Disclosure – The Truth, The Whole Truth, & Nothing But the Truth

This blog is not primarily financially driven. While it’s fairly new, the reason I put it up is to start moving back towards my passions of teaching, inspiring, and in general, kicking people in the butt (those who request it anyway) so that they can start achieving what they want in their lives and businesses rather than just talking about it! As long as I meet those goals, I’ll be able to build a like-minded community and learn a ton of stuff from you guys along the way.

In fact, it’s already started… I saw this disclosure over at Ruth Clark’s site so I knew where to go and get it!

That said, beginning December 1, 2009, the FTC requires bloggers to provide disclosures whenever there could be hidden interests or unspoken biases related to recommendations.

First things first: I am my own business because I choose to be. I walked away from a company where I was having a ton of success but took no stock, options, or partners along with me. If and when I decide to partner up or do a JV, I will be sure to disclose it over here.

Second (and less obvious): Per the FTC rules, if I interview someone and they pick up the tab for lunch, I would need to specify this. Ditto if I use an Amazon link that earns me .08 cents instead of an Amazon link that earns me .00 cents. If someone gives me a comfy sweatshirt with a logo and I wear it in a photo, same deal. Disclaimers all over the place.

This would be a technical nightmare for me and a continual eye sore for readers. But rules is rules.

To cover my ass and preserve your reading experience, please assume that, for every recommendation, link, and product I use, the following all hold true:

(Illustrations courtesy of Louis Gray and Jeannine Schafer)