Taking first steps into marketing through HP...what about disclaimers?

1. 79

   Sally's Troveposted 13 years ago

   I have a Hub in the works about buying product online. Although I've included eBay and Amazon capsules in several of my previous Hubs, this is the first one where the focus, intent, purpose, is to get someone to buy.
   
   I've seen that some Hubbers include a disclaimer about product endorsement; some don't. In other words, that a product may be featured in a Hub doesn't mean that the Hubber recommends or endorses the product.
   
   What's your take on publishing a disclaimer in the Hub?

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   1. 72

      thisisoliposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Include one if you want, there is no legal requirement (As of yet) to state that you are writing for sales.

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      1. 79

         Sally's Troveposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks oli...that was the answer I was looking for. Sort of. I think for the most part that if readers get useful information, they don't give a hoot whether someone is writing for sales or not. But the thought is there that because I publish references to sales sites it means that I endorse either those sites or the products they sell (without my ever saying so).
         
         I think the key to my question about this is your "(As of yet)". So time will tell about what kind of useful information might be subject to a legal backlash only because that information earned a couple of cents from an affiliate program.

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2. 78

   Shadesbreathposted 13 years ago

   Why would you want to write about something you don't endorse?
   
   "Hey, there's this really horrific book I read, but I think you should read it."
   
   "Campbulls Soup makes a new Cream of Poo soup that you should buy today. Click here!"
   
   Etc.
   
   ?

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   1. 79

      Sally's Troveposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I'd like to write about something I don't necessarily endorse because what I'm writing about may be good information for some reader.
      
      I found products that may have great appeal in a niche market. I don't endorse the products that I dredge up through Amazon, because I have no experience with those products. However, I think they are worth looking at.
      
      You and I have been here on HP for a long time, fanning / following each other, and you should know I wouldn't stoop to "Campbulls Soup makes a new Cream of Poo soup that you should buy today. Click here!"

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      1. 78

         Shadesbreathposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Yeah, I know you wouldn't.  I couldn't help it because, well, it's just fun to say out loud.  "Cambulls Cream of Poo"... see?
         
         (God, I am so immature.)
         
         I'm going on vacation day after tomorrow, so I'm particularly giddy, you'll have to forgive me as I amuse myself to vent energy. 

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         1. 79

            Sally's Troveposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            "(God, I am so immature.)"
            
            Yeah maybe, but not really. And that's a part of the charm you are. Could go either way. Enjoy your vacation!

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3. 71

   sunforgedposted 13 years ago

   well, when one populates a module with keywords rather than specific items its hard to be completely in control of what displays
   
   I make a point to point out when I specifically endorse something but I expect most readers to  have a brain stem behind their cc (even if its is an enebriated one!)and to use it when making financial decisions

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   1. 79

      Sally's Troveposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I'm not sure I understand what you are saying by this: "well, when one populates a module with keywords rather than specific items its hard to be completely in control of what displays."
      
      Can you clarify?
      
      About readers and their brain stem efficiencies or lack of, I know what you mean. If you make a specific endorsement, then that's one thing, and that one thing is on you in terms of responsibility and liability. But if you make no specific endorsement, then you must assume the reader has a brain and therefore is responsible for his own actions.
      
      Thanks for that.

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      1. 71

         sunforgedposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         as in you have two ways to fill(populate) an amazon module:
         
         via direct item numbers or just sticking in relative keywords
         
         or in an ebay module: you may take the time to use the "-" and exclude some options

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         1. 79

            Sally's Troveposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            OK, I understand the difference between using keywords in an affiliate capsule or using specific item keys.
            
            You said, "I make a point to point out when I specifically endorse something." So if you don't make that point, then the assumption is that you don't endorse that something?
            
            I can live happily with that advice. Thank you for that.

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