Re: FTC and blogging

**K* P* <k*@gmail.com>**

Thanks, Nina, that's exactly what I was looking for in terms of "Cliff
Notes."

It's not a big deal in terms of practice. I was already identifying every
free book as a review copy and every free plant as a trial plant. But it
does seem the revisions were poorly conceived in that Horticulture does not
have to explicitly state that the book they are reviewing was not paid for,
nor does Better Homes and Gardens have to state that the plants they are
recommending were given to them gratis to test.

It's not a level playing field from my perspective.

On Tue, Oct 6, 2009 at 9:58 AM, nina koziol <n.koziol@att.net> wrote:

> For those who need the FTC's Cliff Notes Version, here's the press
> release:  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/endortest.shtm
>
> This shouldn't be a big deal.  It's a matter of ethics.  And, it's a matter
> of consumer protection.  A blogger who writes about the splendors of
> specific prescription medications (and receives payment or product in
> return), should disclose that info--the ruling is not just intended for
> garden writers.
>
> The FTC is not going to be hounding bloggers because it doesn't have the
> resources to do that. Unless of course, someone files a complaint.
>
>
>
> --- On Mon, 10/5/09, Kathy Purdy <kopurdy@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> If anyone finds a trustworthy synopsis of it, please let us all know. And
> while I don't have any problem with stating when I've received a free
> product, I thought the comments posted on the first link below were quite
> apt. So I'm required by law now to state that Proven Winners gave me those
> plants for free, but Better Homes and Gardens is not required? I wonder
> what
> was the impetus for these regulations?
>
> On Mon, Oct 5, 2009 at 8:15 PM, jo ellen meyers sharp <
> hoosiergardener@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>
> >
> http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/lit_crit/ftc_blogger_rules_carry_11k_fines__139253.asp
>
>
> > --
> > Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp
>
>
> --
Kathy Purdy
Cold Climate Gardening: providing the information you need
to succeed in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 and colder.
http://www.coldclimategardening.com
Blogging Art and Practice: YourBlogHelper.com
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