Blog updates: FTC and Bloglovin

Ugh...I'm so sorry guys. I know you've seen a hundred of these already, but I had to put it out there. I'm gonna try to keep it short and sweet because I definitely realize you get it, and unlike the FTC, I believe that you are intelligent human beings who are capable of...oh, I don't know, rational thinking? Anyways, that's beside the point.

As you all know, the FTC has changed guidelines about how us bloggers need to bring to attention that we receive products for review. Instead of our past little spiel at the end stating that we received the product for honest consideration, now we have to do it at the beginning AND the end, plus adding in the word (ad) anytime we post an affiliate link.

Basically, what this means for me is that my review posts are going to be quite a bit clunkier, and for that I want to apologize. But, as many other bloggers have mentioned as well, I have always been honest and straightforward, and I have no problem alerting you all when I've received a product for free in return or my honest consideration. I'm not the kind of person who would tell you I like something if I don't - free or not. If I receive a product for review and I'm not a fan, I'll say so...and vice versa. I guess what I'm saying is that it bothers me that the FTC is seeming to underestimate my readers - you wonderful people - in that they think that if I don't scream it from the rooftops, you won't realize a product was free. Just know that I don't feel that way, but I will comply because I have to.

Next order of business: Google Reader is going away. If I understand this correctly, Blogger Dashboard will still be here, so I personally would not be affected when reading my feed of blogs that I follow. However, I guess non-Blogger blogs will be affected? I don't know. The point is, I guess that a lot of bloggers are switching to Bloglovin. I believe you will still be able to follow me via GFC, because that's not what's going away, but in order to read all your blogs, you may have to switch to Bloglovin. I am aware that this seems to me to be extremely unclear, so if any of you could offer any clarification, it would be much appreciated!

TL;DR: My review posts might end up being a bit clunkier due to FTC's new guidelines, and follow me via Bloglovin!



Check out some other bloggers who have shared their thoughts on this subject! (Credit for this list goes to Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom!)

Phyrra – Update to the FTC on Disclosures
Raging Rouge – FTC Updates Disclosure Regulations Online
Beauty & Fashion Tech – For Bloggers: How to Comply With The New FTC Guidance on Disclosing Products Provided For Review
Beauty & Fashion Tech – For Bloggers: How To Make Disclosure Buttons For WordPress
Gouldylox Reviews – Full Disclosure
Beauty Info Zone – Our Policies and the new FTC Disclosure rules
15 Minute Beauty Fanatic – New Disclosures on 15 Minute Beauty
Pink Sith – FTC Update and Disclaimer
The Fabzilla – Changes
Beyond Beauty Lounge - What is all this FTC Disclosure Chatter anyway?
Polish Galore – FTC Updates to Disclosure Regulations
Vampy Varnish – Boring Ole FTC
Midnight Manicures – FTC Guidelines for Bloggers and How
Painted Ladies – New FTC Guidelines
Primed & Polished – Update to FTC
Portrait of Mai – Google Reader & FTC Disclosure Changes
Pammy's Beauty Blog -  FTC Updates and Full Disclosure
Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom - FTC Disclosures and Me: A Dislike Story