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FTC States Bloggers Must Disclose Paid Reviews

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the competition-for-best-review-reward-begins-now dept.

An anonymous reader writes to tell us that in the first revision of how endorsements and testimonials work since 1980, bloggers will now be required by the FTC to clearly disclose freebies or payments they received for product reviews. "the commission stopped short Monday of specifying how bloggers must disclose any conflicts of interest. The FTC said its commissioners voted 4-0 to approve the final guidelines, which had been expected. Penalties include up to $11,000 in fines per violation. The rules take effect Dec. 1."

6 of 310 comments (clear)

  1. Get paid... by Protonk · · Score: 5, Funny

    So we'll be seeing fewer reviews on slashdot, then?

  2. A fixed fine is not a good idea. by Locke2005 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Penalties include up to $11,000 in fines per violation. Note to self: require a payment of at least $12,000 to endorse a product in my blog.

    --
    I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.
  3. just wait by rossdee · · Score: 4, Funny

    if they ever catch this 'Anonymous Coward' guy, they will throw the book at him.

  4. How about in review mags? by rAiNsT0rm · · Score: 4, Funny

    I worked as a videogame reviewer for a number of years and the amount of bought and paid for "reviews" in that game is just silly. I once panned MGS3 (for being all hype and cutscene and little substance) and got a nasty letter from them stating they would not continue to reimburse me or advertise for our site... we were a totally independent site and took no money or ads in the first place.

    --
    http://teasphere.wordpress.com - A little spot of tea
  5. Re:Astroturfing. by Red+Flayer · · Score: 5, Funny

    I know, don't feed the trolls...

    But seriously... if slashdot "went straight down the toilet" -- and you're still here -- that implies you're a turd.

    Just thought you should know.

    --
    "Trolls they were, but filled with the evil will of their master: a fell race..." -- J.R.R. Tolkien on Olog-hai
  6. Re:US only by Yvan256 · · Score: 5, Funny

    although cultural references can sometimes give it away.

    What makes you say that, eh?