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 
What happens if you don't follow the rules?
(3 posts) (3 voices)
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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.shtmReview the guidelines and make sure you're in compliance.
Posted 2 years ago # -
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.
Posted 2 years ago #
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