The photo at right is from the intended Kings Island (Cinncinati, Ohio) Halloween Haunt display for 2009.
This skeleton represents Farah Fawcett, who was but one of many "guests" to the now defunct (after much public outcry) display which also included the "likeness" of Billy Mays, Dave Thomas, Michael Jackson, and Steve McNair and his mistress/murderer Saleh Kazemi. (Photo below)
In my opinion, a blind monkey could see that the displays were not only distasteful but out right rude, crude, and offensive to families - especially those celebrities with young children.
My Question:
Do you think this display was tacky? and why or why not?
Let me warn you: if you don't think a Mom blogger has any business spouting off her political views, then you need to leave now and return your head to the sand because I'm fixing to unload right here, right now.
I am so sick and tired of the race card being played every time I turn around.
You'd think by now that race card would be rather tattered having been pulled from the deck so much.
I used to have a lot of respect for Bill Cosby.
Not so anymore.
Sure, I wasn't so blind as to see how his very popular sitcom made white people out to be idiots. And it irritated the fool out of me.
But then he gained tons of respect from me when he laid out the facts for people of his own race on why they were holding themselves back, not the white man.
While his own race was talking smack about him, the white man applauded his efforts and gained a new found respect for someone who could see it for what was.
Then he has to go and back up former President Jimmy Carter's statements that the protestations of late over Obama's spending and healthcare idealization is centered on racism.
What the-??!!
Can people actually be this stupid??!!
Apparently so.
It doesn't matter that a vast majority of the American people hated Jimmy Carter for what he did to this country, because a black man (only half-black, mind you) is doing it and we still hate it, then - as a white - it must be because we are racist.
What exactly were we white folk when people were protesting Jimmy Carter and his stupid, country-crippling policies?
Does any of these race-card playing liberal socialist ever stop to think that the reason most Americans dislike Obama is because he's so flippin' arrogant to come on fast and strong in the spending department? That he is insistent on shoving his policies down our throat?
That's exactly why I despise Obama, and the exact same reasons that I hated Carter's sissy-style politics.
Yet now I should feel bad because I am white and therefore my disgust is mostly based on my hatred of the black race?
Get over yourself!
I will not be made to feel bad because I was born a white girl. I am proud to be Caucasian. That is my heritage, that is who I am.
Stop thinking that because a white person disagrees with a black President it's centered in racism.
Remember, plenty of us "racist" white folk didn't like George Bush (Daddy and Baby), Bill Clinton, or Jimmy Carter.
Lately I have just completely lost my every-lovin' flippin' mind!
I live in a small little Tennessee town where there is NOTHING to do.
So when the carnival (or, as we call it, fair) makes its annual pilgrimage into town, it's a BIG deal.
Part of the week long festivities includes a Baby Show. Anybody who has had a baby within the last 3 years enters this dang pageant.
Yeah, even me.
When Big Brother was a tot, I entered him two years in a row.
Even after I swore after the first year I wouldn't do it again.
Why?
Because he won.
And when your kid wins, you have to wait around for what seems like forever for the "Best of Show." (Sounds like a dog show, huh?)
By that time, your little bit is hot, cranky, and could care less if they are The Best - they just want to get the heck out of dodge and so do you.
He won both times. But not the best of show. Any guesses why?
But four years has caused me to have a memory lapse.
Until the other day.
After I had paid my $25 entry fee and told our family when to be there.
Doh! What have I done??!!
Now I am dreading this dog-and-pony show with every ounce of my being.
I don't want to do it.
But I will because, well, I'm too cheap to waste my entry fee.
I am, however, hoping that we don't win.
Isn't that insane?
Yet I am. That way I can show Princess A off then high tail it back to the house and the air conditioning.
Wish us luck - or not. How exactly would that work in this case?
And I'm apparently not the only one suffering from Doh moments.
What was that with Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-R) yelling out "You Lie!" at Obama during his speech last week?
I'm about as Republican as they come and Congressman Wilson was dead-on with his accusation, but, man, that's like yelling out the F-bomb in the middle of a church sermon.
You. Just. Don't. Do. It.
I did think it was classy of him to apologize to Obama - it's more than I would have done - but, unfortunately, the damage is done.
