Forum

[erd1966]

I apologize if this topic has already been addressed. I did a search for FTC but nothing came back.

What do we need to do on our sites to make sure we comply with the new FTC rules?

What exactly are the new FTC rules?

Thanks
Eric

 

[superaff]

Here is the final words of the FTC (I received this from a clickbank employee in the mail).

It's a tough read though... I started it yesterday, and I read some more every day

Here is the link: http://www.ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005end ... notice.pdf

All the best,
Franck

 

[erd1966]

Thanks. I will give it a look.
Eric

 

[superaff]

This report is not an easy read though. I didn't complete it yet. I'll do it soon though.

Franck

 

[esolutions]

Considering that this is going into effect tomorrow I have a few questions and concerns.

Does every single link need to have a disclaimer next to it stating that it's sponsored or would a page with a disclaimer such as "links on this site maybe be sponsored and/or I make a commission from sales generated...." suffice?

It seems that a disclaimer next to each link would only hurt CTR...

Mark and Affilorama team, could you setup an Affilorama site that has been made compliant so that we can all see a correct example?

 

[esolutions]

Subscribed:)

 

[frets]

I haven't listened to all of it yet but might answer some questions.
http://www.igottatellyou.com/blog/ftc-change-interview/

 

[htouzel]

I found this audio from a lawyer specializing in advising internet marketers very interesting - still has to listen to it. I think Mark Ling's explanations (on his blog bootcamp and a previous webinar) is good enough for us. This would be more helpful for the heavy hitters (like Mark himself):

http://mbrss.s3.amazonaws.com/media/10_21_09_LindaGoodman.mp3

I found the audio on this blog:

http://www.matthewbredel.com/1028/expos ... tions.html

I hope it helps.

 

[htouzel]

Sorry, meant still have to listen to all of it - I listened to parts relevant to me.

 

[jventura]

I'm really late to this blog, and probably late with this information. But, here goes...

What I know is that:
1) The FTC rulings are what we are accountable to. An opinion or interpretation by someone who is not an attorney or the FTC cannot be relied upon to excuse us if we screw up.
2) To reduce our risk and liability, we must read, understand, and follow the rules of the government agency that regulates the type of activity we engage in.

That said, I went hunting and found some helpful information from the horse's mouth, and thought I'd post it. I'll be glad if someone finds it helpful.

A. From FTC, an easy to read & understand guide about DotCom disclosures, with pictorial explanations in the appendix:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/ecommerce/bus41.pdf

B. Advertising and Marketing on the Internet: Rules of the Road is a summary of rules affecting IM and where to find the official documents:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/ecommerce/bus28.shtm

C. FTC Publishes Final Guides Governing Endorsements, Testimonials; Changes Affect Testimonial Advertisements, Bloggers, Celebrity Endorsements, an informative post:
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/endortest.shtm

Above, Superaff posted the FTC link to their Notice. That is a lengthy discourse on the reasoning behind the rule changes and extensions.

D. Here is the Official Guide, only 12 pages and very understandable, containing and explaining the actual rules that came out of that reasoning process, and that we marketers are expected to be familiar with:
http://www.ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf

Hope this help clear things up.

 

[vuedoolor]

Okay how about someone just post up a template that complies with the FTC and we just copy and past that in?