FTC Disclaimer on Blogs

I use what I call an "Affiliate Disclaimer".

I copied from from a fellow warrior and felt it was worded fine.

My disclaimer:

Its a short and sweet one which you are using. Can I use the same for my sites if I have your permission?

Ok here is the disclaimer for the disclaimer The below information does not (nor is it intended to in any way) constitute legal advice or legal opinion. It not a substitute for legal or other professional advice. Always seek the counsel of a qualified expert in matters like this.

I am using the below on all my sites powered by the "bottom-of-every-post" free plugin (you have to manually enter it in the plugin editor but it was easy enough -- make sure that the disclosure statement is attached to any emailed or reader feed of the subject post). This way if we ever have to change it as per new FTC guidelines then it will be a one stop update in the admin console as opposed to making all your pages/posts one-by-one in compliance:

*Disclosure of Material Connection*: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means that if you click on the link and purchase the product or service, we will receive an affiliate commission. Notwithstanding the aforesaid, we only recommend products or services which we use, or have substantively researched and believe they will add value to our readership. This affiliate connection disclosure is made in full accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s rules and regulations, including, but in no way limited to, 16 CFR, Part 255<hyperlink to the FTC's actual site with regs>. Read our full disclosure and material connection statement <hyperlink to footer Disclaimer button>

I keep it the same font and style as the post above it. Making it look small or obscure, as have seen in other sites, just looks strange - plus could make the reader think you are trying to hide something (and would run afoul of FTC regs in that the notice should be *conspicuous* and *presented in context* with the review/supported/etc product or service, e.g., not tucked at the far footer of your actual blog or white colored text with a white backdrop.). Keep it clear, and contiguous with the subject posting.

The Disclaimer then has the usual boilerplate together the following headings so as to reasonably cover as many bases as is needed/foreseeable in the affiliate sphere so that you don't have to keep changing your FTC Disclaimer ad hoc with each project: MATERIAL CONNECTION [like one above], ALL RECOMMENDATIONS MADE IN GOOD FAITH [any rec's are based on good faith belief value to buyer], READER REQUIRED RESEARCH & DUE DILIGENCE [reader must do their own due diligence and shall not solely rely on this review or material or links contained herein etc].

Has anyone else heard that there is new rules that will apply to online sales
of " software " products ?

Thanks in advance.

Jeff Noyes

Vendor-Lock Software co.