Comments on: Regulating Blogging, One Step At A Time

By: Matthew C. Keegan

Matthew C. Keegan — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:16:56 +0000

Mark, I’m still not sure what will happen on December 1st. Right now, I’ve suspended most of my product reviews, but then again I regularly test new cars and post that information to my automotive blogs.

At this point, I’m not too concerned, although I may limit my reviews to books only on most websites while still doing car reviews. I’ll need to look for some legal language to protect myself I suppose.

Your suggestion is an interesting one, but not something that will be held up globally. Personally, I think the FTC is acting stupid with this request, though some sort of disclosure does make sense.

By: Mechanic Mark

Mechanic Mark — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:13:18 +0000

Matt: As 12/1/09 grows closer I have yet to find a shinning example of compliance that we can all look to for inspiration. Have you? I plan on complete compliance with the new FTC rules for websites no matter what the consequences to my business may be. I would just like some examples to follow.

“What is unfortunate is that some bloggers aren’t willing to police themselves” If the FTC wants to look out for consumers they should mandate that Internet Browsers (firefox, safari, IE) notify surfers when affiliate links are present on the page. This way all websites all around the world would be compliant and notification provided by an unbiased third party.

This feature could be turned off by the user and we could all get back to normal. A browser can determine material connections just like they can no-follow links.
.-= Mechanic Mark´s last blog ..About Automotive Technology =-.

By: NBC Gives McDonald’s Huge PR Boost

NBC Gives McDonald’s Huge PR Boost — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:13:47 +0000

[...] by Matt Keegan on 6 October [...]

By: Never, Ever Disrespect Your Readers

Never, Ever Disrespect Your Readers — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:05:07 +0000

[...] heels of the FTC’s announcement last week that they were cracking down on paid endorsements. I mentioned that the FTC has “…yet to issue guidelines on how bloggers must disclose paid [...]

By: Matthew C. Keegan

Matthew C. Keegan — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:59:18 +0000

Shark, I really don’t want the FTC to get more involved in content other than advertising. The rest is actually censorship.

However, I do agree with you on this point: some people should clean up their blogs and remove offensive photos. They don’t have to, but I also don’t have to visit their sites once I find this material.

By: sharkbytes

sharkbytes — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:29:48 +0000

Good information. I too, like the fact that I can write about what I think without fear, but I wouldn’t be sorry to see more clothing on a lot of the women sprinkled around on sites that are supposed to be “clean.”

By: Matthew C. Keegan

Matthew C. Keegan — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 12:57:39 +0000

I agree, Mark. I need to see some hard facts first before deciding how I will respond. Across my blog network, I occasionally review products that have been supplied by companies. I don’t get money for this service, but I usually get to keep the item. Still, I always disclose what I’m doing because I think that it is fair to my readers to know where I’m coming from. Besides, an “endorsement” doesn’t mean that they’ll get a positive review either.

Come December I may limit my review to books only. And those books only being the ones I’m interested in personally.

By: FTC Takes First Steps Toward Regulating Blogging | Mosaic Media

FTC Takes First Steps Toward Regulating Blogging | Mosaic Media — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:03:26 +0000

[...] He published an article about it yesterday, talking about how steps were being taken that would regulate blogging. I suggest you read his article to get more insight on what is [...]

By: Mechanic Mark

Mechanic Mark — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:30:34 +0000

“clear and conspicuous” I look forward to this decision of how to implement the required notification. In fact I hope they provide some advice or a Faq page for us bloggers who want to comply. With a December first deadline they better "get on it" with some actionable advice instead of just scare tactics with giant fines. .-= Mechanic Mark´s last blog ..Manual Transmission Facts =-.

By: Matthew C. Keegan

Matthew C. Keegan — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:07:20 +0000

@Mihaela Lica Thanks, Mihaela. I wasn't aware of the document, but at 81 pages it certainly is long! Yes, the warning signs have been there for years. I'm re-examining my own policies and will make some changes. I always disclose, but now I will cherry pick which products I will review and which ones I will avoid. Too risky of a deal if I mess up!