Is a Crackdown Looming for Parenting Blogs?
A number of Juggle readers are parent-bloggers themselves–and many of you read mom- or dad-blogs regularly. In many cases, parent-bloggers review products, such as diapers, toys and baby gear, and often receive free samples or services from companies hoping to see their wares get real parents’ seal of approval.
But things may be changing in the blogosphere, as the Federal Trade Commission considers whether to impose new rules for parent-bloggers. The FTC is weighing whether these informal endorsements should be considered paid advertisements if the blogger receives any quid pro quo from the manufacturer, either in the form of free goods or money.
The news is making a lot of parent-bloggers nervous. A number of parents have turned to blogging as a way to earn income or get free products during these tough times. But the FTC is concerned that the manufacturer-blogger relationships may not be transparent to readers.
