Do I Need a Disclosure Policy?

Aloha! It's Sarah from Ohana Mama. I do A TON of reviews and features and giveaways so I wanted to cover my bootie - meaning everything is my opinion, not manufacturers instructions etc.

I wasn't sure if anyone even read the disclaimer...I guess they do! Can never be too safe, I suppose.

Thanks for visiting Ohana Mama! Sarah

damon: I don't have the guts.

Sid, quilly, damon, Dan, laurelle, Thom, and Nancy: Thank you for all your feedback!

Since the beginning of my blog over at WordPress.com, I've had this on my About Capsun page:
"Please note: The views expressed here are mine and mine alone. While I am employed by and affiliated with organizations and individuals, permission has neither been asked nor granted to write on the topics discussed here."

I'm going to compromise with everyone a bit. I'm going to keep that statement on my About Capsun page, but I will also append it to any post that might comment on anything that might be construed as a statement by my employer.

At least for now, that is. I'll probably re-evaluate in a few weeks or months to see if I need to make it clearer. Or when I get a call from my boss.

Personally, I think disclosure statements are a great idea, and thank you, Capsun, for providing the link. I added one to www.allhawaiinews.com . I think disclosure statements are necessary in this brave new world where Joe Blow's basement blog can look every bit as professional -- and often more so -- than the Web site of what we had always taken for granted as the mainstream media that, while not unbiased, at least had biases in known directions. Also, even if someone doesn't post their disclosure statements, at least going through the exercise helps them realize the great responsibility they have shouldered when they enter the publishing business. My thoughts, FWIW.

I also like Damon's last comment. What has become of our society that makes one even think that blogs have to have a disclosure statement. I guess it keeps the lawyers/attorneys busy with a job. I think the less mumbo jumbo you have to have to clutter your blog is the best.

I have also noticed that you always state your facts clearly and matter of factly.

Just keep up the great blogging Capsun

I like Damon's attitude! I'll have to wander over there and check it out!

I think it depends on what your goals are... re: what kind of info and persona you are trying to present. I think I hear Robbie's voice saying something about, "if it gets out, will it be harmful? If so, be sure to disclose it up front."

So I'd do a disclosure, it can be an unobtrusive link, but put it somewhere so the compliance wonks can find it and be happy. It won't matter to most people unless they have a question about your credibility that may be affected by what you disclose. If they find there is no disclosure, your credibility is already damaged. Much better to disclose and not have to defend yourself after the fact.

...2¢... from one compliance wonk... :D

I just figured out a disclosure if/when I ever do put one on:

"This is my blog... if you don't like what I am posting...don't read it. I won't pull the trigger holding you to my blog... I promise"

Good question. I don't have a disclosure statement but I do have a very long disclaimer. http://dkseto.wordpress.com/disclaimer/

When people associate where you work, with what you personally write, problems can occur.

For example, a respected blogger quoted at length from a post I did on legislative salaries. He identified me as being the head of the division I work for (another public agency). Although it is true that I am the Division Head, what I wrote was on my own personal blog and may not reflect the views of the agency I am at.

Yet, identifying where I work at may have given people a false impression. Although I am sure the blogger did not intentionally mean to do this, I have to be aware of the effects of this when it happens.

So do you.

As they used to say on Hill Street Blues: 'Let's be careful out there.'

Aloha - Dan

Remember Capsun... It's your blog. Do WTF you want with it and don't let anyone tell you anything differently.

I only have one sponsor... I recently put a parody image of Lingle on my blog that I got from another blog.

Someone reading my blog, contacted my "sponsor" and told him about the image of lingle dressed in a "Nazi" outfit. My sponsor, thankfully understands the internet enough to realize that by him placing an ad on my site... I would not change the way I blog or what I blog about.

He also understands that it's a blog and not a paper so disclosures really aren't needed.

Just remember... it's your blog and you do what you want.

Some ad providers insist on disclosure policies. If I ever get my ads up, I may need one. For now, I am certain folks know not to take anything at my place too seriously.

Your blog, however, tackles serious issues. Even so, I think you do an excellent job of disclosing your associations and possible bias. And, as your said, your blog name clarifies that it is a personal blog. That your opinion is contained therein shouldn't have to be stated.

While I don't have one on my blog yet, I intend to put up privacy, disclosure and comment policy pages.

I have intended to do that for months now ;)

I think one sentence disclosures in context are fine. That's basically what I do.