12.00 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

On October 5^th, 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?

If you are endorsing or promoting a product by doing reviews, you will have to state that you get compensaion for you efforts should someone by from your 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. In other words, you may want to attach a little note saying, “This is my affiliate link, if you buy this product after clicking on this link I will be compensated” You get the idea. You may be able to find answers fast in legal forums on line. I am absuletly not a lawer and have no expertise in law. “Yeah, that is a disclaimer.”

This new ruling goes into effect on Dec. 1^st, 2009. You should know that this is not a bad thing for bloggers that promote with hoensty and integrity. What may be bad for you is if you do not follow the new guidelines.

David Goldman, staff writer for CNN Money notes in his article released on October 6^th, that the existing rules carry a fine as high as $11,000 if product endorsers and reviewers don’t comply.

Frank Kern did an amazing job writing a post on this subject also. do a google search for his name and you will find tons of his posts. 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. I truely am sold on the fact that this will help the good guy out there and weed out the deceptive marketers and give our customers a warm fuzzy felling again about buying online.

Have an awesome day!

The Bloggomaniac

1. What You Don’t Know About Bloggers (But You Should) If you’ve dipped so much as a toe into today’s marketing world, you’ve heard about...
2. Join The World Of Video Bloggers Just as people have settled comfortably into maintaining their text-based blogs, along comes video blogging...
3. Quick Blog Tips For Beginning Bloggers Blogging is hot and taking the internet by storm. It enables you to discuss a...