Comments on: Why the FTC $11,000 Blogger Fines are a Good Thing

By: Rich Lazzara

Rich Lazzara — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:59:41 +0000

Brilliant comment, couldnt have said it better. 11k will certainly pale in comparison to someone trashing their trust and credibility. I do find it interesting though that the FTC believes they can actually police this stuff. I dont know if you've seen the new Taco Bell TV commercials, they are called the “Drive Thru Diet” The spokesperson makes it a point to say, “These are not typical results…” interesting stuff. Thanks for the good comments.

By: First Mate YC

First Mate YC — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 23:42:17 +0000

Over time the most successful businesses/people are those who are reliable sources of information to a large number of potential customers. The medium might have changed (radio to TV to websites to blogging to twitter to ?), but the basic premise of being a valued/trusted source of information is what help drives a successful business in the long run. Because of that, it is unlikely the FTC will have much say de facto in the dissemination of valuable information because the real punishment of providing bad information is much more than an $11k fine, it is the loss of their reputation.

By: Josh Wilkinson

Josh Wilkinson — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:50:24 +0000

All I can say is WOW!! Interesting article. Sounds like the bloggers are really puttin the pressure on ..I would always take the side of a non-biased person over a person with a financial agenda. Maybe some government officials don’t want some of their dirty laundry put out there by these pesky little bloggers. Ha! Ha! Just a thought..

By: rlazzara

rlazzara — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:23:34 +0000

Kim, thanks for the comments. Watching the digital marketing and new media space move in new directions is always fascinating to me too.

By: Kim Kavin

Kim Kavin — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:17:09 +0000

As a longtime marine magazine writer, somewhat recent web entrepreneur, and current three-term president of Boating Writers International, I could not agree with your comments more. The FTC targeting bloggers–and only bloggers–is completely unfair, but does truly speak to the power of blogs. A fascinating development to be followed, for sure.