Attn Affiliate Marketers!!!

Today, Oprah Winfrey and Dr Oz have filed law suits against 50 companies for false claims that they endorse the products when the really don’t. The Illinois Attorney General released a press release today explaining the lawsuit and lists companies that are being sued. You don’t want to be in this list.

Make sure if you’re marketing products you don’t get yourself into a mess by doing something illegal. You will not make it in the long run if you do. Follow these simple steps to keep yourself out of trouble.

Here is the recommendations that Azoogle has put out:

• Must not use falsified consumer testimonials or postings.
• If any testimonials/photos/first person accounts/etc. are used, appropriate documentation must be submitted to your affiliate network. Talk to your network manager for more information.
• Must not use photos of celebrities or falsified endorsements. – Duh!!!
• Must not use altered pictures and represent that those pictures are of actual consumers.
• Must not use fake blogs or fake news sites to promote content.
• Must not use of the word “FREE” on anything that is not completely free. ‘Free’, ‘Try it Free’, ‘Free Sample’, etc. are not acceptable.
• Must not have a “comments” section without a “reply” or “post” option.

Make sure you follow the basic rules and come up with some creative and legal ways to advertise. This way, you will not only feel good about your job, you will not be looking over your shoulder waiting for someone to track you down.

Be good and be good at it!

References:
http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/pressroom/2009_08/20090819.html
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32483484/ns/entertainment-celebrities/

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