http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090621/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_bloggers_freebie_disclosures
Now, whenever we get products from companies here at WindowsConnected.com we typically do a contest and give the hardware away to our readers and we always post honest reviews about what we think. In fact, I would say too honest and get ourselves in trouble. (I’m a perfect example of this.) So naturally, this FTC crack down has us a bit worried.
These proposed ‘revisions’ (in other words changes to law not performed by congress or elected officials but rather by appointed bureaucrats) would allow the FTC to investigate and prosecute bloggers who ‘may’ have conflicts of interest. Of course the ‘revisions’ don’t give clear boundaries on what they can investigate. Look at this line from the article;
“The common practice of posting a graphical ad or a link to an online retailer — and getting commissions for any sales from it — would be enough to trigger oversight.”
That means ANY blog, no matter what it’s about is a target because even the normal public blog sites have ads on them, and the bloggers can be paid by those sites if they generate enough hits. Even if you’ve never reviewed a product on your blog ever, you could be investigated. So, I’m confused. Wouldn’t Michael Jordan or any other celebrity have a ‘conflict of interest’ being paid to promote a product such as Haynes? Or how about paid actors that provide ‘reviews’ of a product in a commercial? Or even better, what about the paid actors pretending to be scientists and providing scientific information about products? And yet I don’t see the FTC going after them.
If the FTC truly is worried about false advertising and are not just looking for a way to exert power and influence over blogs then why aren’t they investigating the absolutely ridiculous claims of AT&T having the ‘nation’s fastest 3G network.’ That is such a blatant lie and misleading advertising and yet I don’t see anything about the FTC investigating them?
Posted
Jun 21 2009, 11:04 PM
by
Matt Freestone
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