Of course, not as much damage as ACORN has done to themselves with the recent unveiling of undercover video footage of them promoting illegal immigration and prostitution.
When you figure out you've been secretly video taped doing those kind of crazy, ILLEGAL things, that's really gotta be a DOH! moment.
Please take time today to remember the victims of the worst attack to ever occur on American soil: September 11, 2001.
And remember those victims still bearing the grief today of losing a loved one.
Most of all REMEMBER.
My Question:
Where were you on the morning of September 11, 2001 when you heard the news that America was under a terrorist attack?
My Answer:
Even 8 years later, it's difficult to remember that day without crying.
I had only been at work for a short while when friends from a nearby law office called to ask if I had turned on my television. When I responded that I hadn't, I was told that a plane had hit the World Trade Center and asked to see what the news reports were saying.
At this time, there was no indication that this was anything other than a horrendous accident.
Not long after turning on the television, I witnessed live as the second plane flew into the second tower of the WTC.
Even in my small town, hundreds of miles from New York, it seemed that mass confusion ensued as people began exiting their businesses looking for confirmation that what they had just seen on television or heard on the radio was real.
I will never forget how, in that one day, everything seemed to come to a grinding halt. Everyone gathered together to watch the news reports; hoping somehow that it was all wrong. Only later to watch as reports came in about the Pentagon and United Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.
I remember being sickened as the towers crumbled; knowing the fate of those who remained inside.
I will forever carry images of fireman and police officers who ran toward danger to save the lives of people who they had never even met - many to forever leave behind wives, husbands and children.
I will always admire those who I knew personally, and those I didn't, who - without a second thought of their own safety - headed north to render aid in any way they could.
I will always hold in the highest regard the men and women who fight the war in Iraq - to ensure our safety against such evilness - despite the callousness of many Americans who now claim that we are fighting a rich man's war; a war about oil.
13 Things I would say to Jon Gosselin if given the chance:
Just how stupid do you think we are?
How are you going to explain your behavior to your children someday when they discover all of the photos of you drinking and partying while their lives were falling apart?
Divorced Dads Club? You've got be kidding? And with the likes of Lindsey Lohan's father and Kevin Federline? You're hanging with some real winners, buddy!
Are you so flippin' naive as to think that the honeymoon phase won't wear off with Hailey?
And when it does, what are you going to do then- cheat again and blame it all on her?
So Kate was a nag, and could real mean at times. What gives you the right to galavant around with a girlfriend BEFORE your divorce is final?
You can control your drinking? Do you comprehend what happens with alcoholism is as prominent in one's family as it is yours? Don't fool yourself - especially when photos taken of you recently appear you haven't been sober in quite some time.
Did your therapist (which you claim you went to) not teach you anything about personal responsiblity? Of course not, it's all Kate's fault, right? I'm guessing he's a bitter male himself. I'd recommend a new therapist.
You were verbally abused, you say, which is what led you to behave the way you are now. Dude, please check your testicles at the door.
If you cry, as you say, every time you think of your children, then why is it that during your parenting time, you had left them with a sitter?
Is getting to act like a teenager again today really worth the consequences you'll suffer with your children tomorrow?
Face it, Jon. It's a mid-life crisis. We understand that. But buy a trendy sports car, get a face lift, whatever - at least until your children are grown.
Two words: GROW UP! Nobody is buying the lies you're selling.
Since Obama and Congress weren't able to sell their universal health care idea on the American people by August, they've bought themselves some additional time by pushing the vote to September.
I found it amazing that on the same date at the push-back vote was announced (July 23, 2009), the U.S. stock markets did better than they had since January 2009.
That in itself speaks volumes to me - clearly investors are thinking that such a taxing plan is doomed for failure and therefore are investing their money once again in worthwhile goods and services.
I don't know whether you are for or against universal health care while you're reading this. Irregardless, the following are 13 things that all Americans should consider when thinking/discussing universal health care plans:
Government-controlled health care would lead to a decrease in patient flexibility. In other words: if you're on the government's dime, you're on their time.
