Free Ebooks and Disclaimers

[Pat Jackson]

Hey guys,

I know its a good idea to include disclaimers/privacy policies and terms of service information on your website but what about when you're offering a free ebook or newsletter?

For example, if I'm driving traffic to a squeeze page to get someone to sign up to my mailing list by offering them a free e-book, do I need to include a disclaimer in the e-book?

Cheers.

[Dennis Gaskill]

It depends somewhat on the content and how it's presented, but I do for most of my ebooks, better safe than sorry.

[Pat Jackson]

Is there a generic one that you can use? I can't afford to get a lawyer to write one up for me at present..

[Mary Gallivan]

Hi Pat

As Dennis says - it's better to be safe than sorry, and it depends on the content.

Take a look at other ebooks in your niche, paid or otherwise, and you'll get a good idea of what to include.

Mary

[Bobb30]

Try FreeNetLaw.com They have a whole slew of legal documents you can copy and fill in the blanks. WebLawPro is easier to use but they charge $100 to sign up.
I sell a lot of Master Resell Rights Products and highly recommend always using the
legal disclaimers. You might put them in grey at the bottom of your page. They are less imposing.

[Steve Sanchez]

It depends on your content. Are telling people something that you will do that will cost them money to do or something that may harm them physically (workout stuff).

I you are offering advice that when followed may cause harm to the reader i.e. monetary, physical, emotional etc definately include a disclaimer.

Plus it will only take 30 seconds to copy one and put in your book.

[Dennis Gaskill]

Here's an example disclaimer from one of my ebooks:

Disclaimer: This report is an educational document. Income projections are for illustration purposes only. Any income you earn from following the suggestions in this document will depend on your efforts and the decisions of your potential customers. This information is true to the best of the author's knowledge and his ability to relate it. While the author has endeavored to present the content accurately and honestly, the author disclaims any responsibility or liability for errors, omissions, or the accuracy or reliability of the information presented. By using the information herein you assume all risks associated with the use thereof. The author shall not in any event be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, special, incidental, or consequential damages, including and without limitation, lost revenues or lost profits arising out of or in any way connected with the use of this material.

This is content specific, but feel free to use it as is or adapt to your product. If your product has something to do with health you want to include a disclaimer that you're not a doctor (unless you are) and the information does not constitute qualified medical advice, and the reader should consult their physician before undertaking any dietary or exercise change in lifestyle.

If it offers tax advice, add that you're not a tax professonal (unless you are), for legal advice, that you're not an attorney, etc.

I think by offering a disclaimer, if it's well worded and covers all the bases, people understand it's on them if they use the advice and they would be dissuaded from pursuing any legal action if something went wrong for them.

Disclaimer for this Post: I wrote that disclaimer myself without consulting an attorney. I based it on legal disclaimers I've seen elsewhere, including sample disclaimers from legal sites. I believe it is legal to the best of my judgment but I am not an attorney. This information is presented for information purposes only is not intended as legal advice. By using any advice presented in this post you accept full responsibility for your actions. Consult your attorney to ascertain the legality of any advice you act on. Do not run with scissors in your hand; look both ways before crossing the street.

[dean_holland]

Hi Pat,

My advise is to use one, any form of one will do that you have seen before. Just adapt it to suit you.

When you are giving any kind of advice or tips you are best to cover yourself... ( You know what folk can be like lol )

Best wishes

Dean

[Pat Jackson]

Originally Posted by Bobb30

Try FreeNetLaw.com They have a whole slew of legal documents you can copy and fill in the blanks. WebLawPro is easier to use but they charge $100 to sign up.
I sell a lot of Master Resell Rights Products and highly recommend always using the
legal disclaimers. You might put them in grey at the bottom of your page. They are less imposing.

Thanks for those links. That's what I'm selling aswell, Master Resell Rights.

What do you do when the actual product you're selling doesn't include a disclaimer when part of the conditions of selling it are you're not allowed to alter it in any way?

Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill

Here's an example disclaimer from one of my ebooks:

Disclaimer: This report is an educational document. Income projections are for illustration purposes only. Any income you earn from following the suggestions in this document will depend on your efforts and the decisions of your potential customers. This information is true to the best of the author's knowledge and his ability to relate it. While the author has endeavored to present the content accurately and honestly, the author disclaims any responsibility or liability for errors, omissions, or the accuracy or reliability of the information presented. By using the information herein you assume all risks associated with the use thereof. The author shall not in any event be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, special, incidental, or consequential damages, including and without limitation, lost revenues or lost profits arising out of or in any way connected with the use of this material.

This is content specific, but feel free to use it as is or adapt to your product. If your product has something to do with health you want to include a disclaimer that you're not a doctor (unless you are) and the information does not constitute qualified medical advice, and the reader should consult their physician before undertaking any dietary or exercise change in lifestyle.

If it offers tax advice, add that you're not a tax professonal (unless you are), for legal advice, that you're not an attorney, etc.

I think by offering a disclaimer, if it's well worded and covers all the bases, people understand it's on them if they use the advice and they would be dissuaded from pursuing any legal action if something went wrong for them.

Disclaimer for this Post: I wrote that disclaimer myself without consulting an attorney. I based it on legal disclaimers I've seen elsewhere, including sample disclaimers from legal sites. I believe it is legal to the best of my judgment but I am not an attorney. This information is presented for information purposes only is not intended as legal advice. By using any advice presented in this post you accept full responsibility for your actions. Consult your attorney to ascertain the legality of any advice you act on. Do not run with scissors in your hand; look both ways before crossing the street.

haha, that is very helpful. I can definitely use that as a base.

I will be going to a lawyer to get them to write them up for me as soon as I can, its just not in my budget yet..