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Disclosure and the Skimlinks URL Shortener

Posted by Hannah on August 13, 2010 in Best Practices

Those using Skimlinks’ URL Shortener are required to use links in a responsible manner and with the right form of disclosure – we thought we’d share some information here:

How does it work?

Skimlinks shortened URL’s earn commissions from online retailers and service providers if people buy products and services through Buyth.at, Tryth.at, Getth.at or Useth.at links.
Because there is a monetary commission involved, there is a degree of responsibility with using these links.

What is disclosure?

It means telling your audience that you are potentially receiving some sort of benefit from the content or links you are writing about.

Why would users disclose?

From a moral standpoint, it’s right to disclose when you are marketing online or through word of mouth if you stand to benefit from an opinion, comment or recommendation.

How should users disclose?

If you are using Twitter, you don’t have much room in 140 characters – one suggestion is to use a hashtag e.g. #$ or #aff. It has also been suggested that you make a disclosure note in your Twitter profile.

Are there laws about this?

There aren’t any clear set rules or regulations on Twitter and other social media about the use of affiliate links at this point, however, by encouraging disclosure, we comply with FTC regulations that state; ‘When there exists a connection between the endorser and the seller of the advertised product which might materially affect the weight or credibility of the endorsement, such connection must be fully disclosed.’