FTC: Bloggers Must Disclose Freebies or Payments (Which Begs the Question...)

Published by Toronto Mike on October 5, 2009 @ 20:46 in Miscellaneous

MoneyAmerican bloggers are busy blogging about a decision by the Federal Trade Commission to require that bloggers clearly disclose any freebies or payments they get from companies for reviewing their products.

As a Canadian, the FTC ruling doesn't apply to me, but I'm still left with one lingering question....

Why haven't I ever received money in exchange for a positive review? Not once have I been offered one red cent to write something on my blog. I fear I've been missing out on a tremendous source of income, and with my wife at home with my two kids and the cost of living in Toronto rising each year, I can't afford to miss out on potential revenue streams.

There was enough pay-for-positive-review action south of the border for the FTC to get involved. 9354 entries and I'm still waiting for my first indecent proposal...

Permalink Entry Permalink Comments 7 comments

7 Responses to "FTC: Bloggers Must Disclose Freebies or Payments (Which Begs the Question...)"

Pete McPhedran
October 5, 2009 / 22:04

Wouldn't you have to write something nice ;-)

Say nice things about coreFusion, there's a fiver in it for ya!

--Pete

CQ
October 5, 2009 / 23:31

"one red cent". Pally, that aint "missing out on a tremendous source of income".

Oliver
October 6, 2009 / 00:12

Instead of quoting Brian Burke at the top of the page, why not say "will review for cash" or something. :)

You have a good following; why not put videos on Youtube and get set up on their Adsense program?

Rick
October 6, 2009 / 09:35

Seems like leaf blowers, camping equipment, movie theatre / Marlies tickets, & cars for a week doesn't count !! It's not cash, but it is a nice perq. Having read your feedback on products it's not perq-for-positive review either, since you do give your honest opinion, good or bad.

McNulty
October 6, 2009 / 10:33

While you haven't got cash, Rick is correct, you have got merchandise.

Your reviews are honest and are not influenced by the provider of the merchandise, however, if you did not give positive review to the cars or the Canadian Tire equipment, they may not be so eager to provide you with more.
Of course, that is not your issue. If you're being honest, then you're just being honest.
You have given some poor reviews to some movies, so I don't think you have been bought.

I wish Canadian Tire gave me free stuff. So maybe I am just jealous!

Jessie
October 6, 2009 / 12:59

The only thing I can think I've ever witnessed is a reviewer getting free tickets to a show because he gave a positive review to the previous one. However, that was a newspaper writer, not a blogger.

I'm as clueless as you are, at the moment.

jason | GetYourOJ.com
October 6, 2009 / 18:07

Now you're whining about having a wife and kids? Did someone hold a gun to your head? Now get to work, that's 2 university funds.. man.. you'd better hook yourself up some freebies... from Lifestyles

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