Hey Garden Writers...if you have a blog (or other website) and do any type of product review, this post is particularly important for you. The Federal Trade Commission has issued a set of guidelines that require you to disclose any relationships you have with products/companies you are reviewing. Now, for many of us, this has been standard operating procedure for a long time.
Here's what they have to say:
"if you have received any products, samples, benefits, or other incentives from a company whose products or services you discuss in your blog, you must disclose that. Similarly, if you are an employee of, or have any other connection to, a company whose products or services you discuss in your blog, you must disclose that, as well."
These regulations have been in place for a very long time in traditional advertising. The truth in advertising/backing up your claims language is something that we have all heard before. It makes a lot of sense that the FTC would broaden these regulations to apply to online marketing. Really, it is strange to me that it has taken this long.
So for those of you who returned from the Garden Writer's Symposium with a suitcase of books and products, it is now a requirement that you disclose that those products and books were given to you for free. You must also disclose if you connected to the manufacturer in any way.
As a writer, and now as a new employee for Cool Springs Press, I am going to make sure I am very clear in identifying my publisher/employer, as well as any sponsor relationships. Note: I don't have any sponsor relationships, but I am accepting applications! :) This is a small but important change in regulation that could have a major impact on your writing...make sure you understand and follow the regulations to avoid any future drama.
*photo by smlp.co.uk
