New FTC Guidelines
Published by Bob Foster
The FTC released new guidelines for bloggers and Internet marketers a short time ago, which are causing a bit of a furor. For in-depth information on the potential effect of these guidelines on book or product reviewers, read this post by Edward Champion outlining his interview with Richard Cleland of the Bureau of Consumer Protection. Quite enlightening!
Also, if you use, or are considering using, testimonials, you should first read this post by Frank Kern, who summarizes his attorney’s advice regarding the use of testimonials when advertising anything you sell, or may sell, online.
It appears that the FTC thinks some of the claims we all see on many web sites and blogs are a bit over the top. Unfortunately, when the government gets involved they typically exhibit a poor understanding of the problem, and they approach the solution much like hunting mice with a cannon. Collateral damage usually outweighs any benefits that might occur.
Comments
3 Responses to “New FTC Guidelines”
My Book
Any business crisis can be managed before it becomes fatal . . . Be Your Own Turnaround Manager tells you how. Click here for more information.
“Unfortunately, when the government gets involved they typically exhibit a poor understanding of the problem, and they approach the solution much like hunting mice with a cannon. Collateral damage usually outweighs any benefits that might occur.”
This is often so very true and unfortunate indeed. I think it has something to do with really being out of touch with reality. Washington tends to insulate. What has been awful for me is that there does not seem to be a difference between Treasury and Wall Street. Whenever there are changes or initiation of policy I have to always ask who does it most benefit. Lawyers and bankers are usually not too behind.
Thanks for the links, Bob. I’ll read them.
Judith Ellis´s last blog ..Being Goldman Sachs IV
Judith – I think you are absolutely correct when you refer to Washington being out of touch with reality. It appears to me that pretty much everyone in Washington has joined the “club,” and they ignore the reason they were sent there by the people they are supposed to represent. Are Lobbyists, financial supporters, and other “club” members more important than the people who elected them?
I am also not too happy with some of President Obama’s picks for cabinet members. I think in some cases he has invited the fox into the henhouse.
Thanks for the comment.
Bob Foster´s last blog ..More Bad News for Small Businesses
“I am also not too happy with some of President Obama’s picks for cabinet members. I think in some cases he has invited the fox into the henhouse.”
There is absolutely no doubt about this, Bob.
Judith Ellis´s last blog ..Being Encouraged