Well, I do include a disclaimer at the top of each review/contest post that it was sponsored (by so-and-so) and I thank them. And I do believe pretty much every time, I've also repeated myself at the end of the post and thanked the sponsor for sending samples, etc. So, I've tried to truly be open and honest about it all. I'd never, ever, consider hiding the fact I get samples to review!! I'm the type of person who shouts it from the rooftops across Social Media sites and on my blogs. hehehe 😉

I'd also repeat a disclaimer in ever review post.

I've never been paid to write a review, though. I've just received samples. And if it wasn't something I'd truly buy myself, I either wouldn't review it or I'd say so. The only thing I've found to be a "negative" on some of the things I've reviewed is that some readers might not enjoy the taste as much as I do. I'm used to taking strong, liquid herbal tonics and drinking earthy herbal teas so some drink powders or foods that I might enjoy, might taste odd (or even bad) to some of my readers who have been used to eating donuts or other processed foods, ya know? I just say something like I've just said about the fact I'm used to such tastes and that some of my readers may not enjoy it as much as I do.

Sorry for the lengthy comment!

But I do understand what you're saying about the writing sites. 😉

*smiles*
Michele

To comply with the requirement, you could maybe put a disclaimer at the top of your blog – something to the effect of "Any book reviewed here has been received for free by this writer and in no way does receiving the book guarantee a good review." I don't know if that's acceptable to the feds, but it's disclosure.

To be honest, I think we can smell it when someone's received something for free in return for a good review. At least I hope we can. I'm in the same conundrum – I review software. It's free to me, but I have no contact with the company beyond the PR person asking for my address. But if I review these online, I have to disclose that.

I don't think print publications are far behind this. In fact, it's been a practice for years that advertisers and editorial keep an arms-length relationship. Most (emphasis on not all) editors would defend to the death their right to objectivity. There's a bit more accountability to an editorial group than to an individual blogger. Not that deception doesn't occur in the print world, but that it's still shocking when it happens. That's an indicator. If someone were shocked that a blog post was biased or deceptive, we'd call them a fool.

Consumer Reports make its money from subscriptions, but my blog doesn't make me any money. I don't think it's a sell-out to accept a free book. However, I always post honest reviews. I don't write many reviews, but when I do, I give my honest opinion, both good and bad.

I wouldn't write a totally negative review, though. When anyone asks me to review a book or a product, I tell them I will write an honest review or if I absolutely hate it, I won't write a review at all. I don't like to trash books or products.

Only once have I ever declined to write a review. I received software that was supposed to make searches easier and more effective. I tried the product, and I didn't like it. I wrote the person who sent me the review copy and told him why I didn't like the product, but I did not post a review on my blog.

But now according to the FTC, I have to disclose I received that software. Of course, print publications are exempt from this FTC requirement. That doesn't seem quite right to me.

Lillie Ammann
A Writer's Words, An Editor's Eye

I had heard on my local new the other night that bloggers are going to have to start disclosing the fact they are posting paid reviews or they will be fined. Now I cannot remember the exact amount but I think it was in the thousands of dollars.

I just saw a blog I visit daily which normally posts poetry, that's why I visit. Today they were selling a product for the holidays. So, I left without even commenting.

I have to say though I do have an affiliate program on my sidebar in addition to my own artfire shop, I don't like the affiliates in posts. I think readers run from those blogs.

I agree with you. Those rates are terrible. I guess I interpreted "livable wage" to mean one that could provide you with the basic necessities of life. But, on second thought, a $5/article job probably wouldn't even keep a roof over your head in many parts of the world!

Krista, that's where these types of blog owners and writerly types and I part ways. I will never understand how $5, $10, $20 / article jobs is EVER a livable wage. In my opinion, it's not even ANY type of wage.

Devon and I discuss this topic offline a bit. I have to say I'm taking her stance on this more and more. Those who want to waste their time and talents working jobs clearly intended to benefit not the writer but the employer can do so. I'm opting for higher-paying work and more respect.