Meaning to write about the FTC’s new Blogging Regulations but figure what Shelly Palmer said about it is similar to what I’d say – that the FTC’s Blogger Endorsement Rules & Regs: Not Really Needed ….

” ….. Want to have a really good time? Try getting through the other 81 pages of the “Federal Trade Commission, 16 CFR Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” It’s a page-turner!!!

If this wasn’t the driest document I have ever forced myself to read, and, if this document didn’t illustrate one of the biggest problems that brands and consumers are going to face in the 21st Century, it would actually be funny.”

My feeling is the penalties are way too punitive and there may be many situations where it’s not clear there has been a violation – and where does the 11,000 fine come from, what is it based on?

On the good side, maybe the idea of a fine or penality will motivate bloggers to disclose all their sources and motivations, but on the bad side – might not people who disagree with a viewpoint or have an axe to grind – make life very difficult for bloggers they disagree with?

I’m of the opinion, like Shelly, there are too many things wrong with this legislation to make it that effective, and, at the end of the day, it’ll create more problems than it attempts to solve.