On December 1 and 2, 2009, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will hold two days of workshops on how the Internet has affected journalism. The workshops come in the wake of the release last month of the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising, which become effective on the first day of the workshops.
If you are a small and independent business owner who uses technology to share your ideas, it is in your best interests to attend the hearings live or via webcast, or at least track progress, because the topics discussed will light on how you will use technology in the coming decade. Remember, The Media Is Y-O-U! And as the boundaries between you and traditional journalism continue to collide, it's important to own your power in this regard, and to live up to certain responsibilities as well.
In particular, the hearings will address the fact that individuals, bloggers and small business owners using the Internet as their own media outlets are attracting readers and advertising dollars. This increased competition for the attention of the American consumer is literally forcing many traditional media outlets out of business. This creates more opportunities, as well as more responsibilities for you, as a business owner.
While it is unlikely that I will attend the hearings in person, I plan to attend via live webcast.
I will of course Tweet updates and collect relevant information, which I will share with you at The Media Is You workshops in Atlanta, Chicago, New-York and San-Francisco in 2010.
For FTC workshop agenda and registration information, click here.
Question: Do you plan to attend the hearings? How do you think FTC activities in this area will affect your business?