Patients aren't likely to curb their drug costs and doctor visits if health care is free; thus, total costs will be several times what they are now. Consider this: when there was no such thing as insurance, people didn't run to see a doctor for the sniffles or to cure heartburn; and the majority of people still lived to be a ripe old age.
Healthy people who take care of themselves will have to pay for the burden of those who smoke, are obese, etc. So what's the incentive to be healthy?
Just because Americans are uninsured doesn't mean they can't receive health care; nonprofits and government-run hospitals provide services to those who don't have insurance, and it is illegal to refuse emergency medical service because of a lack of insurance. Enough said.
Like social security, any government benefit eventually is taken as a "right" by the public, meaning that it's politically near impossible to remove or curtail it later on when costs get out of control. I think we've used up all the bailout options, what then?
Health care equipment, drugs, and services may end up being rationed by the government. In other words, politics, lifestyle of patients, and philosophical differences of those in power, could determine who gets what. A little too reminiscent of Russia to me.
Loss of private practice options and possible reduced pay may dissuade many would-be doctors from pursuing the profession. That's great! We'll rid ourselves of the good doctors and invite in only the lame ones!
A long, painful transition will have to take place involving lost insurance industry jobs, business closures, and new patient record creation. What an excellent idea for a country struggling to pull out of a recession - let's create more unemployment!
Government-mandated procedures will likely reduce doctor flexibility and lead to poor patient care. A prime example: under government controlled health care, individuals beyond a certain age are not considered worth treating.
"Free" health care isn't really free since we must pay for it with taxes; expenses for health care would have to be paid for with higher taxes or spending cuts in other areas such as defense, education, etc. Seriously, with the state of the world today, do we really want to do any of these things?
There isn't a single government agency or division that runs efficiently; do we really want an organization that developed the U.S. Tax Code - which is full of a lot of bureacratic BS -handling something as complex as health care? Hmmm, in other words: lawyers playing doctor. No thank you!
Patient confidentiality is likely to be compromised since centralized health information will likely be maintained by the government. That's all we need: somebody like the 15-year-old who hacked the Pentagon's system getting in and messing with all our private and confidential information.
Government is more likely to pass additional restrictions or increase taxes on smoking, fast food, etc., leading to a further loss of personal freedoms. Do you enjoy your freedoms or would you rather be a government sheep?
BONUS: If this universal health care plan is so great, why has Congress incorporated legislation that specifically exempts them from being on the same plan? Why is the President, who is so intent on passing this bill, also ensuring his exemption status through this bill?
If it's not good enough for them, it's not good enough for me either. I'll support it after seeing them follow an identical plan - successfully - for a minimum of 5 years.
Massachusetts mom Jenni Brennan had no idea how her life would change when she opened an email from "some girl."
The email altered Jenni that her seven-month-old son Jacob was currently listed as available for adoption at Craigslist; apparently, part of an international adoption scam.
When Brennan followed the link provided in the email, she found an ad offering a "Cute Baby Boy," who supposedly was residing in an orphanage in Cameroon. For only $300, interested parties could begin the adoption process.
A picture was not included in the listing.
Brennan opted to do a bit of her own detective work and sent an email to the address listed. She quickly received a response and photo; a photo she confirmed to be of her son, whom she calls Jake.
It seems that the photo was taken with the Brennan's family blog.
Following her discovery, Brennan immediately contacted the FBI and Massachusetts' Attorney General's Office.
Yahoo has closed the account listed as a contact in the fraudulent ad.
In addition, Brennan has now restricted access to her family blog.
Following the flurry of the Brennan case, coupled with the recent case involving mom-blogging Danielle, writer of Extraordinary Mommy - whose family photo was stolen from her site and used on a billboard campaign in the Czech Republic (read more of the story) - many bloggers are saying that parents should not post pictures of their children online; lest something like these cases occur or worse.
I'm curious to other bloggers thoughts on this. Will you continue posting pictures of your children online? If so, will you decrease pixels and/or watermark your images?
Beginning this fall, schools (elementary, middle and high schools) in Port Chester, New York will be administering pregnancy and STD testing to requesting students.
If the child tests positive, s/he will be referred to a nearby off-campus medical clinic.
