As I’m sure all of you know, the FTC passed a law in December that imposes an $11,000 fine to anybody who does not DISCLOSE. Unfortunately the law is super vague and even includes “word of mouth” advertising. So what does that mean? Well, even if I get a freebie in the mail and talk about it (without actually being contacted by the company) then that is “word of mouth”. So where does it end?
I don’t know…
So, I will update my policy (yes, I have always had one, but I want to make it super clear where I am coming from here). Disclosure policies are BORING. So, I will try to avoid the boring disclosure mumbo jumbo in this post.
I am a blogger. Odd term. It just means I like to write. It may sound cliche, but I also like to help people. Maybe it’s the oldest child in me, maybe it’s the fact that I wanted to be a teacher and I became a scientist instead. Scientists aren’t real, umm, social. I love to get those emails and comments from people letting me know that I helped them or that they have a kiddo the same age as mine or that they started a blog that is about the same stuff. I just love to meet people (even if it is online) and find out new things about them.
Then came the realization that it takes TIME and you could even make a little MONEY to help make up for that time.
I do make money on my blog. I make some from advertising, a little from affiliate programs (thank you to those of you who shop and click through my blog!), a little through review posting, and I also on occasion get a free product. Up until this point I have never accepted a review product if the company did not agree to also run a giveaway for my readers. I will keep that policy most of the time (except in the case of my new Double Duty Divas group, which I believe will ask for a review without a giveaway on occasion).
My WAHP interviews are done for free as long as they provide a giveaway for you. I realize how hard it is to work from home and I wanted a way to offer a low cost way for them to get their name out in the bloggy internet world. I do not accept payment or products for those. I have on occasion purchased from them later, traded additional advertising for their products, and a few have sent me a “thank you” gift. That was after I ran their post and if I really like the product I will bring it up again. Just my opinion, I am not getting anything for it.
If I do receive something for free then I always have and always will let you know. I also occasionally tell you about something I purchased or traded for. I may even tell you about something I got using a coupon or free through the mail. Everything I say is my opinion. I am a very optimistic person (you know, one of those annoying people whose worst enemy is “a nice person with a tough exterior”) so my opinion is usually good, but I post my vents too.
So… I love it that you like to see my honest opinion and I will continue to provide giveaways for you when I can!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Excellent!
I appreciate your honesty! You are such a blessing. Keep up the good work!
🙂 This was actually fun to write! Thanks!