We've all heard the phrase "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything." When it comes to social media and online content, though, its seems the phrase is actually "If you can't say something nice, blog, tweet, facebook, or post it online." While I shouldn't be, I am surprised at what people post online. [...]
Every week I get a few emails from bloggers or online professionals asking me questions about taxes. Most of them are the same questions again and again. Because I can't answer fact-specific questions individually without potentially creating an attorney/client relationship, I tend to give the same general answers. First and foremost, seek counsel from [...]
Tommroch - Fotolia.com On a weekly basis I find misdirected emails in my inbox. With a name as common as Sara, it's been happening to me for years. And now with blogging, there are so many with the same name it's easy to end up with an email not intended for you. Have you [...]
In some ways I feel like a therapist. I get emails with details on how a blogger or small brand is being taunted and tormented by others online. I completely feel for them because I have my own trolls and 'mean girls'. I always thought that grown ups would be different. I figured that I'm [...]
Frequently I am contacted by someone whose online work is being used without their permission. Whether it is an idea, a design concept, something from Twitter, a hot deal, a complete post, photos, graphics, it seems like there is a lot of taking going on. In addition, as many are trying to grow their online [...]
Remember when you were a kid and your mom or dad told you "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."? And then you rolled your eyes (with your head turned so they couldn't see you) and under your breath called your brother a jerk? OK, maybe it was just me. But, [...]
More and more I'm seeing giveaways that may not be fully compliant with federal or state laws governing giveaways. Whether online or off, there are a host of laws that every contest holder must follow or risk significant fines or, in some states, criminal prosecution. Giveaway laws in the U.S. cover sweepstakes, contests, and lotteries. [...]
Now that you know contract law basics, I'd like to move on to the main issues of contract negotiation. Most contracts, regardless of who they're from, will have been crafted by a team of lawyers and heavily stacked in favor of the other party. It's just how it works. Most lawyers aren't in the business [...]
Most SEO experts suggest using at least one photo in every blog post. From an aesthetic perspective, it's a good idea, especially when the photo has something to do with the content. Photos and images are especially important for food blogs. And, of course, there is that "A picture is worth a thousand words" adage. [...]
Monetization, ad-sponsored content and conference sponsorship discussions have become more and more prevalent among the blogging community. I’ve noticed that the issue of contractual obligations has started to come up. Throughout the twitter stream I see pleas for sponsorships, giveaway donation, reviews and so forth. In addition, as bloggers, often we agree to a number [...]