure page.
Yeah, the FTC rules are big news at the moment.
My understanding is that they are after the “gurus” who sell their systems and programs using “non representative” testimonials from people who’ve made a fortune with their stuff.
I suspect that the FTC may have it’s hands full trying to enforce this though! I did hear an interview with an FTC spokesman recently, who admitted that they wouldn’t have the capacity to enforce this, and would generally go after the big guys!
I think a disclosure page is a good idea though. I’m sure that most people don’t mind buying through an affiliate link if you’re up front about, especially if it keeps your site going!
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Hi,
This is a nice post with have a good info.When i read this post i very glad.I think a disclosure page is a good idea though.
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My only comment is that I have been a reader of your blog, and have purchased various items in the past, but cannot tolerate the vulgar low class profanity used in this post, and a few in the past. There is absolutely no need for this and I find it highly offensive. This is the last post I will read from your site and am unsubscribing.
It consistently amazes me just how few bloggers understand what our government can, and can’t do.
Under no circumstances can the FTC make law. The only branch of government that can make law is the legislative branch and to a lesser extent the executive branch with the president’s signing statements ability.
All bloggers are talking about complying with this when in all reality this mandate of the FTC’s has no enforcement ability whatsoever if you understand your rights as an American citizen.
With that said, I think its an excellent idea that will probably be used to stop some scams. But as for stopping the big guys? It won’t hurt them a big. How many cases involving multi-million dollar corporations who are using underhanded sales techniques do you think the FTC will take on? The answer to that is not many because these companies will have the ability to hire competent lawyers to ensure the government obeys the laws our forefathers handed down in the Bill of Rights and the United States Constitution.
I have a disclosure statement on my blog as well, but I also say it was made under duress because of my understand of law knowing that the FTC has no authority to enforce such a disclosure.
I know this sounds really political but we as Americans have to make a stand somewhere or the government will do whatever it wants to us and that is not the way its going to be in my book. Every single one of those people in Washington DC are my employees by proxy. Their salaries are paid for by all of our tax money. They should not be dictating to us, we the people should be dictating to them!
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@Gust: what are you – some kind of conservative right wing freak? Someone that pretends nobody ever swears, nobody ever has sex, nobody ever drinks, and that bars and clubs are low class establishments people of good repute never stoop to frequent? It’s called “linkbait” my friend, and it worked well – as I got quite a lot of new readers and RSS subscribers from this post. This is MY BLOG, and I use all kinds of things to make my points – aimed at all kinds of readers and markets. If you can’t have a little fun every now and then- what’s it all worth? You’re probably too low class to ever have watched any of the Godfather movies as well – I bet they’re too “low class and vulgar” for you too. Good God man – grow up.
Thanks for the disclosure, appreciated. You’d be amazed at how many people actually don’t understand the affiliate marketing method at all.
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I am undecided about what FTC is doing.
On the one hand gurus who make fraudelent claims should be stopped from making those claims. This would give others a better understanding of what is possible.
On the other hand we should be suspicious of people who claim to have made a pile of money from the internet and are giving away the secret of their succes out of the goodness of their heart.
The old addage “buyer beware” should be kept in mind.
Pat
I hope these new regulations will make the internet in a better place and not backfire on the honest guys
Nice post! This is a very hot topic although it’s a pain to have to disclose on every page that you earn a commission from recommendations made, it should make online marketing more transparant in a sense. There are numerous sites out there using “fake” testimonials in order to peddle products to many newbies getting into online marketing.
If you’re recommending products and providing honest reviews, your visitors/subscribers will trust and go with your recommendations so the FTC news shouldn’t have any ill effects on your earnings anyway. In the end it all boils down to trust.
Larry
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This post underlines the importance of not only the right disclosure page but how important “legal stuff” is important to any business especially online businesses…
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Someone needs to create a 100 page legal boilerplate document, to pass around, that is so convoluted, even good lawyers cant undersatnd it. You know, like Paypal terms and conditions.
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