"This book is incredible- and by the way, I got it free!"

Just as publisher-sponsored book blog review programs continue to grow, the Federal Trade Commission this week announced the introduction of fines for bloggers who don't disclose financial compensation, even if they only received a free copy of the book.

What will this mean for Christian publishers such as Thomas Nelson, the Tyndale Blog Network and WaterBrook's "Blogging for Books"? Publishers offer free books in exchange for reviews posted on their Web sites and online retailers such as Amazon.com.

On The Tyndale Blog, discussion has started on how to avoid these fines, reportedly up to $11,000 per occurrence, which will begin on Dec. 1.

"As many of you know, Tyndale has its own blogger review program like many publishing houses. Through the Tyndale Blog Network, bloggers can sign up and request specific books for review. We send a FREE copy of the book in exchange for a review posted on the member's blog and a consumer site (like Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, ChristianBook.com, etc.)."

"This week, the FTC announced new rules for bloggers that, if violated, could add up to $11k in fines. Effective December 1, bloggers receiving any kind of compensation (including free product) will have to disclose that information clearly on their blog when posting a review of the product."

On the blog, Tyndale is also soliciting discussion of how the disclosure of a free book might affect a reader's assessment of a blog review. Read the blog here.

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