Attention All Bloggers!
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On October 5th, 2009 the FTC published and released to the public its final revisions on guides governing endorsements and testimonials.
So what does this mean for Bloggers that promote product?
If you are endorsing or promoting a product by doing reviews, you will have to state that you get compensaion for you efforts should someone by from your link. In a nutshell the general public must be informed by you that you will be compensated either by a gift or by money from the product owner should the consumer purchase from your link based on your endorsement. In other words, you may want to attach a little note saying, “This is my affiliate link, if you buy this product after clicking on this link I will be compensated” You get the idea. Please check with a lawyer and get their advice on this. I am definitly not a lawyer and have no education in legal counsel. “Yeah, that is a disclaimer.”
This new ruling goes into effect on Dec. 1st, 2009. It is really not bad for the honest bloggers that have the consumers best interest at heart. What will be bad for you is if you do not change according to the revisions.
David Goldman, staff writer for CNN Money notes in his article released on October 6th, that the existing rules carry a fine as high as $11,000 if product endorsers and reviewers don’t comply.
Frank Kern put together on of the best articles out there on this one. Google him if you don’t already know him. The post has some incredible information that he received from an attourney he knows well.
So, do yourself a favor and go to the Federal Trade Commission site and read the entire article.
Personally, I think it is great for bloggers that are truthful and want to give great content to help consumers make informed decision on a purchase. I also think it will help weed out the dis honest folks and give the customers peace of mind when purchasing.
Now get to blogging and make some money the honest way!
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Tags: bloggers, compliance, filings, fines, ftc