tollie.org/blog thoughts and reflections of Tollie Williams

links for 2009-06-23

• AtomicParsley
  Among other things - removes the "Podcast" flag from files so they'll show up in the regular library. (PS. Weird things happen when you have a ringtone with the "podcast" flag set, so it's best to unflag them.)
  (tags: tech reference itunes tools id3 podcasting music)
• Montana City Asked for Social Network PASSWORDS! - Press Release (pdf)
  From the "What On EARTH" were they thinking department... They asked not just for your social network usernames (acceptable, IMHO), but your PASSWORDS to log in? A) What idiot thought this was reasonable? B) What idiots gave them their passwords?
  (tags: news articles government ethics social spying)
• FTC plans to monitor blogs for claims, payments
  This could have some free-speech implications. Also, "Because it's new " -- *NEW*? Credit for that quote, calling affiliate links new, goes to Rich Cleland, assistant director in the FTC's division of advertising practices. Way to be in touch RIch...

  EXCERPT: Existing FTC rules already ban deceptive and unfair business practices. The proposed guidelines aim to clarify the law and for the first time specifically include bloggers, defined loosely as anyone writing a personal journal online.

  "It's sort of a recognition that word-of-mouth marketing in whatever form, whether electronic or not, is a significant part of the marketing strategy of modern companies," Cleland said. "Because it's new, I think it is imperative that we provide some kind of guidance."

  If approved, bloggers would have to back up claims and disclose if they're being compensated - the FTC doesn't currently plan to specify how.

  Any type of blog could be scrutinized, not just ones that specialize in reviews.

  (tags: news articles tech marketing blogs ftc government regulation amazon)

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