NOT The Typical Mumbo Jumbo Disclosure!!

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!