Travel Writers Exchange Forum Home » Tag: FTC Guidelines - Recent Posts

Trisha Miller on "More changes to FTC Guidelines"

Trisha Miller — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 15:26:48 +0000

Hi BillieJean

I've done a LOT of research on this topic, and as far as I can tell there are no immediate plans for any more changes. However, that doesn't mean there won't be, and I can tell you that if the FTC gets a lot of complaints from consumers about blogs that are in violation of their new rules, it's certainly possible that they'll make changes and add specific penalties.

If and when they do have changes to make, I fully expect that there will be a process very much like they have always followed, which is an announcement of proposed changes followed by a period during which they'll accept comments and consider input before finalizing anything.

BillieJean on "More changes to FTC Guidelines"

BillieJean — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:15:08 +0000

Does anyone know if they're be anymore changes to the FTC Guidelines? Just curious.

Trisha Miller on "Specific verbage for blogs about the FTC guidelines"

Trisha Miller — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 16:34:50 +0000

I would also add that you should begin using some standard disclosure wording if you're writing about a place that you visited while on a media trip, to be sure it's clear to your readers that you were hosted by the destination.

I'd keep it simple, maybe something like "I was hosted by the [whatever] Hotel while on a press trip".....

Amandah Blackwell on "Specific verbage for blogs about the FTC guidelines"

Amandah Blackwell — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:00:52 +0000

Here's the verbage from TWE: "Some links on this page do earn us a small amount of money if you click on them and make a purchase. Not much, maybe enough for a cup of coffee or a beer, but we would never recommend any item if we didn't believe in it's value to you. Plus, every little bit helps keep this site going and helps us continue to provide you with great information. We appreciate your support!"

You could create something similar to this. Keep it short and sweet...

OnThaRoadAgin on "Specific verbage for blogs about the FTC guidelines"

OnThaRoadAgin — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:08:13 +0000

Been reading more about the FTC guidelines. Does anyone have any "specific" verbage they'd like to share so we can put it on our blogs? Wouldn't want the FTC to shut down my blog I doubt they'd have time to do that anyway.

Trisha Miller on "What happens if you don't follow the rules?"

Trisha Miller — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:28:47 +0000

Hi BillieJean

First, it's important to understand that NOT following the rules will definitely have a negative impact on a blogger's credibility - once destroyed it's nearly impossible to get it back. My dad used to say "You can get a whole lot of 'atta boy's' in your lifetime but all lit takes is one 'oh sh*t' to ruin everything". Sad but true.

That being said, there are no defined penalties in the new FTC guidelines, but that could change if a lot of bloggers refuse to comply. What they CAN do is take bloggers to court, but honestly they're not after the travel blogger who occasionally forgets to disclose a media trip or a product freebie, they're looking to make examples of the blatant fraudsters out there, those that really bilk the consumers.

As far as policing the internet, they will be relying on consumer complaints, so it really is in a blogger's best interest to simply be on the up-and-up and make sure to disclose any compensated product reviews or hosted trips.

Amandah Blackwell on "What happens if you don't follow the rules?"

Amandah Blackwell — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:54:40 +0000

There's a video about the FTC and suing bloggers; it's very ambiguous .
http://www.ftc.gov/multimedia/video/business/endorsement-guides/endorse_mary-q5.shtm

Review the guidelines and make sure you're in compliance.

BillieJean on "What happens if you don't follow the rules?"

BillieJean — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:04:05 +0000

Regarding the FTC rules, what happens if you don't follow them? Are there penalties? How will they "police" the internet? I know there are people out there who are rebels

Amandah Blackwell on "Social media and FTC rule"

Amandah Blackwell — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:57:43 +0000

Users of social networks and Twitter will also be covered by the FTC's new regulations.

Here's an excerpt from PC World: "CNET's Caroline McCarthy uses an interesting scenario to illustrate this: a celebrity receives a bunch of free nights from a hotel, and then becomes a fan of that hotel on Facebook. There would have to be disclosure by the celebrity on Facebook that they have received a gift from that hotel." Read the full article at http://www.pcworld.com/article/173169/ftcs_new_rules_for_bloggers_a_quick_guide.html

Angela on "Social media and FTC rule"

Angela — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:14:48 +0000

Does the new rules affect what we post on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon, and other social media sites? Thanks.