How do the new FTC rules affect banners and buttons?

Colton Brenner · 11-12-2009, 07:58 AM

Like many bloggers, I have buttons and banners on my blog that are embedded with my affiliate link.

How do the new FTC rules affect the usage of banners and buttons by affiliates? I don't have any additional "review" or "sales pitch" for these programs. They are strictly promoted as buttons and banners on my blog page design.

How do I disclose my relationship? What do we need to do in this scenario?

Does anyone know?

Colton

Killer Joe · 11-12-2009, 08:45 AM

Hi Colton,

I can't see where you'd have a problem if you are not shilling for any of the products you have links to on your site.

The FTC is not trying to change the way folks link to affiliate products, only the way they 'endorse' the products using blogs and/or testimonials that reflect an unbiased opinion where the blogger gets compensation such as an affiliate commission, or gets the product for free (implied compensation).

If you are not endorsing the products, your links are basically no different than if the product owner had an ad placed on your site through Adwords/Adsense, as an example, where you get compensated for the click on the ad.

If at some point along the way you decide to review or write about the product you may want to let the reader know you will be compensated for your effort should a sale result via clicking on your link(s).

The above is not legal advice, just my understanding of the new guidelines.

KJ

bobsedge · 11-12-2009, 10:08 AM

I wouldn't worry about the scenario you described. If the FTC takes issue with that, we have a great deal more to worry about than we can imagine.

I think people have been over blowing this FTC change. And of course, some "gurus" have even found a way of cashing in on the fear.

The bottom line is that within time we will know what the FTC has in mind with these changes but it probably won't be to go after banner ads and buttons.

wiley1 · 11-12-2009, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colton Brenner

Like many bloggers, I have buttons and banners on my blog that are embedded with my affiliate link.

How do the new FTC rules affect the usage of banners and buttons by affiliates? I don't have any additional "review" or "sales pitch" for these programs. They are strictly promoted as buttons and banners on my blog page design.

How do I disclose my relationship? What do we need to do in this scenario?

Does anyone know?

Colton

If you want to take a look at the FTC's new rules, here's a copy of a posting I made on 11-10-09.

Hello Warriors,

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news (that's debatable) but, as you all know:

The Federal Trade Commission has issued new rules regarding the use of testimonials and endorsements. These rules take effect on December 1, 2009 and can be found at:

http://www.ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005endorsementguidesfnnotice.pdf

This is a complete compilation of the background, discussions, and final rules and guidelines that have now been mandated.

It may be a bore, but Please review these guidelines to ensure your website and ads are consistent with these rules.

11-12-2009, 07:58 AM	#1
Colton Brenner Warrior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	How do the new FTC rules affect banners and buttons? Like many bloggers, I have buttons and banners on my blog that are embedded with my affiliate link. How do the new FTC rules affect the usage of banners and buttons by affiliates? I don't have any additional "review" or "sales pitch" for these programs. They are strictly promoted as buttons and banners on my blog page design. How do I disclose my relationship? What do we need to do in this scenario? Does anyone know? Colton

11-12-2009, 08:45 AM	#2
Killer Joe aka Bill Farnham War Room Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Virginia, USA. Posts: 1,239 Blog Entries: 5 Thanks: 451 Thanked 565 Times in 374 Posts	Re: How do the new FTC rules affect banners and buttons? Hi Colton, I can't see where you'd have a problem if you are not shilling for any of the products you have links to on your site. The FTC is not trying to change the way folks link to affiliate products, only the way they 'endorse' the products using blogs and/or testimonials that reflect an unbiased opinion where the blogger gets compensation such as an affiliate commission, or gets the product for free (implied compensation). If you are not endorsing the products, your links are basically no different than if the product owner had an ad placed on your site through Adwords/Adsense, as an example, where you get compensated for the click on the ad. If at some point along the way you decide to review or write about the product you may want to let the reader know you will be compensated for your effort should a sale result via clicking on your link(s). The above is not legal advice, just my understanding of the new guidelines. KJ
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11-12-2009, 10:08 AM	#3
bobsedge HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Long Island, NY, USA. Posts: 237 Thanks: 19 Thanked 163 Times in 19 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: How do the new FTC rules affect banners and buttons? I wouldn't worry about the scenario you described. If the FTC takes issue with that, we have a great deal more to worry about than we can imagine. I think people have been over blowing this FTC change. And of course, some "gurus" have even found a way of cashing in on the fear. The bottom line is that within time we will know what the FTC has in mind with these changes but it probably won't be to go after banner ads and buttons.
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