Someone is going to have to explain to me that when Richard Cleland speaks and we disagree with him, we say he is wrong, but when Mary Engle speaks and says something we agree with, she is right (see more from Liz). They are interpreting the exact same guidelines, correct? So how come we think her interpretation is the correct one and not his? (Other than liking hers more, of course.)
At this point I'd love a third interpretation from yet another FTC employee as a bit of a tie-breaker. Or at least an official FTC clarification - in writing - that makes the gray areas more black and white.
October 19
2009
06:27 AM
Mary Engle said FAQs are coming; and there are videos of her speaking at the FTC website (I confess, I haven't listened to them all.) It looks like, from those videos, that Engle is being presented as the official spokesperson for the guides and bloggers. So there is that.
The question to me is, what is the more offical FTC position, pending FAQs: on off the cuff interview with a blogger? Or an official presentation at a conference?
And, if someone says x first, and y later, usually the greater weight is given to the later statement in terms of what to rely on. So, here, had Engle spoken first? Then Cleland? I'd be more worried.
Either way, you know me; once FAQs are posted, I'll be poring over them.