Blogging Book Reviews? Watch Out!

If you recommend books on your blog, you need to know this. The Federal Trade Commission issued new guidelines for bloggers. If you recommend a product, including books, you must “disclose material connections” for any product or service you endorse. No one seems to be sure yet how the FTC will enforce their new rules, but warnings and possible fines could be imposed.

I read about this first at Kristi Holl's blog, Writer's First Aid. For an easy to understand overview of the topic see Michael Hyatt's blog. Michael is the CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers. His blog has recommendations for complying with the new guidelines. The disclaimer at the end of this post came from his blog post. Michael Cherenson, CEO for PRSA, says the guidelines are "advisory, but they will change the way public relations, advertising and marketing professionals need to approach certain strategies, tactics and heretofore best practices."

Because I am a book seller to schools, and many of my customers read my blog for book suggestions, I am choosing to use the disclaimer that states I receive books free, but am not required to recommend/review them. I only post recommendations for the books that I think are valuable and beneficial for my readers.

Thanks for continuing to stop by and visit with me.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”