What Do You Think About Bloggers Accepting Gifts/Trips
Okay, I am probably opening up a can of worms here, but that is NOT my intention. In fact, I really just want to know what you the readers think about this topic. Thus far, I haven’t seen any article or post that is asking you. So I figured I would. The topic? The new FTC regulations on bloggers disclosing gifts/trips that they receive from product sponsors.
For those of you that don’t blog regularly basically it is a must that bloggers who accept gifts or trips must disclose to you what they received in return from the product represented. The reasoning being that they believe the opinion is skewed from the blogger since they received the item for free. I’m interested to know if you change your opinion of a blog or blogger who accepts these gifts or trips?
Before you go getting all fired up; at this stage I would like you to simply answer the poll in the right side bar. I don’t want to start a political debate in the comments section as I would like readers to leave their opinions without influence. Therefore, if you make a comment below I will simply delete it for now.
HOWEVER, after the poll closes on Sunday afternoon, I will allow comments, discussion and debate in a follow-up post. I will post the results along with a few of my thoughts on the matter in general. Not just as a blogger but as a mom who reads LOTS of blogs and has lots of friends that are bloggers.
So come on over and weigh in on the poll in the right side bar. Then stay tuned next week for more great discussion on the topic.
Hurry up and open it up for comments, because I need to claify my poll vote!
Personally I think it depends on the kind of blog it is.
If a blogger’s site is one where it’s supposed to give an “impartial” view on a product then I think they should disclose that they’re given a gift for free/to keep especially if the review is glowing.
If the blogger’s site is one where they’re passing along info that something is free, a good deal or even practically a steal and a store gives them something for mentioning it then I don’t think it really matter if the blogger discloses it or not. Many of us have paid ads on our sites to earn some money but we don’t go out of the way to post “hey we get money for every click on the ad”.
I would love to know how some bloggers do get free stuff or items to give away on their sites because as a new blogger I would love to have incentives on my site to bring more readers in.
As long as the blogger can give his/her honest opinion of the product they have received, I have no problem. If, “this is suddenly the best thing since sliced bread” and it is truly a mediocre product, then I have a problem. However, I believe the relative anonymity of blogging will allow most blotters to retain their perspective. As long as they are able to give balanced information OR their true opinion (good or bad) then I say gratefully accept free things!
I have no problem with bloggers getting “stuff”, but I’m glad for the new rule. Anybody who is doing honest reviews, and I feel most are, should not have a problem throwing a disclaimer up on their site. I am really surprised by how many people who read but don’t blog, don’t realize that its a money making venture. Nothing wrong with blogging to make a new nickles, but lets be completely honest about it.
I think I live in a hole… I had no clue bloggers got THAT many gifts from companies!! Makes me want to find something to blog about!
Personally, I don’t have a preferance at all, if they want to report it that’s cool, if not – that’s cool too. But they should give a shout out of thanks, to the gift giving company, on their blog though. Very interesting that the FTC is now involved in this.
I like blogging just for the enjoyment of writing and reading what others write. I am somewhat discouraged that a lot of the mommy-bloggers are in it for the money, at least the ones that get all the traffic.
I wish the world was a more simple place and we all just blogged for the sake of sharing our thoughts and encouraging one another.
But, I can also see how blogging for financial profit and free products has helped many families make some extra income and it has been an empowering resource for women.
And I definitely think those that do receive free stuff should let their readers know up front.
I read blogs to learn how to better manage my time and money in a God-honoring fashion, not to read about someone’s last trip paid for by companies, sponsors, etc. The Bible is very clear about avoiding even the appearance of impropriety, and I have to wonder how some Christian bloggers do that. I want to read about women like me, and when they accept especially the multiple trips, those bloggers become just the opposite. At that point, they’ve become employees of the company, independent contractors, if you will, and no longer the mom next door. (The free products don’t bother me so much.) And I do wonder when the IRS will start treating those products and trips as income. I won’t be surprised to see that happen soon.