The policy was put into place by Port Chester school officials after realizing that 19 of 525 (roughly 4%) high school girls were pregnant or parenting in 2008.
Parental notification is not required prior to testing. However, the board did election to require notification of parents before pap smears or the dispensation of the "morning after pill" although New York state law does not require such disclosure for a minor.
My question for you this week:
Do you agree or disagree with this new policy by the Port Chester school board?
My Answer:
I do not agree with any legislation (federal, state, or local) that permits a kindergartner to be tested for such serious matters as pregnancy and STDs.
Quite frankly, if you have a child in elementary that needs testing for these potential "ailments," you've got bigger problems than for what they are testing.
Some have argued it is a good thing because children are afraid to approach their parents on these subjects. Well, in my opinion, when children did have to go to their parents because they were pregnant or needed to be treated for an STD, there was a lot less of it going on.
So maybe the government should butt out of raising our children for us, because all of their "efforts" to decrease is only resulting in drastic increases.
Maybe letting parents be responsible for their children would be a nice "change."
I was tickled pink last week to see that my rant on illegal immigration in America is something that most everyone agrees on.
I think it's probably the one issue that can literally bring Americans (the legal ones) to the brink of something similar to world peace; just on a national level.
Or the ones who don't agree had enough sense to see they were outnumbered and kept their mouth shut. ;)
You've got an estimated 15 million illegals in this country and the hot topic of universal health care brewing on Capitol Hill.
So what do they have to do with each other?
Well, if Obama and his brown-nosing Congress gets their friggin' way...a lot!
In this Universal Health Care plan that Obama is trying like a madman to push through - to the point of sounding like a broken freakin' record - insurance will not only be provided to Americans (yippee! *rolling my eyes*) but to illegal immigrants too.
Oh boy! Not only do they get to live here without paying federal taxes, contributing to the social security and medicare funds, and pop out anchor babies that then insure them food stamps and similar benefits, but now we're going to reward their CRIMES (for the dense: illegal = crime), by signing them up on an AMERICAN FUNDED insurance program.
When we're all waiting in line for own health care after ObamaCare goes into effect, better look around and thank all those illegals you see in line too - after all, they just made you wait a little bit longer.
And how long did they wait for all these benefits?
None. Nada.
They want all the benefits of an American, but they sure don't to be an American.
That might require them to wait.
Why bother? We just keep rewarding them for sneaking over here under the cover of darkness. And we're about to do it again with a universal health care plan.
Even those who support a universal health care plan don't support giving it to illegals. As a matter of fact, 70% of health care plan supporters are in disagreement with illegals receiving the benefit.
Get that Congress? Hear that Obama?
NOBODY, except a few people still running around with their head up their butts, wants it to reward criminals!!
And for those who haven't figured out that the head is supposed to be well above the rear, don't give me that old song and dance about illegals coming here for a better life. Because the truth is, while they're running here ILLEGALLY in the name of bettering their life, they are destroying for those of us here LEGALLY - which eventually will ruin it for them too.
But what will they do? They'll run back to Mexico (or wherever they're from). Just as I've heard others who are living here legally yet not citizens say that, if American health care gets screwed up much like their own countries (read: Canada and New Zeland, as two examples that come to mind), they'll just return home because private care there, if needed, will be cheaper than in the U.S.
Must be nice. As a born and bred American, I don't have any where to run away to. I have no choice but to stick out. After all, other countries won't let me just pop in and start sucking off their system.
Yep, my homeland is definitely the land of opportunity; that's for sure. It's the only place on earth that refuses to acknowledge illegal immigration as a crime then not only fails to punish it, but rewards it.
I know what many have said: Mom blogs shouldn't be political.
I've never really understood the reasoning behind that thought.
Just because I'm a mother and I blog mostly about "Mom things", doesn't mean I don't have opinions on current political issues.
So I'm going to cross that line today and go a bit political on a topic that has many people talking these days: Universal Health Care in the U.s.
To be frank about it, I'm against a universal health care system.
While it is sad that there are many who cannot afford health care, I'm so happy to live in a country where at least good excellent care can be found.
