As of December 1st, 2009, bloggers fall under a new set of rules. While bloggers are busy writing their thoughts on everything, there are some bloggers who only write about stuff they get to keep or use for free.  In general, the writers who write for Working Mother Mom Blog do not write product-driven stories, but some make suggestions.  If it wasn't clear before whether or not they receive products in exchange for that mention, it will be clear going forward.  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says, all U.S. bloggers must disclose in the "blog" whether they were compensated in some way when they wrote about a product.  Did they keep it and use it?  Did they keep it and give it away?  There does not seem to be a distinction.  But, either way, it must be noted in the blog.

In general, unsolicited samples of all kinds come into an editorial office.  Things get talked about, measured, discussed and sometimes put to the test.  Because they are now "used" - not in orginal packages - they do not always get returned.  Some of it gets kept.  Some of it gets donated to good causes.  But none of this stuff pushes an editor or staff to review favorably. Magazine, other print and broadcasting are not covered by this new FTC rule. The feds feel that 'traditional media" have "gatekeepers" on edit staffs to make sure reviews are not written in exchange for products.  That's how we do it. Our bloggers are not exempt.

No ruling comes without discussion, read more here.