No More Fake Reviews - So Who’s Gonna Tell Us What To Buy?


Very interesting and with a fairly profound impact on our audiophile community:

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/08/federal-trade-commission-announces-final-rule-banning-fake-reviews-testimonials

Some strong language in the ruling. How are some of our YouTubers going to be able to sustain their channels without gifted products?

 

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The rules sound reasonable and could cause problems for reviewers who get free gear or music in return for a good review.  We'll just have to see how it plays out in the audiophile world.

Reviewers have been getting free gear and accommodation pricing forever.  I don't expect that to change at all.   

Very true ,,I spoke to a friend in Canada who personally had met  two of these reviewers and yes they  have received Free components and speakers .with much more expensive products up to 65% off with no shipping or taxes . Shocking but true . I assume this too pertains to TAS and Stereophile , as well as online magazines on Audiogon we get much more realistic  honest opinions of actual gear .fortunately for me I am semi retired and get to hear a lot of gear and go to many group comparisons  which is like going to a Audio show  but in a much more relaxed setting.

It should change, based on the ruling. Assuming there are any teeth involved and resources to police/implement the ruling. It cuts pretty deep if you read the whole thing, beyond the basic sub-title:

The rule will allow agency to strengthen enforcement, seek civil penalties against violators, and deter AI-generated fake reviews

Is it even worth the risk for some of our guys, I mean our niche is so small, the majority of small reviewers can't be making much money out of it even with the occasional manufacturers' swag bag thrown in. 

I hope it doesn't change too much in our industry, other than a couple of obvious violators I don't think there's much wrong with it as it stands... Just my opinion and I could be wrong (again).