The FTC is Opening a Hornet’s Nest [ANGLE Round-Up]
June 22, 2009
Filed Under: in Uncategorized
Author: Mark 'Rizzn' Hopkins
Welcome back.
At this point, it’s almost remedial for us to cover this ground again at SiliconANGLE, since we’ve said so much on the subject already, but the blogosphere is expressing a new round of blind support for the new FTC regulations on blogging.
We maintain our very strong position of criticism of the FTC. This is a dangerous set of rulings that could have dire implications for the blogosphere.
You can view our past – in depth – coverage and analysis of the proposed rules changes here:
FTC New Disclosure Guidelines, a Third Examination [Bloggers, Marketers and PR]
FTC Social Media PR Regulation Update: Blogger Catch-22 or Loophole?
Social Media Marketing is (Mostly) Legal. Is Modern PR Legal, Though?
Here’s the latest round-up of thoughts on the topic:
FTC to Close Loopholes in Blogger-Marketer Relationships - Aaron Brazell thinks it’s more or less OK, but wants to see more analysis on the affiliate relationships. Answer? It’s untenable and unenforceable.
FTC Plans to Regulate Blogger Freebies – Frederic Lardinois gives a ‘tepid’ approval to the new FTC rules. My good friend at RWW is, unfortunately, dead wrong on this one, failing to see the implications of the rules for rank and file PR and social media consultants.
FTC to crack down on undisclosed "sponsored" blogging – Ars Technica writes a dry and somewhat sufficient snapshot of the new rules.
FTC cracks down on “pay for play” – BlogAd’s Henry Copeland propagates a dangerously myopic view of who may be affected by the new disclosure rules.
This entire FTC debate is comparing apples to oranges. Trust is something that is earned one user at a time. Can't regulate trust.
Chris Anderson's 'long tail' distribution analysis is at play here. I think that the biggest issue is the lack of viable monetizaiton for publishers and that FTC regulation today will "kill" or "stunt" any possible innovation in targeted advertising solutions that can reward legit publishers.
[...] The FTC regulating and restricting almost all speech on the Web. [...]