Do you write/read the 'deal blogs?' Then I want your opinion.

[~~Who,Me?~~]

I've been trying to put more time and energy into my blog. And, sure, I'll be honest--if I make some money on the advertising, even better. I've been researching lots of different advertising and affiliate programs and I've signed on with some.

Whenever I post a deal, say a groupon or ebates or something, I state that it's a referral program. As far as buttons and banners, I feel that it is the reader's responsibility to know/assume that any button they click on a blog will be beneficial to the blogger, kwim? And, just as an example, I was publishing some matchups and I said something like "please use the banner at top of blog to print your coupons."

So here's what I'm noticing--
Some bloggers, and no, not going to mention them by name, are presenting things as a bargain/find, when I know what they are posting is an affiliate link. An affiliate link means that the blogger will get a % of the sales. These folks have obviously signed on for the same affiliate deals that I've signed up for, and to me, it just feels a little sneaky.

There were quite a few last week, and they were just presented as separate blog posts, like "Wow, what a great deal--just head on over here, click this link, order this product, what a great price!" with no mention of the fact that it's an affiliate. It bothers me because it's being presented as a great find, and because that's the purpose of the blog.

If you read or write the deal blogs, what's your opinion? Is it sneaky, or am I just being naive?

[Macaela25]

I think it's sneaky, and I wouldn't appreciate it. I've read several blogs that have disclaimer notes at the bottom of the post saying that they were compensated or received a product, say if they were holding a contest and giving away a sponsored prize. I perceived that as being honest and appreciated the blogger's ethics.

[patriciamer26]

IMO if it is really a great deal-no biggie.

[motherofmolly]

it is a sneaky way of doing it, but if you look at multiple blogs, the same "deal" will be printed over and over and over....thus almost creating a "i have to have it if everyone is talking about it"....it is almost counter to the actual purpose of the deal blog.

as far as you links for the popular affiliate coupon printing sites, i would inlude a quick link in your actual post. people tend to want it to be the easiest as possible...they dont want to look for it and if they do they will do what most do and that is "open a new page and type it in". i know if i see a coupon i think is great, i print it then and if there is a link for me handy, i just click it.

[motherofmolly]

oh and i should say, there are "great" deals...just last week i saw a post about a laminator i wanted. and it was over 60% off . i click and purchased right there.

[3timesoccermom]

I guess I don't see it as sneaky and it wouldn't matter to me. It's not extra coming out of my pocket and if they are interesting and lucky enough to have people read their blog, why not get something for it? There's no guarantee that people are going to utilize the link anyway and unless it's envy for not getting the benefit themselves it doesn't seem it should be a problem.

[sbp]

In the case of giveaways or product reviews, in December 2009, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) enacted new Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising, which you can read here. Basically it says that if you are receiving compensation (either that you are making $ or received a product in exchange for your review.) that you need to disclose that information to your readers.

I'm not sure what or if exactly they say for affiliate links where the blogger is only being compensated if someone purchases through the link.

[Bellaluella]

I don't blog yet but I write down the deals in a notebook.

[Kulis]

That practice does sound a little bit sneaky.
Most of the deal blogs I see come through my Google Reader, so I probably wouldn't go to the coupons.com (or whatever) banner to click through for the coupon. I often do click through when the match up says something like "use $1/1 coupon here" with a link to that banner ad.
Also, many of the more established deal blogs I read usually have a disclaimer at the end of the post saying something like "This post contains affiliate links."
I don't know what the laws are, but I think those bloggers have greater credibility overall with me because I know they're really trying to be upfront and honest.

[kval07]

I don't think its sneaky, but then again I never really thought about it. I don't see how it is any different from other websites that have ads, like HCW or major news websites. All those sites need money for operating costs, etc. Blogs are A TON of work, way too much for me. Ads are a way to offset costs and make it free for readers, which I think most people should know.