I was reading in the NYT about the F.T.C. rules concerning bloggers which basically states that if you're doing a review on something and you got it free, or were paid - as in paid to play - you need to disclose it (starting December 1st) - and while in many ways this blog isn't a strict product/review blog and the F.T.C. probably could care less about me - I thought I'd put a few things out there.
- I'll take all the free shit people will send my way. For review purposes. Just like a traditional media outlet takes them as in "If you want us to consider a review of your CD or product, send them to...". It's pretty standard.
- Free shit does not equal a good review, or even a post/mention for that matter. There is no quid pro quo.
- I won't say that this will always be the case - because no one has yet offered me a Hello Kitty Lexus or a free lifetime supply of KFC.
- If I do the math, I actually haven't taken 99.9% of anything offered to me for free for reviews. I prefer to hit up a myspace, a youtube, a trailer, or just buy it myself and support the artist, the venue, or organization.
- No one's ever paid me or given me anything to write or hype an event, CD, book, show, etc. If I post it, it's because I like it, or I think someone else will, or I just think it's relevant.
- So far I've turned down all advertising/sponsorship requests because I don't really want to be beholden to someone, or some entity, and I want to be able to critique whoever, whatever, at any time. Part of the reason I blog is because I get to say whatever I want.
- The advertisement/sponsorship portion may change though if I do some sponsorships for charity - but I still have to work that out and who the hell knows when and if that will happen.
- Giveaways are giveaways. People have stuff. Sometimes I can help give it away. There's not really much to that - and again - just see #1 and #2.
- The offer of something free - even if I don't take it - still doesn't mean anything.
And that's that.
