January Podcasts and Analysis from Near Media

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Analysis

For the past month (loosely defined) we have focused very heavily on reviews with a special focus on the FTC, their new guidelines and which review platforms received a warning. We actually filed and received our very first FIOA request so you can get the down low details.

The 10 Review Platforms Who Got FTC Warning Letters

Ten review management platforms were put on notice by the FTC. Here they are and what got them into trouble.

Near MediaMike Blumenthal

FTC’s Review Guidelines Part 2: Platforms

The FTC’s guidance for review platforms is sweeping. But enforcement will be selective and “closed platforms” are the most likely targets.

Near MediaMike Blumenthal

FTC’s Review Guidelines Part I: Business Marketers

The FTC’s new guidelines simplify many things about review solicitation and moderation, but other areas are now murkier.

Near MediaMike Blumenthal

Google GMB’s Old Facebook Page Pwnd by Fake Reviews Vendor

Google allowed a fake reviews company to snatch its old Facebook URL.

Near MediaMike Blumenthal

With $4.2M Fine, FTC Kills ‘Review Gating’

The agency signaled it’s going to get tough on brands and platforms that engage in review manipulation.

Near MediaMike Blumenthal

(ok, one post that wasn't about reviews)

Vendasta Buys MatchCraft to Accelerate Ad Offering

The deal accelerates and rounds out Vendasta’s “end-to-end” platform for its local channel partners.

Near MediaGreg Sterling

Fake Reviews and Brand Pimping: Who Wins and Who Loses

Some consumer review sites are happy to turn a (partially) blind eye to fake reviews, because they’re driving revenue.

Near MediaCurtis Boyd

Podcasts

Our Friday far ranging conversations are the highlight of my week. Take a listen to one of our shows and then subscribe at your favorite podcast service or YouTube.

Ep 49: GMB PWND by spammer, Google moves toward contextual advertising & The FTC updates review guidelines

Google GMB’s Old Facebook Page Pwnd by Fake Reviews Vendor, Google abandons FLOC and moves toward contextual advertising standard with Topics & The FTC creates new guidelines banning gating and favoring review transparency

Near MediaNear Media

Ep 48: Bill to end surveillance ads, SMB use of SaaS tools low but growing, Niantic’s path to the ‘metavearth’

Radical bill to ban the use of personal data proposed in response to surveillance capitalism, Interesting survey of new SMBs indicate low but growing use of SAAS tools, Niantic is making AR interesting, profitable and more useful enroute to the metavearth

Near MediaNear Media

Ep 47: Vendasta buys MatchCraft, Business required vax shows path, TLDR bill requires TOS simplification

Vendasta buys MatchCraft and adds PPC to their mix, Despite Supreme Court decision the path forward for business is clear, TLDR bill attempts to make TOS clear, will it matter?

Near MediaNear Media

Ep 47: Vendasta buys MatchCraft, Business required vax shows path, TLDR bill requires TOS simplification

Vendasta buys MatchCraft and adds PPC to their mix, Despite Supreme Court decision the path forward for business is clear, TLDR bill attempts to make TOS clear, will it matter?

Near MediaNear Media

As Sgt. Phil Esterhaus of Hill Street Blues used to say, "Let's be careful out there."