In light of new FTC regulations, I have modified the disclosure statement on my blog. I’m posting it here as well. (Sigh)
Disclosure (updated March 2013)
First, I want to thank you for reading APB. I hope you like the content you find here, and I encourage you to contact me with any questions you might have.
Here are the specifics about how I run APB.
- I don’t write sponsored posts, and I don’t participate in any linking/affiliate programs or any of that jazz (I don’t understand how any of that works, frankly).
- The advertisements on my blog are provided via WordAds by WordPress, and frankly I am not entirely clear on how they work either.
- I occasionally am offered and accept samples of perfume from companies that hope/expect I will write about their perfumes. I have recently made it my practice to always (as opposed to usually) clarify with companies up front that I tend to only write about things I like, and therefore providing me with a sample doesn’t guarantee it will be written about. If they send me the sample anyway, and I write about it, I disclose that in the review in the manner required by the most recent FTC guidelines (March 2013).*
*Note that I will be slowly returning to older posts that required a disclosure and updating them to reflect new FTC requirements.
With this latest set of requirements, the FTC apparently doesn’t want bloggers to claim they are writing honest reviews if they have received product for free. Obviously, I understand the FTC’s position, but they put us in an uncomfortable position of not being able to say what we strive for in our reviews.
So, apparently, all I can say is this: In the almost two years I have been running my blog, I have received about four full bottles of perfume and about 30 perfume samples for free. And I’ve made $31 via WordAds. Obviously, I blog for myself and for you. Thank you for reading!
‘ With this latest set of requirements, the FCC apparently doesn’t want bloggers to claim they are writing honest reviews if they have received product for free. Obviously, I understand the FCC’s position,…’
I don’t. I find their (FCC’s) attitude patronizing and hypocritical. If they spent half the time chasing down the b.s. that passes for editorials and “honest reviews” in the regular print-media that they seem to spend wringing their hands over bloggers like you most of our homes would be clogged with far less rubbish products.
Don’t let the bastards get you down.
Thanks for commenting! You know, it’s interesting to me that they have come out and said (in a subsequent fact sheet about the new regulations) that they would not enforce this against bloggers, but rather against the advertisers. So that does raise the question of who is really responsible for the editorial bias in print media (and I am with you that there absolutely is one).
I enjoy reading your blog and I as a consumer try and buy what I like for myself. I hate when the government sticks it nose(no pun intended) where it really doesn’t belong. If a company gives you a freebie then I say good for you. I can form my own opinion of a product (perfume) and hope that you continue to let us all know of new fragrances as they come out. Thank you for all you do to write a blog that is enjoyable to read.Hang in there and don’t let “big brother” get you down.
Thank you! I do always strive for honesty, so I’m glad to hear that you feel I can be trusted.
I’ll try not to let you down!
Whoa! I have a disclosure on my blog, but I never thought that much about it. It makes me wonder how strictly does the FCC enforce it …
Yah, I don’t know how strict they are, but I do try to comply however I can. It all seems quite silly, though.
Um, who are the FCC and if you made $36 why aren’t you out buying a second home in the Caymans. Where you got your sample is none of my business and I trust you to tell me the truth even if they gave you a new car.
Does this apply to Australia?
Portia xx
Oops. FTC. Sorry.
I don’t think it applies to bloggers from other countries, as it’s an American regulatory agency. You are in the clear! May you make much more than $36.
(started thinking if I evenwant to know about those new regulations)
Ah, whatever…
You probably don’t want or need to know. I don’t think I really do either, but yes, whatever.
I’m with Portia – who are the FCC?
And are bloggers obligated by this? I wasn’t aware we were obligated to follow any rules. Are we?
I mean, I think I wrote someplace that if I received a sample for review, I will disclose it, otherwise it’s all of my own provision.
And where do the samples received free as part of the brand’s promotion strategy? Like SL? I received my samples of Fille de Berlin, not as a blogger but like anyone in Europe could – just sending them my address.
In the 4 years I’ve been blogging, I received a total of 2 bottles and around 30 samples for promotional purposes. And around 5-6 books.
I think for most bloggers like us, who are doing it as a hobby rather than money, it cannot matter much. And certainly you don’t have to worry about it, since you are outside the US.
Hi Natalie!….Did you mean the FTC (Federal Trade Commission)? Their website has both a factsheet and PDF guide about these startling new rules ‘n’ regs. The guide was really useful, as it includes fictional scenarios that illustrate a broad range of circumstances for the rules apply/don’t apply. I TOTALLY expected there to be an entry that began: “Example 2: A perfume blogger posts a review of an exciting new fragrance…”
For Googling purposes, the documents are entitled “FTC’s Revised Endorsement Guides: What People Are Asking” and “FTC 16 CFR Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”.
Thank you for the correction, Meg (and the link)! I did indeed mean the FTC. Ha. I’m obviously much more used to talking about the FCC – habits die hard.
It would be AWESOME if one of the examples was a perfume blogger example.
Just found your blog and this post is like WOW. I suspect this applies more to the youtube peeps who are making their living doing this, but I am frankly confused why one cannot give an honest review in the GOOD OLD USA where Freedom of Speech is so important.
Oh well. I will just snuggle in and read more perfume stuff since that is why I am here. <3
Nice to “meet” you, and thanks for the encouragement! I do think this probably affects bloggers who get more free stuff than it affects me (and probably even the average beauty blogger, since I think they are more concerned about claims that could cause people harm).
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed your reading!
I do not know if my comment posted, it made me log in, so if a dupe, I am sorry. Any Waaaaaaaaaaaaay…
Just found your blog and this post is like WOW. I suspect this applies more to the youtube peeps who are making their living doing this, but I am frankly confused why one cannot give an honest review in the GOOD OLD USA where Freedom of Speech is so important.
Oh well. I will just snuggle in and read more perfume stuff since that is why I am here. <3