So, a big brand, or a small pet company, has offered you product if you'll do a review on your blog. By now, you should know that you must disclose that you received the free product and you must also disclose if you were paid. No, you don't have to disclose how much you were paid.
Some people get confused and worried about the whole disclosure thing. "What do I say?" And, "Where do I put it? In the post?" And, "Do I have to disclose every time...over and over?"
I discovered a great blog just today that has a whole page describing "Disclosures"... which I'm going to share some of here, but please, visit the site and read the disclosure page.
Christopher S. Penn, author of the Awaken Your Superhero blog (isn't that a great name?) says, "Pursuant to new FTC regulations [linked on his blog to a post about them], I've put up this handy, all-encompassing page of disclosures so that it's perfectly clear when I'm writing on behalf of someone else."
The page goes on to describe people who employ Penn and people he consults with. He's open, honest, and totally up front about everything he does. Including a long list of "free stuff" he's received.
I also like that he says, "By sending me something to review, you understand that I may or may not review it, and I do not guarantee any outcome of the review. I also do not guarantee a review in a timely manner unless you want to pay for a review." In which case, he admits he may be biased.
Is this how you should treat your product reviews and/or other opportunities to engage with brands that pay you for ads, writing, marketing, events, sponsorship, whatever? Maybe. Maybe it's just a suggestion and a good way to look at the issue. Create your own disclosures page - just remember to be honest in all your dealing with brands.
Any questions?
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