NOT A LAWYER - But I think I found a way to Make Money from the new FTC Rules...

17 replies
***I REPEAT, I AM NOT A LAWYER***

Okay, disclaimer aside.

So the FTC now requires Internet Marketers to reveal that they are getting paid for product endorsements or blog posts that promote XYZ product.

Fair enough.

The requirement, as far as I understand in my NON-LEGAL opinion, requires a simple statement such as:

"This post is a paid commercial endorsement. I am compensated by Company XYZ for this review and for all products purchased through this website."

As far as I can tell, there is nothing in the rules that says you can't link your "DISCLAIMER" to an affiliate product.

Let me explain what I mean. Imagine at the bottom of your review site or at the top of your blog post you had a disclaimer that read:

"This post is a paid commercial endorsement. I am compensated by Company XYZ for this review and for all products purchased through this website. Wanna learn how you can get paid to write testimonials and reviews? CLICK HERE"

You then link to your favorite "make money online" affiliate program.

As I see it you have already announced that you make money from all of the products sold through your blog, so if your visitor clicks through and buys the product by clicking your link then you are covered. You have already provided full disclosure.

Turn your FTC Disclaimer Message into a link for another affiliate product!

Does anyone know if that is acceptable? is that compliant? Are there any FTC attorneys scanning the WF that can shed some light on it?

By the way. Did I mention I am NOT a lawyer?

#found #ftc #lawyer #make #money #rules
  • Profile picture of the author Erica Leggette
    I don't jack about the rules or what not but it sounds like you are on to something profitable.
    Signature
    Be easy.


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  • Profile picture of the author mikemac1
    That's what I love about WF
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  • Profile picture of the author imon32red
    Originally Posted by Mark Kaye View Post

    Turn your FTC Disclaimer Message into a link for another affiliate product!


    I love it! Thanks for the great idea!
    Signature
    I'm not selling anything.
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  • Profile picture of the author gcjmarkets
    You have found a loop hole I asked my attorney about what you just posted and he told me that Legally there was no reason that you couldn't do that. So I say go for it
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    Customized One on One Offline Marketing Business Training! Only 10 Spots available Learn More At Local Marketing Agents | Free Online Reputation Analysis Template Visit Rep Medic

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  • Profile picture of the author JD Nunes
    Yep, that will work fine. A cooler way in my view is to link to legal document affiliate products from your actual legal documents.
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  • Profile picture of the author LauriNiskasaari
    lots of internet marketers have already made piles of cash promoting products that say "When FTC knocks your door, it`s too late and you have to pay $10K fee...and then they recommend affiliate product that solves all of your FTC compliancy problems

    -Lauri
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  • Profile picture of the author milan
    good idea....except that you didn't also disclose that you get paid if they cilck the last link
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  • Profile picture of the author spearce000
    For every poison there's an antidote!

    Well done. Sounds like you're onto a winner here!
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  • Profile picture of the author Floyd Fisher
    I don't think the FTC is going to like that too much.

    That link in there might get it branded as an ad, and not a proper disclaimer.

    Yes, talk to a lawyer, I'd love to hear their take on it.
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  • Profile picture of the author CliveG
    Originally Posted by iYingHang View Post

    You have Einstein's brains man!
    Domain name idea: einsteinsbrain.com is taken but einsteinsbrains.com is available.
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  • Profile picture of the author activetrader
    Originally Posted by Mark Kaye View Post


    Turn your FTC Disclaimer Message into a link for another affiliate product!

    It's a clever idea, however you don't need FTC for this. In fact you are misinterpreting FTC's new rules. They only require disclaimer if your blog is solely targeted to promoting one specific product. If you simply have links sprinkled around your blog, you do not need a disclaimer.
    Signature

    Me

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  • Profile picture of the author Floyd Fisher
    Originally Posted by karlsult View Post

    Maybe you should just test it. Depending in what niche you use it, if it's in the IM niche there can be many who understand you placed an aff link in a strange place... but put aff link there and add a tracking code to it and see how many clicks it gets or traffic, or sales... from that link there.

    That's best way to know I think.

    Karl
    I'm not sure you should 'test' that.

    Testing whether the FTC will give you a smackdown or not could prove disastrous....just ask Frank Kern.
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    • Profile picture of the author fredjr1978
      Originally Posted by Floyd Fisher View Post

      I'm not sure you should 'test' that.

      Testing whether the FTC will give you a smackdown or not could prove disastrous....just ask Frank Kern.
      Im with you on that one! I think I will stay to what I know is right and stay away from testing the waters for now...I dont think I want a 10k+ lawsuit right now,
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  • Profile picture of the author helper
    Originally Posted by Mark Kaye View Post

    ***I REPEAT, I AM NOT A LAWYER***

    Okay, disclaimer aside.

    So the FTC now requires Internet Marketers to reveal that they are getting paid for product endorsements or blog posts that promote XYZ product.

    Fair enough.

    The requirement, as far as I understand in my NON-LEGAL opinion, requires a simple statement such as:

    "This post is a paid commercial endorsement. I am compensated by Company XYZ for this review and for all products purchased through this website."

    As far as I can tell, there is nothing in the rules that says you can't link your "DISCLAIMER" to an affiliate product.

    Let me explain what I mean. Imagine at the bottom of your review site or at the top of your blog post you had a disclaimer that read:

    "This post is a paid commercial endorsement. I am compensated by Company XYZ for this review and for all products purchased through this website. Wanna learn how you can get paid to write testimonials and reviews? CLICK HERE"

    You then link to your favorite "make money online" affiliate program.

    As I see it you have already announced that you make money from all of the products sold through your blog, so if your visitor clicks through and buys the product by clicking your link then you are covered. You have already provided full disclosure.

    Turn your FTC Disclaimer Message into a link for another affiliate product!

    Does anyone know if that is acceptable? is that compliant? Are there any FTC attorneys scanning the WF that can shed some light on it?

    By the way. Did I mention I am NOT a lawyer?

    That is definitely a good option to promote affiliate products. I think every blogger and affiliate should do likewise.
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