Full Disclosure

Bloggers who offer endorsements must disclose any payments they have received from the subjects of their reviews or face penalties of up to $11,000 per violation, the Federal Trade Commission said Monday.

The agency, charged with protecting consumer interests, had not updated its policy on endorsements in nearly three decades, well before the Internet became a force in shaping consumer tastes. The new rules attempt to make more transparent corporate payments to bloggers, research firms and celebrities that help promote a product.(Cecelia Kang, Washington Post, October 6, 2009)

No one has ever given me any money or goods for my blog. Therefore, alas, I am in full compliance with the new rule.