For you professional bloggers out there, some news dropped today that could greatly affect the future of the blogosphere. Whether or not it's good or bad news remains to be seen.

The FTC has announced plans to begin regulating blogs, and social media as it pertains to marketing. The regulation is based on advertising guidelines; specifically false advertisement.

Here's a quote from Rich Cleland, assistant director of the FTC’s advertising-practices division , "The commission is attempting to update guidelines that are 30 years old so that they address current marketing techniques,” he said, “and in particular to address the issue of whether or not the safe harbor that’s currently allowed for ‘result not typical’-type disclaimers is still warranted."

I'm very much torn on this issue, and like anything else in the world there's good and bad consequences to follow. Let me preface my reaction by saying that I'm a huge free market thinker. Ron Paul is my hero, I blame the FED for everything, and the market should be in the hands of the people (maybe a bit melodramatic there, but you get the point).

As a general view I'm very opposed to the FTC's regulations in advertising. I've always been of the mind that if I'm going to invest or purchase something that I research multiple sources for information. Then when I do find those sources, I find any links by either monetary or other means to the service/product they're discussing/advertising. Would you buy a Ford car based solely on an ad or review if it comes directly or indirectly from Ford? If I make a mistake in a purchase or investment the blame is on me. It shouldn't fall on the government to protect me.

Ok, I'll beam back down to the real world now and discuss the present issue at hand. Here is where I'm probably going to upset some folks, if you're not already upset by free market idealogy. I actually agree with the FTC on this. If we're going to have guidelines based around advertising, then the internet should be no safe haven. There's nothing special about advertising on the internet compared to traditional advertising in terms of FTC guidelines. Just like there's nothing special about taxing the internet (won't go into that). I would advise that special research, and measures be taken in terms of implementation if the FTC does go through with the plan though.

This of course is just one reaction to the news, and I would love to hear your opinion. Specifically if you're a marketer, or own a business that relies heavily on advertising. As always, feel free to shoot an email or start a topic on WPW.

| JohnnyV |