Disclosure of Material Connections

I blog about things I want to share with other people. All of my blog posts contain my honest opinion, thoughts, beliefs, and true experiences. I generally receive no compensation for my blogging. It is a labor of love.

Blogging is a great way to get the word out about things. Anything. Naturally, people who have events, services and products want to get the word out. From time to time (but not often) I find myself the recipient of free hotel rooms, restaurant meals, attraction tickets, products, etc. This is usually arranged by a local Convention and Visitors’ Bureau. I often write about my experiences during these trips and try always to give my honest appraisal of the services, products, and events that I encounter. Nevertheless, there is a concern among some that I could be biased and might write a favorable review where it is not warranted, thereby misleading my readers. I want you, dear reader, to know that when I receive such “favors” and write about my experiences, I’ll disclose that and link to this Federal Trade Commission (FTC)  Disclosure page.

Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival Promotion

I have always loved birds and wildlife and I’m happy to say that I’ll be blogging about the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival and the North American Gull Conference over the coming months.  I will be providing information about the Festival and will be attending and live blogging my experiences during the event. The FTC requires that I inform you that I am receiving compensation from the Festival for my blogging and social media promotion activities on behalf of the Festival.

It is my goal to provide my blog readers with accurate, honest information about the Festival. I am under no obligation or restriction to write anything other than my honest opinion. No one pre-approves or edits what I write here. No one tells me what to write.

Below are links to and excerpts from the relevant Federal Trade Commission rules now in effect. The new rules affect testimonial advertisements, bloggers and celebrity endorsements.

Relevant excerpt from FTC 16 CFR Part 255.5:

“When there exists a connection between the endorser and the seller of the advertised product that might materially affect the weight or credibility of the endorsement (i.e., the connection is not
reasonably expected by the audience), such connection must be fully disclosed.”

Helpful links:

FTC 16 CFR Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising (pdf file)

FTC Press Release covering the new rules.