Bye-bye affiliate marketing?

The company that hosts this blog for me, TypePad, just posted a link for its clients to a chilling story from the Associated Press.  I'm passing it along to you.

The gist of it: The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is planning to stop bloggers from getting paid for endorsing products unless they explicitly say they are getting paid for their endorsements.

This can have profound and devastating effects on affiliate marketing as we know it. Keep your eyes open on this one. It's a serious move threatened by the Feds.

David Garfinkel
Publisher, World Copywriting Newsletter

Comments

[Jim]

Dear David... and all...

Yes, I will be watching this.

AND.... when the President brings in an new administration, lots of plans and "wanna-do's" get leaked to the press.

Take 'em with a grain of salt.

There's 8 years of backed-up anti-business feelings getting released here.

That is what we are seeing, in my opinion.

J

[John Holcombe]

This could be really devastating for those that use techniques such as attraction marketing. Getting paid for affiliate marketing is how we pay for our own marketing for our businesses. Way to go big brother.

John

[Make Money on Internet]

I guess There's 8 years of backed-up anti-business feelings getting released here.

[Randy]

Although some people may find it harsh, I think they say it will be state by state. There of course some states where you can incorporate like denver I think where it would hurt you as much. Easier way just put a disclosure page on their. Most people dont care.

[John]

I don't see this to be a huge deal for ethical marketers. The crazy fake testimonial and 'flogs' have gotten out of control anyway. It doesn't hurt to have a simply policy stating that your an affiliate.

[Reginald Stinson]

This is very interesting.

[Kevin Tan]

Oh wow, I didn't hear about this. I'll definitely be on the lookout.