Here at Bullpen Marketing, we pride ourselves for having great customer relationships. We understand what the words “commitment,” “accountability,” and “honesty” mean to clients and do everything in our power to preserve the integrity of those words. That is why, when news about the new FTC social media rules were announced, we didn’t even blink.

On December 1, 2009, new guidelines issued by the Federal Trade Commission will go into effect. These guidelines were specifically created to protect consumers from false or inaccurate claims made by marketers and bloggers about their products. We decided to publish this news for the benefit of our clients and anyone who wasn’t already made aware of this.

The three specific points to this new rule are as follows:

1. Disclose when you are being compensated—whether it’s an endorsement or free sample.
2. Be truthful in your statements—and make sure they can be substantiated.
3. Speak from actual experience—not just what the maker of the products want you to say.

What happens if the FTC finds you breaking any of these rules? An $11,000 fine. Hopefully this new rule will weed out dishonest marketers doing and endorsing anything to make a quick buck.

About Bullpen Marketing: Bullpen Marketing is a Houston-based marketing firm that offers many services ranging from print and web design to promotional products. As a fully integrated marketing agency, it specializes in helping companies and schools improve the way they promote the value of their products and services. Core areas of expertise include strategic planning, branding, academic and web marketing. Its clients range from elementary schools to Fortune 500 corporations. Founded in 1997, Bullpen is one of Houston’s fastest growing marketing and promotional products companies with both local and national accounts. Bullpen is the preferred supplier for the American Marketing Association. Other clients include the National Association of Stock Plan Professionals, NACE International, and the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Bullpen is a member of the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), American Marketing Association (AMA), Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), and the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA). Learn more at www.bullpenmarketing.com.

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