FTC Blogging Guidelines
posted Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Beginning Dec. 1, bloggers will be required to disclose any "material connections" (i.e. payments or freebies) they receive from companies whose products they review. I want to state right now that I have never received payment or gifts in exchange for my reviews. I have, however, occasionally received free samples (which may have been full-sized products) - can't do a review without the actual product in hand! For the most part, I have paid for or obtained my own samples, and have undertaken product reviews of my own accord.
Additionally, if I say I like a product, it's because I honestly do, not because anyone asked me to make that claim.
Starting now, I will tag any future product reviews with an indicator that the sample was given to me by the manufacturer, or if I obtained it myself. And I promise never to take money or in-kind payment in exchange for a positive review. The purpose of this blog is not to mislead readers, but to encourage them to try the products with which I have had a positive experience. It's all about integrity, and apparently the FTC doesn't think bloggers have much of that.
Additionally, if I say I like a product, it's because I honestly do, not because anyone asked me to make that claim.
Starting now, I will tag any future product reviews with an indicator that the sample was given to me by the manufacturer, or if I obtained it myself. And I promise never to take money or in-kind payment in exchange for a positive review. The purpose of this blog is not to mislead readers, but to encourage them to try the products with which I have had a positive experience. It's all about integrity, and apparently the FTC doesn't think bloggers have much of that.
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