When companies ask you to remove the disclosure

[alditoharrods]

This has happened more times than I care to remember.

Company gets in touch, asks for a post. We agree a figure, sometimes they send the content, sometimes I write it. I send them a link once it is live and invoice.

I've just been asked to either remove disclosure stating something was a paid post using the phrase "collaborative post" OR remove the post entirely and don't get the fee.

Just can't be arsed with this today. Usually I try to remember to mention that my posts are all disclosed, but this must have slipped.

 

[Blackpepper1]

So companies don't want you to disclose that it is a Paid Post?
I thought legally you have to disclose if a post is paid or not?
Your Blog your rules but still it is a nuisance.

 

[Jon]

If you are writing a post on a service, I Dunno 'a mortgage calculator' does it matter if you have the disclosure or not

For an item you are reviewing I can understand but if its just a service is it really an issue

 

[alditoharrods]

So companies don't want you to disclose that it is a Paid Post?
I thought legally you have to disclose if a post is paid or not?
Your Blog your rules but still it is a nuisance.

There is so much ambiguity that to be perfectly honest, I'm not 100% sure of the rules.

My latest understanding is that guest posts that are paid for (so they provide the words, links, etc) must be disclosed, and posts that you write yourself and have editorial control over you don't ***have*** to disclose....but if they've asked for a link then it all goes grey - do you really have FULL editorial control if you must include a link?

Either way, I've removed the post now. Goodbye £100.

 

[Blackpepper1]

So companies don't want you to disclose that it is a Paid Post?
I thought legally you have to disclose if a post is paid or not?
Your Blog your rules but still it is a nuisance.

There is so much ambiguity that to be perfectly honest, I'm not 100% sure of the rules.

My latest understanding is that guest posts that are paid for (so they provide the words, links, etc) must be disclosed, and posts that you write yourself and have editorial control over you don't ***have*** to disclose....but if they've asked for a link then it all goes grey - do you really have FULL editorial control if you must include a link?

Either way, I've removed the post now. Goodbye £100.

Ok that is good to know that.
Shame about the £100 though.

 

[rebeccajlsk]

As I said on FB, I would invoice them for your time. Its something they should also have stated at the beginning...now you've done the work and they don't want to pay..

 

[katykicker]

If you are writing a post on a service, I Dunno 'a mortgage calculator' does it matter if you have the disclosure or not

For an item you are reviewing I can understand but if its just a service is it really an issue

You should definitely be declaring any posts that you are paid for, anything where they want you to mention their brand, include their links etc. The same as you should be stating if you are given an item to review for free.

I think it is one of those areas people take a risk, like using photographs they don't own the copyright too. They know they shouldn't be doing it but won't really care until they have to pay a fee or face legal action (like a friend of mine).

 

[FreeSwagSites]

This has happened more times than I care to remember.

Company gets in touch, asks for a post. We agree a figure, sometimes they send the content, sometimes I write it. I send them a link once it is live and invoice.

I've just been asked to either remove disclosure stating something was a paid post using the phrase "collaborative post" OR remove the post entirely and don't get the fee.

Just can't be arsed with this today. Usually I try to remember to mention that my posts are all disclosed, but this must have slipped.

They might be worried about Google penalties for using "paid links"? >> http://searchenginewatch.com/sew/news/2332787/matt-cutts-shares-4-ways-google-evaluates-paid-links

Just a guess as I have never been paid for a post. I know that if you review a product that has been given to you for free etc, you need to declare that in light of recent UK guidelines.

 

[tocku]

If you are writing a post on a service, I Dunno 'a mortgage calculator' does it matter if you have the disclosure or not

For an item you are reviewing I can understand but if its just a service is it really an issue

You should definitely be declaring any posts that you are paid for, anything where they want you to mention their brand, include their links etc. The same as you should be stating if you are given an item to review for free.

The specific relevant guidance which backs this up is here:

https://www.cap.org.uk/Advice-Training-on-the-rules/Advice-Online-Database/Advertisement-Features.aspx#.VeXgdflViko

In short, any editorial which is paid and controlled by the brand is classed as an advertisement and needs declaring as such.

(I say 'needs' - it's not necessarily illegal, as such, but the ASA could take action such as naming and shaming. You've got to decide whether it's worth the risk.)

 

[TMM]

This has happened more times than I care to remember.

Company gets in touch, asks for a post. We agree a figure, sometimes they send the content, sometimes I write it. I send them a link once it is live and invoice.

I've just been asked to either remove disclosure stating something was a paid post using the phrase "collaborative post" OR remove the post entirely and don't get the fee.

Just can't be arsed with this today. Usually I try to remember to mention that my posts are all disclosed, but this must have slipped.

I know a new law has recently come into place in which Youtube bloggers must disclose if they have been paid / rewarded to promote the service. I'm not sure if it's the same with bloggers - maybe worth looking into

 

[tocku]

Just for clarity it's neither a law nor new - but you're right in that the ASA has extended its remit to online.

The ASA is a self-regulatory trade body, without any legal underpinning. The idea is that self regulation will head off any more interference from politicians. It's generally a good idea to stick by the ASA, but it's not legally binding.

The ASA makes judgements using the CAP code. Disclosure falls under "Recognition of marketing communications":

https://www.cap.org.uk/Advertising-Codes/Non-Broadcast/CodeItem.aspx?cscid={ddd2e81c-7bc4-4b46-a770-76d7c396162a}#.Ve3cYBFViko

 

[xploit]

When negotiating the figure, always state that the post will have a notification on it stating it is a paid post. They may want to pay less but stops the hassle after