New FTC Guidelines for bloggers

Discussion in 'General Marketing' started by BSMedia, Nov 30, 2009.

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  1. #1
    Anyone realize that today (Dec 1st, 2009) that the new FTC guidelines for bloggers go into effect.

    I've made a Blank FTC Guideline Compliance Template for anyone who needs it and isn't already following the rules (only good for those who don't endorse products/services)

    How many here, have already added something to their site to help protect against the $11,000USD fine per violation :eek:
     
    BSMedia, Nov 30, 2009 IP
  2. YoungSmeagol

    YoungSmeagol Well-Known Member

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    #2
    They said they wouldn't fine $11,000 immediately. They would give you time to comply unless you are an acai flog making wild effectiveness claims. Then they would launch an investigation.

    No.. you can't create a single post. You are supposed to disclose on every page where you link out to the affiliate vendor and before you show your first affiliate link on your page.

    They should see the disclosure before the link.

    That's why most people aren't going to comply with these new rules because they are going to lose a lot of money. If you make a $100 a day it will get cut in half when you make the proper affiliate disclosures.

    And almost no one has taken testimonials off their pages.

    Here are some major corporations that still use results based testimonials:
    Nutrisystem Testimonials
    Weight Watchers
    LA Weight Loss

    They stand to lose millions of dollars if they restructure their site. There is no way around it. Testimonials outperform everything else 2 to1.
     
    Last edited: Dec 1, 2009
    YoungSmeagol, Dec 1, 2009 IP
  3. BSMedia

    BSMedia Active Member

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    #3
    Read the entire sentence, comprehend, you can do it.

    It clearly states if you don't that a single post can prevent any future problems.
     
    BSMedia, Dec 1, 2009 IP
  4. Dean_Saliba

    Dean_Saliba Notable Member

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    #4
    I'm glad I don't live in the US. It's getting just like China. :eek:
     
    Dean_Saliba, Dec 1, 2009 IP
  5. thefreebielife

    thefreebielife Peon

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    #5
    Lot of offers/people are started to get dinged already because of this.
     
    thefreebielife, Dec 1, 2009 IP
  6. YoungSmeagol

    YoungSmeagol Well-Known Member

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    #6
    Yes, my mistake this is for people who aren't endorsing products. I guess my next question is...
    Why would they need a page telling the FTC that they are not an affiliate and do not accept free goods?

    Back to the original topic...
    Richard Cleland (from the FTC) Clears Up the $11,000 fine rumor.

    I have a disclosure within the body of all my reviews that says.

    That's what's required of me on each and every review page that I create for affiliate offers for.

    Video Conference With Richard Cleland From The FTC:
    Q&A With FTC Re: Bloggers, Affiliates, Advertisers & More

    Click >>> Affiliate Disclosure: 0:35

    Yeah, this sucks pretty bad.
     
    Last edited: Dec 2, 2009
    YoungSmeagol, Dec 2, 2009 IP