Truth in Advertising- My FTC Full Disclosure Statement

I am revising my "truth in advertising" statement both on advicesisters.net and on my blog. The statement you are about to read (in various forms) has appeared, voluntarily, for years on the Advice Sisters What Works columns. I have always felt that it was important to share with readers up front, what I do, and how I do it. Now, due to the Federal Trade Commission's wish to target bloggers for potential deceptive practices, such a statement is required. I know the FTC is not really going after reputable writers, but, alas, there are "bad apples" who might taint the reputation of everyone.

I normally direct blog readers back to my full disclosure statement on my "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Reviews as they are 100% review oriented, and this blog is not. But since it's getting close to the end of the year, I have revised and expanded this disclosure statement. The longer, revised statement will appear on every What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column, beginning with the Winter column in January, 2010. Readers of this blog will be directed to the statement in every single blog post.

I thought you might like to get a sneak peek of it, and I welcome your comments, suggestions, or questions. Some of my colleagues have created more amusing versions, but mine is completely serious. I take great pride in what I do, and value the reputation I have built up over the decades.

I would appreciate it if you would take a moment to read the statement, below, before it goes "live" throughout the coming year. Do you think I've done a good job of making things clear? I would definitely appreciate your comments! -- Alison Blackman Dunham aka. "Advice Sister Alison"

The Advice Sisters web site and blog offer impartial, up-close-and-personal product reviews, conducted by expert beauty & fashion reviewer, Alison Blackman Dunham. If other opinions are included in a review, "we" (instead of "I") is used.

My Review Philosophy: I review "What Works" (not what doesn't). I try to direct you to what I think are good products, not denigrate those I didn't like (but you might love). All beauty reviews are subjective. It's my responsibility to describe products in a way that offers information, but allows you to use your own, good judgment about whether to buy it or not.

Real Reviews Only: Many online publications and blogs find it easier and more economical to just post photos and press releases of products "as if" they have actually used them, or get paid for "advertorials" (reviews written in exchange for money). These type of "faux" reviews add to the junk and clutter on the Internet, without offering anything substantive or new. I only include reviews of product or services I, or another, qualified reviewer, have actually experienced. This takes much more time and effort, but it is what distinguishes The Advice Sisters from a lot of others. I know you appreciate the difference.

About Compensation: In order to write real reviews of real products, I use samples provided by a company or a public relations firm. There is no way I could write valid, responsible, up-close-and-personal reviews without them, without going broke! Sample products and services are not nearly "compensation" for the tremendous amount of effort it takes to write genuine reviews. I hope you trust me enough by now to know that a free lipstick, drinks at an event, or a handbag, or even a laptop or a trip to Paris (were I to receive such offers) would not corrupt my objectivity as a reviewer. After being online for 1 1/2 decades, that would be the best way to ruin my good reputation! I have tested thousands of products, and so I have a strong foundation on which to base my reviews. But you are an intelligent, educated consumer. The ultimate decision to try something is yours, alone.

About Advertising: I wish I didn't have to go into all this detail, but since the FTC has seen fit to target bloggers for "truth in advertising., here's mine: I have never and will never include "advertorial" content. I have never accepted money to review a product. But I will accept paid advertising. This is one of the few ways reviewers get paid. Writing is my full time job -- it's not a hobby! If you would like to support my work, or you just want a great web site on which to promote your product or service,

visit my advertising page for more information.

How can I submit a product for review? My What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review columns are quite large, so I have to be discriminating. I don't review everything I am sent. I do my best to select the best-of-the-best each day/week/month/year. But I am always curious about what's new, out there. You can

Query Me and if you choose to just send something, know that the items I don't review are given to good causes. If you have any questions about The Advice Sisters policies or practices, feel free to Contact Me

Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. Text, photos & videos may not be used or copied in any form without permission. Full resolution photos & videos may be available. For inquiries Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net * I do use provided samples for my reviews. Read my comprehensive policy on how I review products and services, in the "A Note About Compensation" section in the "About the Advice Sisters" area of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html If you like this blog, bookmark it, or why not just subscribe to it, and/or visit The Advice Sisters web site: http://www.advicesisters.net/