A Good Explanation about the New FTC Rules

For those of you following the new FTC guidelines about disclosure issues, Liz B at A Chair, A Fireplace & A Tea Cozy has a great post that explains the issue. She heard Mary Engle speak on the topic at KidLitCon. Below is an excerpt.

Engle then specifically said there is a difference between a product review place and a place that is part of a marketing review program. So reviews are not endorsements as the FTC sees it. (Also? the way the FTC uses the word "compensation" is not the way the IRS uses it. Sadly, or happily, I totally understand that, being the former lawyer. It's not just words that matter; it's how we use them and what our definitions are.)

Again -- the types of reviews here are not endorsements so under the FTC guide no disclosure is needed. (On a personal note, I will continue to say where I got the book I review for the same reasons I always have -- transparency and readers who are unaware that publishers provide such copies). It was specifically asked if receiving review copies had to be disclosed. The answer? No, not if you're an independent reviewer.

The good news is that it sounds like unless you're receiving some sort of monetary compensation for doing the review, you don't have to disclose where/how you got the book, but I agree that it is always a good idea anyway.

Check out Liz B's post to get all the scoop.