jspira

This passage from the FTC Q&A on endorsements may be somewhat helpful:

tjbrooks

I'd say give her a break until she actually reviews the place. Compared to all the other big bloggers, I'd say Mommy Points is one of the most honest and upfront about disclosures. In fact my biggest complaint would be that the style of travel shown in the site is not even remotely close to "free" as the title suggests, with paid suite upgrades, spa visits, kids camps, resort activities, mileage/mattress runs. Those "free" breakfasts and "free" upgrades are the rewards for thousands of dollars of spend. It would be better advertised as "luxuries for less".

Mommy Points

Thank you. I am a big fan of disclosure. No reason not to disclose. Only bad things can come from going down that trail, in my opinion. When I get a chance to write about the ski trip, it will certainly contain disclosures. I do think there is a balance to keep there as things can also appear more sponsored than they are. For example, I have had readers tell me they assumed that I was paid to host giveaways when that is not the case.

I also think there is validity in the second part of your comment. I do the "free" travel thing a chunk of the time, but I also am a sucker for "luxuries for less" in my own travels, well and in life in general I guess. Though I'm from East Texas, so I call it "fancy on the cheap".

belfordrocks

Just going a little off topic again, but nothing is ever free unless any of the bloggers have found a method to make air tickets and hotel reservations magically spawn within one's mailbox. The concept of opportunity cost is constantly ignored by most of the blogosphere and anyone who is naive enough to actually believe in free travel probably isn't doing themselves a favour by getting into the points/miles game to begin with.

jammanxc

I think the free travel part comes from the credit card sign ups.. 50,000 miles for an AA card, use 40,000 AA off peak coach roundtrip to Europe, but just pay taxes (not free).

The free hotels part comes from those 2 free hyatt nights

then again, food, incidentals from hotels, shows, entertainment, transportation is not free...

there is no such thing as free really...

jammanxc

what do you guys think about the bloggers who fly First/Biz and stay in cheap hostels?

redeeming 100k+ for first/biz and then hosteling for the rest of your stay

sbm12

Some talk about that a month ago here. Read starting around this post.

HikerT

Unless someone discloses ballpark referral for the AMEX Biz Plat on your blog.

chemist661

Long before blogs were in vogue, I was approached by many friends and wanted me to published my tips on the internet and/or write a book). I had my hands full with managing my own rental properties, working full time & travelling! (Note: I am not a blogger--now it is too saturated. I would add very little value to what most experienced travelers already know!

I used to do stay in hostels alot before I got married in 2006. Most of the time, I would buy a coach ticket and upgrade to biz. (also burned 80/100K miles on occasion for biz). For me, paying the least amount of $ yet the hostel is in a nice area of town was important.

My wife dislikes hostels & "crash pads" so we stay in 2.5*-4* depending on the property. When I travel alone, I will still stay in hostels after a biz class airline trip.

chemist661

Duplicate posting.

Mile-a-holic

I give the break as a starting point. Until, for example, a blogger shows up on FT and posts a "helpful" response promoting three affiliate cards with their blog in the signature, mentioning that the newbie should do further reading on blogs.

It is easy to give disclosures where obvious - like a company saying "I follow Sarbanes Oxley." I judge by actions, not words. I like TPG because his newbie guide gives a balanced view.

belfordrocks

I wouldn't do that myself but have nothing against those that do, because the difference between hotels is nowhere near as significant as the difference between first/business and coach on an airliner.

gpapadop

Do you consider adequate disclosure if it is in smaller print somewhere on the website that is not very easy to find and nowhere on the body of the post? I think certainly not. Some bloggers do that (not you) and they can blame the lawyers convienently.

Absolutely. There is a blog with the title "Travel is Free"...no it's not!

Confused? Double personalities? Actually, I find it quite odd but who am I to say if they enjoy doing this, everyone is different!

Whaaaat?

Mile-a-holic

Whaaaat? [/QUOTE]

Speaking comparatively. The newbie guide explains the issues of redeeming, versus "there are other sites that tell you how to redeem the miles that you earn through my site. So good luck with that."

kokonutz

Just to be clear: I was paying a compliment, not leveling a criticism!

I am constantly amazed and impressed (not to mention a little jealous of) the schwag that the Tommys and Garys and bloggers have bestowed upon them by the travel industry. Free travel and free status sure do beat the hell out of a few measly points or miles! ^