I don't care where you go in the world, money does talk. Even in Canada, the very basis of argument for a universal health care system in the United States, offers private clinics where you can avoid excessive waits - up to 2 or 3 years just to get a family doctor! - if you can afford to pay for it out-of-pocket.
I've known several people who have become very ill and had an inability to pay high medical costs. In those cases, the community came together -as most will do - and held fundraisers to help those in need.
And because of a competitive medical society, where cash fuels awesome care, those people were able to get effective treatment quickly.
My sister-in-law was one of those people. Suffering from severe Type I diabetes, she was in desperate need of a pancreas transplant. With the aid of fundraisers, she was able have a successful surgery in a relatively short amount of time.
If she had lived in a country with a universal health care system, chances are she would still be waiting - if she was still alive to wait.
My Question To You:
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON A UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IN THE UNITED STATES?
And, if you have a few minutes, watch this video on the truth about the Canadian health care system:
I happened across a news post the other day pertaining to illegal immigrants whining about their hardships during the current recession.
Specifically, an illegal who had lost his job in the boat manufacturing trade was playing on the bleeding hearts about having to move into a home with others where before he had a home with just him and his children.
Boo-freakin'-woo.
There's a boatload (pun intended) of legal Americans doing the same thing.
They can't consider just "running back home" like the illegal in the story because they have no home to run back to. America is their home, and there's no choice but to stick it out and pray for the best.
And, I swear, if I hear one more person say "we're all immigrants," I'm going to slap them silly.
Yeah, we're all immigrants; but, guess what, our forefathers did it legally. And I have no problem with those who take the proper channels to live and work in America. America is a melting pot - but you need a recipe (immigration rules) to make the soup turn out right.
And the 13% of Americans who are all for amnesty (read: 87% of Americans are not), usually make their arguments on how we took the land from the American Indians.
Yes, we did. We did it just like everyone did it back then. We fought for it. Winner takes all. It happened all over the world (well, a lot of it anyway). And it is still happening today - just look at the issues surrounding the Gaza Strip.
Mexicans and other illegals want America? Try fighting for it. You won't win, but you can try.
I'd prefer they put a fight rather than just slipping in under the cover of darkness, popping out an anchor baby, then sucking off a welfare system they haven't paid a dime into.
I figure someone this post will fall into the hands of those 13% and I'll be berated for my opinion. I'll be called "racist" (because somehow people forget there are white illegals too and I'm pointing the finger at them as well) or, if they want to sink really low, a "mean person."
Don't care.
I'm an American. A proud American. I am thankful for all that my forefathers did to ensure me a better life in the greatest country in the World.
I don't want to see it ruined by people who don't care to play by the rules and wait their turn in line.
A funny tagline on this issue: Calling an illegal immigrant an undocumented worker is like calling a drug dealer an unlicensed pharmacist. (Think on that one for a bit!)
Affiliate marketing is a major backbone of Mom bloggers.
Through affiliate marketing, Mom bloggers are able to make their blogs profitable; thus compensating them for their hard work and time.
With the current economic crisis that is affecting our nation, more and more shoppers are looking to online resources as a means to finding better deals. In turn, states are seeing a rapid decrease in sales tax collections and are eager to recoup those losses.
"The trouble began in 2008, when New York passed a law requiring Amazon (and other retailers) to collect sales taxes if they had 'affiliates' in the state," writes Chris Null of Yahoo! Tech. Null continues, "New York claimed that having these local affiliates meant Amazon was operating a physical 'nexus' in that state, thus subjecting any sales there to New York state sales tax. Amazon sued the state, and lost."
Other sites with affiliate marketers, such as Overstock.com, decided to instead "fire" their affiliates; thereby eliminating any claim by states of a nexus.
As a results of New York's victory, four other states - California, Hawaii, Rhode Island, and North Carolina - have successfully or plan to institute a plan to collect sales tax on internet sales.
Amazon, one of the internet's largest affiliates, is already responding. Rather than continue their efforts to abolish internet sales tax with the judicial system, Amazon instead opted to terminate their affiliate ties with participants in those states.
Anyone who currently participates in affiliate marketing needs to be keeping an eye on their state's stance pertaining to this issue. And in the meantime, you should contact your Representatives to let them know you do not agree with such measures.
