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News & ArtsTuesday, October 6, 2009
Tech Cupcakes—We Get Cupcakes
Posted by Dan Savage on Tue, Oct 6, 2009 at 8:54 AM
Do they count as "high-value gifts"?
Bloggers have gotten so big that they're about to be regulated—at least when they accept money or in-kind services from a company whose products they review.A blogger who reviews a new product—but leaves out the fact that he or she received payments, high-value gifts or free vacations from the company—could run afoul of new federal regulations on advertising.
Luckily for me I've already gotten everything I wanted from MedicalToys.com.
1
You still have until December 1 before the new rules go into effect. Better hurry and stock up now.
5
Gotta read the FTC's full rules on this. It's about personal endorsements, not publication endorsements. Although the difference for some sites will be tricky.
If you, Dan, on your own non-Stranger Twitter account say, "Cafe Cupcakeola cupcakes are the bestest!" and they gave you free cupcakes, you might be obliged to tweet next, "I received free cupcakes from Cupcakeola."
However, the FTC also points out that something of material value has to be received. Cupcakes probably don't meet that bar.
The Stranger is exempt from these new rules because it's a clearly organized publication and company, and the blog is part of that. You're subject to whatever state and federal rules apply to disclosure, truth-in-advertising, etc.
If you, Dan, on your own non-Stranger Twitter account say, "Cafe Cupcakeola cupcakes are the bestest!" and they gave you free cupcakes, you might be obliged to tweet next, "I received free cupcakes from Cupcakeola."
However, the FTC also points out that something of material value has to be received. Cupcakes probably don't meet that bar.
The Stranger is exempt from these new rules because it's a clearly organized publication and company, and the blog is part of that. You're subject to whatever state and federal rules apply to disclosure, truth-in-advertising, etc.
7
This is outrageous!
(caveat - I have owned direct shares in a number of food and beverage companies and still do)
(caveat - I have owned direct shares in a number of food and beverage companies and still do)
9
Whew! Thanks, Glenn! Keep those speculums and cupcakes coming, folks!
Gosh, I'm afraid of whatever party you may throw, even though I'd likely never be on the guest list. Just in case, I've prepared a letter...
Mr. Savage,
I appreciate your generous thought in inviting me to your party, but I regret to inform you that I will be unable to attend. Though it is highly ill-advised to specify one's reasons for gracefully rejecting an invitation, I feel I most certainly should elucidate my rationale because I fear you may be unaware of the image you project on a daily basis.
In this case, having read a recent comment regarding baked goods and medical implements, I have no doubt that the bacchanal you apparently intended to spring upon unsuspecting guests would have destroyed all sense of decency and uprightness in the circle that chooses foolishly to accept your invitation. I myself, being of fragile comport, would likely have been irreparably damaged by sights and sounds witnessed at this soiree.
I do hope this was not terribly crass and do wish the best for your party.
All my fondest,
Baconcat
11
I'd be at the party, were I in Seattle. No job offers from Valve or Microsoft, yet, though either'd find me indispensable.
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