Bloggers, Twitterers, and Others Will Have to Disclose FREE Products as of Dec. 1

One review site for which I write asks at the bottom if I have received a sample of the product or am affiliated with the company. If the answer is yes, then I am asked where I got it or how I am affiliated. This site, viewpoints.com was way before their time!

Although the word free didn't have to be in the title it will be as of December 1, 2009. The Federal Trade Commission announced guidelines last week that bloggers, Twitterers and "many others who write online product reviews must disclose the receipt of free merchandise or payment for the items they write about." source

Twenty five plus years ago there were guidelines but not this strict. Those of us who write reviews and do get samples either through the mail or full sized freebies from the company will have to be careful. I guess it is seen as an endorsement. On other review sites I clearly state "This product was received free in exchange for a fair and unbiased review." I have always written a fair review. Whether it is free or not I tell it like it is. I guess many do not and many bloggers and writers get some expensive items such as a $69.00 pair of jeans. It seems there is more concern that advertisers are advertising their products rather than reviewers reviewing them but we'll have to wait and see how websites respond to this.

"Pretty much all of the products I review are sent to me by publicists," said Nadine Haobsh, who writes the beauty blog Jolie Nadine. Last week, she posted an official disclosure policy on her site after learning about the ruling. source

This seems to be hitting the beauty industry the most rather than those in the media who get free samples of magazines.

Some will not make this disclosure because it may not be a policy that can be enforced. Of course that is like cheating because you know you won't get caught.

There could be a fine but it seems the F.T.C. has meant this as a guideline and a voluntary one rather than something put into law.

What do you think? Will you put Free in your titles or disclose that you got an item for free?

Source