Legal

[Teddy]

Just though I would share something with you all because being new to all this I was taken back. Learning is key to your "business" and that includes the legal side as well, which I never really thought about.
To cut a long story short...
I read an article about a guy who basically slated a product on his website saying it was a scam and didn't work. That particular company is suing that individual but has given him the option to retract his statements and in theory say he was lying.
This individual is up the creek without a paddle... If he retracts his statements he can still be sued for publishing false information and if he doesn't retract his statements he will still be sued.

Moral of the story is keep it clean as you cannot hide behind a computer somewhere in the world and hope to get away with it...

Teddy

[Forum Admin 2]

Well of course! It is slander of one's name and even though this is an online business, the stakes are still the same.

Thank you for sharing with us Teddy:)

[Teddy]

Thanks Admin 2 and it is quite right as I have come to realise. The point I also want to make is that being new to this, it is tempting to copy bits and pieces of people's work to make articles and graphics for your websites. All the good courses you do tell you in no uncertain terms to make all of your work original. I have seen "courses" and even got one that promotes "copy, paste, and change" other people's work to make it your own to promote/publish to make money. DON'T DO IT. I am fortunate to be able to have a professional write articles for me to get me started but if you are not in that position do your own work. I would hate to see a person start their online business with lawyers fees. All I am trying to say is be careful and honest. :)

Thanks
Teddy

[Moderator 1]

Teddy,

You just want to be as honest as possible, and if you haven't tried the product, then don't claim to. You can review your findings on the product and give bullet points with what the owners of the product claim.

You should also give a disclaimer on any emails if and when you start email marketing with autoresponders, saying that you will make a commission if they buy from your link. Something to that effect. Unless you are the owner of the product or PDF, etc.

Here is a link to the new FTC guidelines that may be some good reading for you:

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/endortest.shtm

[Forum Admin 2]

Its okay to read others content for this is how we get our ideas and new material. Its when people abuse it to make it their own without actually citing the author and their link when it was they that had done all the work.:)

[Teddy]

Thanks for the infomation and pointers. I am learning even more and think it is important when running your own internet business.

Thanks a mil
Teddy

[Forum Admin 2]

You bet it is! It is not any safer online as it is in the physical world. Its best to know all the ends and outs to eliminate any surprises later:)

[Moderator 1]

You're welcome! Just try not to get information overload! Try to take a break here and there. :)

[James-Joseph]

Definitely agree with everyone that you have to be up front with what you write. I always use the University guidelines on plagiarism which keep me on the straight and narrow.

[Moderator 1]

Just report what you know and with your findings, as well as being as genuine as possible. :)

[Forum Admin 2]

Great idea!! Be yourself and try not to act like someone your not:)

[Jamie]

I have heard a lot about this just starting out so i checked the legal stuff for my case in the UK and i would advice any one starting out in trying to make money online do the same for there particular country.

[Moderator 1]

You certainly should, your country and/or states. Laws are different everywhere. Best to try and keep up with them as much as possible. :)

[Forum Admin 2]

This is very true. Just like researching for products, this should be done also for your business. Its better to know up front than to be blindsided :)