Comments on: FTC Guidelines on Endorsements and Testimonials

By: Wolf75

Wolf75 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:00:44 +0000

Now for the unpleasant part. ,

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:09:38 +0000

Hi Dave, I was not ignoring you, I promise, just totally buried of late! I agree with you that for those new to the world of online marketing and endorsements, it will be easy to adopt. I also agree that it may be a non-issue for bloggers but I do think we’ll see big changes with celebrity endorsements. Thanks for subscribing Dave, I appreciate you!

By: Polprav

Polprav — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:42:27 +0000

Hello from Russia!
Can I quote a post in your blog with the link to you?

By: Dave Doolin

Dave Doolin — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:39:45 +0000

My take on it is that it’s going to be a good thing for people new to the field. They (we) won’t have to unlearn any bad habits! We learn the “new” rules as the only rules we’ve ever used.

In the end, I think it’s going be a non-issue, once the first round of enforcement settles out.

New subscriber… I like it.
Dave Doolin´s last blog ..WordPress Gotcha! Find Out If Your RSS Feed is Helping or Hurting

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:12:29 +0000

Andrew, happy to share my friend! My worry is that many will miss it because we’re not being paid to influence and are making ethical choices in our work, however for anyone doing business (even casually) on line, I think these guidelines are important to know.

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:10:43 +0000

*sigh* Kevin, I have had a week of technical glitches and am convinced that the tech monsters are determined to eat me alive. I looked at the Apture linking and can see no way to change a setting from print/view to download, so, I have the file and am happy to send it to you. You can also download directly from the WebPro News article linked in the resources. Thanks so much for letting me know Kevin, you rock!

By: Andrew

Andrew — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:56:15 +0000

Karen,

Thank you for highlighting this. I was not previously aware of this issue, but I will certainly be interested to have a look at these guidelines as it looks as though they may raise some interesting issues.

Based on your description, the requirements above do seem to make sense, so long as they do not cause undue burden advertisers and those who endorse products or merchandise. But I’ll have to look at them further if I get the chance before I make any form of properly informed comment.
Andrew´s last blog ..BAE’s corruption allegations – make them face up to it this time

By: Kevin E Blake

Kevin E Blake — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:59:21 +0000

Hey Karen,
Don’t know if it was just me or not, but ScribD wouldn’t let me download the pdf. Only print or read online.

Here is the link to the pdf from the FTC site:
http://www.ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005endorsementguidesfnnotice.pdf
Kevin E Blake´s last blog ..Reading out of character

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:57:24 +0000

Annie, this is definitely going to impact the weight loss industry. If you endorse something and say it’s “heart healthy” you can be held liable for that claim.

Everyone – I am trying to secure an interview with an attorney to shed more light on this issue, as I do feel it’s important we are armed with information. I’ll keep you posted!
Karen Swim´s last blog ..FTC Guidelines on Endorsements and Testimonials

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:55:31 +0000

Fred, while the intent may have been to protect consumers from being duped, the practical applications are far reaching. For anyone doing business on line, my advice is to read the document. While I don’t really believe the FTC is going to go after everyone, I think it’s best to operate on the right side of the guidelines. If you receive something free, a sample, a book and write about it you should disclose your relationship.
Karen Swim´s last blog ..FTC Guidelines on Endorsements and Testimonials