October 7, 2009
New FTC Rules for Bloggers - How will it affect you?
As many of you know, Tyndale has its own blogger review program like many publishing houses. Through the Tyndale Blog Network, bloggers can sign up and request specific books for review. We send a FREE copy of the book in exchange for a review posted on the member's blog and a consumer site (like Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, ChristianBook.com, etc.).
This week, the FTC announced new rules for bloggers that, if violated, could add up to $11k in fines. Effective December 1, bloggers receiving any kind of compensation (including free product) will have to disclose that information clearly on their blog when posting a review of the product.
For more information on these FTC rules, visit these links:
http://www.edrants.com/interview-with-the-ftcs-richard-cleland/
http://adage.com/digital/article?article_id=139457
Our Tyndale Publicity Team is going to be discussing this in our meeting next week. We'll have a way to remind our blogging friends of this new policy to avoid fines for both parties.
What do you think of this policy? How will it affect the way you blog or read blogs? Do you read reviews on blogs where you know the person received the product for free? We'd love to hear your thoughts.
This week, the FTC announced new rules for bloggers that, if violated, could add up to $11k in fines. Effective December 1, bloggers receiving any kind of compensation (including free product) will have to disclose that information clearly on their blog when posting a review of the product.
For more information on these FTC rules, visit these links:
http://www.edrants.com/interview-with-the-ftcs-richard-cleland/
http://adage.com/digital/article?article_id=139457
Our Tyndale Publicity Team is going to be discussing this in our meeting next week. We'll have a way to remind our blogging friends of this new policy to avoid fines for both parties.
What do you think of this policy? How will it affect the way you blog or read blogs? Do you read reviews on blogs where you know the person received the product for free? We'd love to hear your thoughts.
Labels: bloggers, free product, FTC, review, Tyndale Blog Network
posted by Christy Wong at 9:19 AM
I shall seek to abide by their rules, but honestly feel that it is an infringement upon my first amendment right to freedom of speech. Now it is not free, but regulated more than ever before.
It doesn't bother me that a reviewer receives a book for free. One can still provide a fair review of a free book. It doesn't deter my criticisms of weak points if I feel a book contains them.
I'm glad to see this (the first word on the ruling of any kind from a publisher, at least that I know of), but it doesn't say much. I look forward to hearing what comes out of your publicity team meeting.
Christy, I tend to think that bibliobloggers will not be touched by this, as most of us proudly wear the publishing houses like a badge of honor. Some of us have taken to issuing blanket statements to head anything off.
Thanks for the comments so far. I know many of you bloggers already thank Tyndale (and sometimes specific publicists) for sending you a copy of a particular book or Bible to review. That's great and I think that already falls under following the new rules.
@jntskip This is certainly more regulation of free speech, but the Internet and blogging world has changed our industry dramatically. With fewer print and broadcast outlets to promote our products, more companies are now relying on bloggers and social media. I agree that one can still provide a fair review of a free book and we certainly don't expect everyone to give only positive reviews of our products.
@WordLily I'll certainly post some of what we discuss in our meeting next Tuesday.
@JL Watts We do appreciate how many of you bibliobloggers mention the publishing houses in your reviews. The only extra step might be to mention that you were given a free Bible for the purpose of review. That seems to be all this law is asking bloggers to do.
I think this ruling is ridiculous. I guess Publisher's Weekly and the NY Times will have to have disclaimers now about receiving review copies of a book (not to mention every website that's ever reviewed a product)? Or is this ruling just for individuals? Seems like the FTC shouldn't be allowed to pass something like this. It's not like anything illegal is happening.
I completely agree, Christy. On my Resources page, I do have a disclaimer much to that charge. Further, while I do miss a post every once in a while, I do try to post it.
I support this, as I believe it is fair both to the publisher and to the audience.
CJ, I believe that it goes back to the celebrity endorsements buzz from the early 80's. Now, it carries over to the blogosphere.
I think the ruling is crazy, and I have no problem with people receiving a free product to review - I am honest in my book reviews - I go for books I think I will like, and if I don't like it or have an issue, try to say so in a nice way - are they inferring by getting it free, we just give a positive review?
I will abide by their rules, but think this is a bit too much government.
I am interested in hearing more from Tyndale and other publishers about it.
And thanks Christy, for running the Tyndale blogging for books program - much appreciated.
I think it's understandable that publishers haven't said much actually...because everything does have to be discussed in a meeting. Thanks for speaking up though Christy. (love Tyndale! :)
I'll be abiding by their rules and adding a disclaimer. However, more interested in hearing what the publishers think of the whole thing. I think it will have little impact on me personally. But did have a few things to say about it on my blog.
I'm not too concerned about the new rules because I think they're directed at bloggers who are receiving high-ticket items and a simple one-line disclosure appears to be fine, according to Mr. Cleland of the FTC. My big concern is that at some point they may consider free books taxable income, since he referred to them as "compensation".
In the meantime, I think it's great that publishers like Tyndale are taking the new guidelines seriously and discussing their part. Thank you for that!
Maybe fining bloggers is how than plan to cover this year's $1.4 trillion deficit.
So, if the meeting was Tuesday, when can we expect a report?
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