Shooting at Bubbles - Latest Comments in To the FTC that whole Trust Agent thing is nonsense

Re: To the FTC that whole Trust Agent thing is nonsense

StevenHodson — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:38:42 -0000

I agree that there are misuses on either side of the fence. I also believe that the guidelines being put forward should apply across all media - regardless of print, video, podcasting or blogs. If it was I would withdraw my objections without a second thought.

Re: To the FTC that whole Trust Agent thing is nonsense

Blog Bloke — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:33:15 -0000

I guess you didn't know New York Times journalists get Presidential protection for it's biased news reporting. ;-)

The web is unfortunately rampant with plagiarizers and most of them belong the marketing clan. So they don't get my sympathy vote.

I've worked on both sides of the fence and personally I think it's about time the blog marketers have to play according to at least some rules. They've had it all their way for too long, and don't forget the journalists still have to play according to a rule of ethics that bloggers are still exempt.

So I guess we will have to agree to disagree on this one. But I do agree that the FTC can't play favorites when it comes to enforcement of the rules. Either they make everyone play according to the rules or they should get out of the game.

..BB

Re: To the FTC that whole Trust Agent thing is nonsense

StevenHodson — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:08:11 -0000

The thing is Chris is that it doesn't matter if it is a "gift" or a "loaner". Under the FTC guidelines because gadget sites like Gizmodo have an on-going association with manufacturers they will have to start displaying a disclosure notice with each post. Where it gets really interesting is if that same disclosure is going to have to be applied to old posts - since as we know even year old posts can gain new life.

Re: To the FTC that whole Trust Agent thing is nonsense

CW — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:41:03 -0000

Now here is the ultimate question, Did Adam Frucci of Gizmodo.com have to report if he received the FleshLights that he reviewed here http://gizmodo.com/5375323/... If he did get them for free did he at least wash them before returning them? Would they want them back? If not would that be considered a gift?