New FTC Disclosure Regulations: Attorney and Marketer Explain Why Bloggers, Businesses and Others Should Comply

Goshen, MA – On December 1, 2009, new guidelines go into effect from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission that require new kinds of clear, conspicuous disclosures from bloggers, affiliates and others about any so-called material connections between their content or links and their financial interests. Because rumors, misinformation and cavalier dismissal of the need to comply with the new rules are sweeping the Internet, renowned marketer Marcia Yudkin recently organized and recorded a Q&A session with business attorney/author Jean Sifleet (http://www.yudkin.com/ftc.htm ).

Along with describing what the new FTC rules require and may not require of businesses and bloggers, Sifleet and Yudkin discussed five reasons it makes sense to comply with the new regulations:

1. Stay out of trouble. Although it’s most likely the FTC will pursue egregious violators who have deep pockets, small players are nevertheless vulnerable to legal hassles and fines if they do not comply with the new regulations.

2. Reduce other risks. Compliance with the new rules will help things go better for you if you get called before the FTC or a brother federal agency for another issue.

3. Earn credibility. As awareness of the new guidelines spreads, potential clients and customers see you in a positive light when you’re clearly complying.

4. Avoid second-hand problems. By complying with the rules, you’re perceived as less liable if a rogue affiliate or reviewer acts wildly on your behalf.

5. Prevent business damage. Although those based outside the US might think the FTC has no jurisdiction over them, if they have customers, affiliates, web hosting, shopping cart services, etc. based in the US, by complying they avoid those aspects of their operation being targeted by the FTC.

Massachusetts attorney Jean Sifleet of Smartfast.com, the featured expert on the FTC recording, has decades of experience advising both startup and established businesses on safeguarding intellectual property and preventing exposure to liability. She also has a distinguished record of explaining legal issues and their business implications clearly to non-lawyers. Jean Sifleet is the author of three books, including Advantage “IP”: Profit From Your Great Ideas, as well as a three-time entrepreneur.

Marcia Yudkin of Yudkin.com, the interviewer on the FTC recording, is the author of 6 Steps to Free Publicity, now in its third edition, and 10 other books. Known world-wide as an expert in creative marketing, Yudkin helps business owners and organizational marketers reach new and existing customers powerfully and cost-effectively.

The recorded program on the new FTC guidelines may be purchased in downloadable MP3 format for $39.97 or as a CD for $42.97, including shipping.

To purchase the MP3 or CD recording on the new FTC rules and how bloggers, publishers, entrepreneurs and business owners can comply with them, go to http://www.yudkin.com/ftc.htm .

Contact Information

Marcia Yudkin

President

Creative Ways

Contact via E-mail