I want to start a review blog?

[Christina]

I would like to get into blogging. I don't plan to get rich off of it, but it would be nice to make some money if I could. But what I'm concerned about are law suites. I've heard a lot of horror stories of bloggers getting sued. I want to review things like books and video games, but can you review them without getting permission for each individual game or book while using ad sensevand the like? Can you post a picture of the cover without getting in trouble? What about the video media component? If I make a video review rather than a written one, can I do that without getting in trouble? Agaon, tjis isn't a get rich quick svheme, I'm just trying to test the waters. Any advice of review blogging would be much appreciated.

[Donald]

I'm not a lawyer, so this isn't legal advice. For that, you need a lawyer. However:

YOU
I want to review things like books and video games, but can you review them without getting permission for each individual game or book.
ANSWER
Yes. You can review them without getting permission from the copyright owner of the game or book. It's called "freedom of the press" and "fair use."

YOU
Can you post a picture of the cover without getting in trouble?
ANSWER
Yes. Fair use.

YOU
What about the video media component?
ANSWER
Yes. Fair use.

YOU
If I make a video review rather than a written one, can I do that without getting in trouble?
ANSWER
A video review gives you no more (or less) protection than an online or in-print review.

Suggestion: Keep your reviews unemotional and objective. To boost viewership in your reviews, focus on what the readers want to know. So: Don't just summarize the plot or outline of the game. Give your opinion--keeping in mind the interests of the readers. There are plenty of good sites out there that review video games (and some that review books). Pay attention to how they do it.

Hope that helps.

[Jake]

I doubt you would have problems doing any of that, I can recall someone selling video game solution guides were shut down by the came company I believe they used the screen grabs as the basis for the suit, again they stepped over a line in this case.

If you start adding affiliate links the Federal Trade Commission does have guidelines on how you should declare that you may be earning revenue from some links provided, FTC.GOV

[Rep]

If you want to start a review blog then there is some work that you need to accomplish. You cannot expect to create a page and automatically be flooded with offers by companies. They need to have something to look at that tells them it will be worthwhile. This is often a combination of content and readers.

[Social]

first off what will be unique about your site that someone will come to your stie for a review instead of amazon or rotton tomatoes or imdb where they can read reveiws from hundreds of people? will you put a comical spin on your reviews or will your reviews be from a parent or mtohr possibly?

also this is a unique category as you need to have certain terms of service and announcements such as if your getting paid or getting free products. the ftc has really started cracking down on this.