It should be taken into consideration that, as these states continue to create more havoc with their frivolous taxation, they will be creating an even greater number of those suffering income loss; which, in turn, will reduce the number of goods and services sold thereby slowing down even more an almost idle economy.
And I can assure you, just as we have seen throughout history, government won't be able to manage the money made from internet sales no better than they properly allocated funds previously collected. So what will be their next target for taxation and the excuse for doing so?
I agree with Lynn Terry as she states on her ClickNewz blog, "Personally, I applaud the merchants for taking a stand, and the affiliates who have written to their state Representatives regarding the new internet sales tax laws."
Will you take a stand? Or will you set idly by as government once again taxes us for their inability to manage a budget?
You're living under a rock if you hadn't heard about the recent death of Michael Jackson. At only 50 years old, on June 25, 2009, Jackson reportedly died from a sudden heart attack; although, at present, reports say that the cardiac arrest may be the result of a drug overdose and Jackson's doctors are being investigated.
I'm not going to bombard you with Thriller videos, a time line of Jackson's life, or anything sappy like that.
No, I think I'll discuss something that is so politically incorrect today: the black MJ and the white MJ.
I was a fan of the black Michael Jackson; a man who has long since ceased to exist.
As a teenager, I mimicked the moves from the Thriller video as I sang along at the top of my lungs.
An awesome Pop Star that, unfortunately, my children will never really know. ("Michael Jackson was black?" asked my 13-year-old.)
After Jackson's burn accident while filming the 1984 Pepsi commercial and he (supposedly) was diagnosed with Vitaligo, an autoimmune disorder that causes white patches to appear on the skin, became lighter and lighter.
I find it a little ironic that by the time his chart topping song Black or White was released in 2001, Jackson had transformed from a black man into what can best be described as a white man (although the extensive plastic surgery to the facial features requires using the term "man" loosely.)
The white Michael Jackson was the one accused of perverse acts with children (although never convicted, so his guilt is up for debate), a known pill junkie, engaged in acts of child endangerment (dangling a newborn baby over a balcony), and frequently referred to as a "freakshow."
While I hope that Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, is now at peace, I can't help but to wonder: maybe it does matter if you're black or white.
Life seemed to be much better for him (and sane) as a black man.
Beccah Beushausen, a 26-year-old social worker from the Chicago suburb of Mokenka, was recently exposed for her faux blog; a blog that was based on her terminally ill unborn baby.
She suckered thousands into believing her story as she posted deep, philosophical posts about her "journey" to deliver a child she knew would never survive.
Anti-abortion groups sang her praises and spotlighted her blog. People from around the world sent gifts. Millions of prayers were sent up in the name of April's Mom (Beushausen) and her unborn infant.
And it was all a hoax.
If her fake blog wasn't enough, in a post dated June 14, 2009, Beushausen states, "I am aware that many people are posting comments and talking on forums online regarding me communicating with them. This is false. I don't know if the people who are speaking like this are doing so out of ignorance on their part or for the intentional spreading of lies...."
She is critical of others that she claims are spreading lies?
I'm supposed to believe her?
Oh well, I could go on the premise that "it takes one to know one."
I think "April's Mom" would find it in her best interested to sit down, shut up, and disappear for a while. (And get some serious counseling in the meantime)
I read an interesting article this morning that a friend on Facebook had posted about a Mother in Manhattan who is trying to be the food police for Public School 9; raising a ruckus over a few cupcakes, doughnuts, and other stuff in the name of obesity and diabetes.
When will other people learn to let others make decisions for themselves? When did we become a country when one person's passions had to be anothers?
I say: survival of the fittest.
Trying to take it out of the school isn't going to do one darn thing if children aren't being taught the same thing at home.
And it will be a cold day in &^%$ before I allow the government to tell me how to raise my children.
Yes, I'm a smoker. Not quite what I used to be - thank goodness - but I'm a much bigger fan of personal freedom.
Smoking is a choice. You'd have to be a real moron not to be aware of the dangers associated with smoking these days. So when you light up - and that includes me - you know what you're doing.
Again: survival of the fittest.
