So as you have probably read, starting December 1st, the F.T.C. is requiring bloggers to disclose any gifts or money they receive for reviews. Of course, there are a number of bloggers who are upset about it. Personally, I’m delighted to read this.
From a blogger standpoint, this is something I already do. I haven’t written any reviews for pay, because I don’t like them. Even if I’m writing a paid review of something I love, if I’m paid for it, you the reader have no idea whether or not I’m being truthful or I’m writing a glowing review because of the check I will get for it. And if I review something I’ve received, as part of my deal with BlogHer, I can’t keep it – so I give it away to you. Everyone wins.
To me, it’s not worth lying just to make a few bucks. And if someone wants me to review something, they have to accept that if I hate it, I’m going to be honest about that.
But I am absolutely delighted to know that starting soon, other bloggers will be required to reveal when they’re being paid for a review. When I’m thinking about a purchase or trying to learn about new products, I often do a websearch to see what others are saying about it. Sometimes, it’s very easy to spot the paid reviews. Other times, it’s not so clear.
Now, that’s not to say that paid reviews are bad. A lot of reviews are done because a company will send their product to a blogger to try out. That makes perfect sense to me, but is considered a compensated review by this new ruling. And I want the blogger to tell me that they got the product for free – that they hadn’t heard of it, but hey, were willing to try it out. I don’t know that it changes how I view the review – especially if it’s not a completely glowing review. I just think that full disclosure is always the best bet.
I’ve just started blogging, so I wanted to read more about what other established bloggers thought about the recent ruling. Being on the other side, I do feel that I would appreciate if I knew whether or not someone was paid to do a review. But how will we then differentiate the paid blogger that actually liked the product? I guess the best bet is to go on the product’s website or a retailer’s website and read reviews, but I’ve heard that sometimes the retailers themselves set up accounts to provide “objective” opinions.
Another conundrum in which we find ourselves…
I think it’s different when you haven’t had to pay for it. The cost of the item wasn’t an issue. When you pay for it, you really think, “Was it worth the money.” When it’s free, that’s a hypothetical question. Not the same in my book. That said, I wouldn’t mind reviewing in return for free merchandise. LOL
I’m pleased about this too. Like you, I already disclose everything, and it will be nice when everyone else has to as well.