I’m doing this for three main reasons.

• 1) I want to be in compliance with the FTC and will make sure my butt is covered.
• 2) I want companies to feel safe about working with me and understand what my ethics are as a blogger and as a person.
• 3) I also want new readers and current readers to understand that just because I do receive a free product or compensation, doesn’t mean I can be bought.  My opinions are always my own and if I don’t like a product or company, I simply won’t work with them or accept the sample.  I want them to know that they can trust what I write, about a product/company.

WHAT TO COVER IN YOUR DISCLOSURE

Some things you might overlook that should be considered for your disclosure include, Twitter, Facebook, and Affiliate links.  Clarify your position on on all three of these things.  It’s also important to add a way to contact you on that particular page just in case a reader, company, or blog police need to ask you any questions.  {giggle}

MY DISCLOSURE

Disclosure Policy for A Cowboy’s Wife (dot com)

As of today, November 5, 2009, you will see one of two badges on a review or sponsored post, along with any additional disclosure a company may require.  They will look like this (and lead to my disclosure policy):

BENEFITED REVIEWER

When you see this image, that means I was sent a product for review. I want it to be clear that something was sent to me. Please read the entire disclosure so that you understand how I work!

COMPENSATED REVIEWER

When you see this image, that means I was paid to create the content for this post. That means the time it took to create the content such as researching, writing, editing, and publishing. Again, read my entire disclosure to understand my standards.

As with any and all posts and in my life, I strive for authenticity.  I’ve worked hard to establish a trust with my readers and hope that you all know that I would never lie or deceive you for a product or for money. It’s not how I roll. ;)

OVER TO YOU!

So, what’s in your disclosure and how are you handling review and compensated posts?  I’d love for you to read mine and give me your thoughts on it too.  Maybe I missed something or maybe it’s overkill?  I wanna hear from ya!