Comments on: FTC Puts Its Foot Down on Blogger Freebies

By: Leproust

Leproust — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:22:32 +0000

Thank you so much for this post! It is a great resource. I remember scanning it a few weeks ago, and after receiving my first free samples via mail, I searched for this post again to double-check myself!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:42:19 +0000

“In the mail today I received…” is not really good enough. I receive plenty of stuff in the mail, but it is all stuff I have ordered and paid for myself. Respectfully, I think you should make it more clear, law or no law. At any rate, I have seen this language on fashion blogs often, and I had no idea until reading this post, that that was code for “I was sent this for free.” Conversely, the reference to samples does seem clear.

I stopped buying magazines as soon as I found out that the writers receive free samples and thankyou gifts for their write-ups. It seems even worse if ostensibly independent, individual, unpaid bloggers fail to disclose such conflicts of interest, because readers are indeed more likely to think their glowing reviews genuine. Of course they may well be genuine, in which case, why not make the disclosure anyway? If you don’t have an agenda (i.e., trying to keep gift givers sweet) what is the problem with disclosing?

By: reckless daughter

reckless daughter — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:58:52 +0000

very good to know! thanks.
reckless daughter´s last blog ..be my Valentino :: ss10

By: Classic Autumn Rant | THE COVETED

Classic Autumn Rant | THE COVETED — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:23:32 +0000

[...] leads me to the next thought weighing on my mind. The FTC ruled earlier this week that bloggers have to disclose when they get something for free whether it’s a gift of for review. Personally I find this ruling a bit insulting. First of [...]

By: FTC Ruling : An Ethical Double Standard? | Independent Fashion Bloggers

FTC Ruling : An Ethical Double Standard? | Independent Fashion Bloggers — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:02:34 +0000

[...] Liberty London Girl broke down what the FTC actually means by ‘disclosure.’ Bloggers have gained enough followers so their positive reviews are now deemed [...]

By: The Clothes Horse

The Clothes Horse — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:57:20 +0000

This has been making me so nervous! I already try to make it clear when I receive a product for free, but still…
The Clothes Horse´s last blog ..Modcloth Blogger Of The Moment

By: Sandra

Sandra — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:47:22 +0000

Excellent post! And thank you for explaining the ramifications, both legal and ethical. I, too, have always disclosed when something has been given to me when I review. I’ve worked in print and online. Above all else, it’s a question of honesty.

What I really want to point out is that if the FTC gives a lick about what bloggers are and are not doing, this means that we have really become a medium to be reckoned with. We can either go forth as new media professionals and behave in a professional manner, or prepare yourself for the consequences. I say we actively associate ourselves with bloggers who are professional and ethical. I know I will.
Sandra´s last blog ..TodaysVintage.com :: Living La Vida Vintage

By: eyeliah

eyeliah — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:39:32 +0000

I’m curious the rules for Canada on this… will look into it.

By: SJP

SJP — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:28:03 +0000

Interesting and informative post – does anyone know if this kind of law is in place in the UK?
SJP´s last blog ..Stokes Croft Fashion Show

By: LibertyLondonGirl

LibertyLondonGirl — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:08:54 +0000

Hi Jen: if you receive a product you should say so in the post. Otherwise how is the reader going to be able to differentiate between things you have already, things you have bought & things you have been given?
LibertyLondonGirl´s last blog ..How to catch a girlfriend