Everyday I am appalled and how many personal liberties we are handing over to the government.
The lady spoke out for what she believed in; she doesn't believe in homosexuals being allowed to marry and she said it. I was always taught that you have to stand for something or you'll fall for anything. She did just that but her opposers wouldn't let go until they found a reason to strip her of her crown.
I'm just really sick and tired of all these people who tell me I have to believe in something or I'm "intolerant." Yet these same people are so intolerant of my beliefs.
Pick a side of the fence already!
They don't get that by trying to cram it down my throat and force me to do it their way only makes me hold firmer to my beliefs. If anything, it makes my views stronger.
I refuse to be bullied by anyone! I am a grown woman. 35-years-old. Mother of four children. My days of being intimidated by schoolyard bullies are over.
Recently the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has decided to once again trample on American's First Amendment Rights. This time it's directed at companies using word-of-mouth advertising via blogs.
"Revised guidelines on endorsements and testimonials by the Federal Trade Commission, now under review and expected to be adopted, would hold companies liable for untruthful statements made by bloggers and users of social networking sites who receive samples of their products.
"The guidelines would also hold bloggers liable for the statements they make about products," says David Gelles in an article he published April 2, 2009, titled Advertisers Brace For Online Viral Marketing Curbs.
So what exactly does this mean for a review blogger?
"If a blogger received a free sample of skin lotion and then incorrectly claimed the product cured eczema, the FTC could sue the company for making false or unsubstantiated statements. The blogger could be sued for making false representations," says Gelles.
Can you image the impact that this revision will have on your average mommy blogger?
It's no secret that Mom blogs are the fastest growing blog type. Why? Because advertisers can't get enough to spread the word about their products. Of course, now that is sure to change.
When (and it is when not if) this revision takes effect, advertisers will undoubtedly drastically reduce the number of Mom blogs used as a means of advertising. Even if they don't wish to do so, I'm sure their liability insurance companies will require them to do so. After all, it's just to risky; a loose cannon, if you will.
And speaking of liability insurance...how many mommy bloggers are really in a position to purchase liability insurance? After all, most of us are simple stay at home moms, living on one income, and blogging as a way to bring in a little something extra to the household.
Quite frankly, I see this as a violation of my First Amendment Rights! Isn't it my right to say as I wish about a product or service I've used?
For example, Krista of Boutique Flair at discussion held on this subject at Mom Bloggers Club (MBC), "While I'm all for cracking down on companies that promise miracles via their product and hoodwink people, I think this has always been an issue, web or not. I remember my very wrinkly great-grandma slathering herself with Oil of Olay in hopes of fighting wrinkles. Did it work? Maybe for some, but not for her."
Without a doubt, there are many who feel strongly that Oil of Olay, just as an example, does fight wrinkles or create smoother, younger looking skin; otherwise, Oil of Olay would be out of business. And isn't it those individuals rights to say so when they've used the products and feel strongly that they've seen such results? Even if they received a free sample in exchange for a written review from the company?
This most likely comes about as people are like to litigate over the most trivial of matters; even more so in a slow economy, as we are experiencing now.
The only way to save the reviewing Mommy blogger, may be to introduce the idea offered by member Maternal Spark during the previously mentioned MBC discussion, "I think bloggers can overcome this by simply using a disclaimer....'this post is my personal opinion and does not represent the opinion of the sponsor company. My experience in using this product may not reflect your experience...blah blah blah.'"
While the majority of bloggers would gladly be willing to include such a caveat in their review, I personally feel it's ridiculous. Blogs are nothing but personal opinions; why is it necessary to state the obvious?
Oh that's right....because there are those out there who believe everything they read.
Maybe instead of regulating blog advertising, we should regulate stupidity.
The photo at right is from the intended Kings Island (Cinncinati, Ohio) Halloween Haunt display for 2009.
After pushing the boundaries and creating a massive public outcry, Kings Island has yanked their "celebrity line-up" from their Halloween display with a statement by spokesperson Don Helbig that they never intended "to be distasteful."
Since Obama and Congress weren't able to sell their universal health care idea on the American people by August, they've bought themselves some additional time by pushing the vote to September.
