This is a follow-up to my previous post regarding the FTC’s intention to fine bloggers who do not disclose payment information for product or service endorsements. According to information from Mashable, the FTC may fine bloggers up to $11,000 for not disclosing information about getting paid for product or service endorsements. It seems like a hefty fine, and I think it will be enough reason for people to start disclosing how they are compensated by sponsors or advertisers.
Most of us are all for protecting the public interest. But, shouldn’t there be certain boundaries that should not be crossed? It seems that the FTC is giving too much weight to blogs. Blogs are opinions. Blogs are about perspectives. Not every blog is considered ”authority” or a reliable source, and I think most readers have the sense to know that. When you start policing what and how people talk about things, then you’re infringing on peoples’ right to freedom of speech. Let the readers determine how much credence should be given to blogs and the content within.
If you want to endorse or review a product based on your personal experience, then you should have a right to without having to disclose whether or not you’re benefiting from it. It is none of anyone’s business. If a visitor reads your review, and decides to buy based on your suggestion, then it’s their prerogative. It’s not practical to baby-sit every buyer or shopper out there. It is ultimately the shopper’s responsibility to do their homework or research before spending money on anything.
What do you think?
[...] will now support Google Voice and Skype for all AT&T phones, including Apple’s iPhone. FTC May Fine Bloggers Who Do Not Disclose Payment Information – liveambitions.com 10/06/2009 October 6, 2009 | Posted by Steve This is a follow-up to my [...]