Shortly after I posted “Look What I Received from Gamewright”, I ran across an article on Newsweek’s website titled “Trusted Mom or Sellout?” (link below). It made me realize this needed to be addressed on my site. Many Mommy Bloggers are involved in some heated debates over the practice of reviewing products.
The most recent debate revolves around the proposed revisions by the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) to its Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I have not read the entire document, nor do I plan to. It basically states that their should be full disclosure when reviewing a product. I happen to agree with this. If I am trusting a review that I am reading, I want to know if it is a “review” or an “ad”. The question then becomes, how do you distinguish between the two?
Before MomsMaterial, I spent a lot of time (and still do) researching products prior to purchasing them. I checked out recommendations and reviews on books, gift ideas, kids birthday and Christmas presents. I have based many purchasing decisions on opinions and reviews from others. I want to know if I am reading a recommendation from someone who reviews products they purchase on their own, if the product was given to them or if they were paid to review the product.
Many friends ask me for my opinion (even before MomsMaterial), on books, toys and gifts for their children. This is one of the reasons I started MomsMaterial. I wanted to provide a place where my friends (and hopefully other parents) would find useful information to help them make informed decisions on books and gifts (along with other mom related information).
When I started MomsMaterial, I reviewed products that I already owned. Shortly afterwards, I contacted some companies and authors about reviewing products for MomsMaterial. Now I receive requests to review products for MomsMaterial. If it is a product that relates to this site and could be beneficial to my readers, then I will consider it.
Can I give an honest opinion when the product has been given to me? Yes, I believe I can. When I agree to review a product, I do let them know that I will give an honest opinion based on my experience.
One thing I want to point out is that I purchased the Rat-A-Tat Cat game and posted my review. Gamewright saw the review and asked if I would like to review some of their 2009 games. This gave not only me, but my readers, a chance to be exposed to 10 more games. Several I would not have purchased myself due to limited finances, age range of the game or interest level of my kids.
I think being exposed to more products for my readers, is a good thing. As a reader, you should know if the product is something I purchased for my family or kids on my own, did I approach a company and ask for a product to review or was I asked to review a product on my site? I have, and will continue, to disclose how the review came about within my post.
So, now I need your opinion. What do you think about “bloggers” reviewing products, being given free products or getting paid to review an item?
Click here to read the Newsweek article, "Trusted Mom or Sellout?"
Cammie Moise