The Stone Blog » The crack down on blogging begins…

The crack down on blogging begins…

The FTC has changed it’s guidelines saying that bloggers must disclose any gifts or money paid to them by products they review.  Sounds like a good thing, right?  Unfortunately no.  The reason why it’s a bad thing is the language is intentionally left very vague which means it becomes very subjectional what counts as ‘disclosure’ and allows them to target blogs they don’t like, even if that blog is trying to obey the law.  Think I’m a conspiracy theorist?  I guess we’ll just have to wait and see…

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/FTC-Bloggers-must-disclose-apf-468964868.html?x=0&.v=2

(WindowsConnected bloggers always disclose any products we are sent, who sent them, and why before we do any reviews, FYI.)

Posted Oct 05 2009, 09:08 AM by Matt Freestone

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Comments

Linda Goodfaith wrote re: The crack down on blogging begins…
on 10-05-2009 10:52 PM

Do you know of language that may be placed on a website as a disclaimer?   Something like "this webmaster does to receive or accept gifts from affiliate businesses... "

What else would be required?  

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on 10-05-2009 11:22 PM

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Matt Freestone wrote re: The crack down on blogging begins…
on 10-06-2009 8:48 AM

Hi Linda, thanks for the comment.  Your question is my exact point.  They've intentionally left the language very, very vague.  To be honest with you, I wouldn't risk doing just a general disclaimer on the site itself.  Every time we review something we state in the review who sent it to us and why.  I would highly recommend doing that as it would be hard for them to win on court if you do.

That said, it doesn't mean they will try.  Any time someone decides to put limits and rules on free speech, no matter who it is, everyone should be concerned.

Plan for the worst, hope for the best is my motto.

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