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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?
So, If are promoting a product by endorsing it you will have to state that you get paid by the product owner if purchase is from your affiliate link. Its pretty simple, the readers that come to your site will now be informed by you that you will be compensated if they buy from your link. You may do somethin as simple as saying, “Hey if you buy from this link I will get a little commission if thats alright with you” Something like that. You may be able to find some good legal direction on the internet if you do not already have an attourney. I will state for the record, I am not a lawer and not giving legal advice here. “Um, yes this is a disclaimer.”
This new ruling goes into effect on Dec. 1st, 2009. This is not a bad thing for those of you that are honest bloggers. What can be bad is if you do not pay close attention to these new rules.
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 wrote a killer post on this. Google him if you don’t already know him. This post of Kerns is chock full of stuff that gets you thinking and has some extra goodies from one of his lawyer buds.
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. Additionally I think it will cut down on the deception out there and give the consumers a better sense of security and good feelings about buying on line again.
Stay well!
Tags: bloggers, compliance, filings, fines, ftc