8 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
8 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Affiliate Discloser for my Ebook/PDF

by Melani
7 replies
One of the things that was brought to my attention with regards to my ebook/PDF is the affiliate links in there. Since it was originally completed back in June last year, I had completely forgotten about them with regards to the new FTC rules.

What do I do about them? Can I add in a message to my disclaimer page? Or do I need to make a comment beside each individual link?

(I did some searching, but so far I could only find stuff related to websites and blogs...)
#affiliate #discloser #ebook or pdf
  • Profile picture of the author Nickolie0990
    A while ago, when this was big there was a great interview done by Jim Edwards. I think it will have all the answers. You can see the entire interview here:

    Q&A With FTC Re: Bloggers, Affiliates, Advertisers & More
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1581641].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author kindsvater
      It depends on the overall context what type, if any, additional disclosure needs to be made.

      The context being what the ebook is about generally and then the context in which affiliate links are being presented.

      I know that's very general, but hopefully you get the idea. A major issue is whether there is something a reader should know about that is not obvious from the context which would be important for the reader in evaluating why you are linking to a certain product or service.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1581664].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Melani
    Ok. So my ebook is about membership sites, and with in it, I recomment website hosting. I mention three different options so the user feels like they have a choice. Do I need to put a disclaimer under each link?

    I also recomment a lot of other products through out the book, and only a select few are affiliate links. Most of them are not.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1581686].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author kendrickyi
    I think to be safe you should state that your affiliate links are inside.

    At the 1st page, or if you have a disclaimer page you can say something like

    "Some of the links are my affiliate links and I get paid if you purchase the product" or something like that
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1581713].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author kindsvater
      If the overall context is IM then readers are probably going to expect affiliate links.

      You could make it obvious some links are affiliate links. You could also state: here is my affiliate link. You could include a resource list at the end and indicate which are affiliate links.

      One reason it is impossible to give specific advice is that the specific context is still unknown and something you need to evaluate. For example: if you are telling readers that the 3 best scripts to run a membership site are A, B, and C - but you know Option D is really the best. But since D does not have an affiliate program you only mention A, B, and C. Then, it may not even be enough to disclose they are affiliate links without also disclosing that you only selected from, or chose, options with affiliate programs.

      The bottom line is you are giving advice in your ebook - advice that people are expected to rely upon. So you need to make sure readers have enough information to properly evaluate and trust your advice.

      A brief example from a guide I wrote is where an expert testifies during trial in an auto accident case that the car was safe. But, then it turns out the expert has testified 247 prior times for auto manufacturers and said 247 times that the car in question is safe. Maybe the car is safe, maybe it isn't. But in that context there is certain information the reader (the jury) should know so that they can properly evaluate what the expert has said.

      That is your ultimate goal - to make sure you are not misleading someone. The issue for the FTC is not about having a disclaimer somewhere. The issue is making sure you're not misleading your customers.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1581806].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Melani
    Thanks kindsvater, that helps make it a little clearer.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1581913].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author pcpupil
    The FTC rules are simple.I read the parts that concern us as marketers.And this is my take on it.And this is what im doing.
    It says in there that if there are any affiliate links in the ebook that when someone clicks on them you recieve any shape or form of a commission of some kind that you have to say what relationship you have with them.
    Soooo,what im going to do is in the disclaimer before the contents,chapter pages,[like everyone else does] is put a note saying that if you click on any links i will make some kind of a commission,either monetary,or in products.
    Thats my take on it.That way im safe.
    Signature
    I will be your Digital Assistance for cheap.PM me.
    I can help relieve your work load.Pm me
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1582030].message }}

Trending Topics