Six Figure Blogging - The Book: Oh the Shame of It All

Darren Rowse has announced his book titled “Secrets for Blogging Yourself to a Six Figure Income” that recycles old content from his blog. Funny that he uses the same word “secrets” like I eluded to in my post not long ago.

Another coincidence I suppose.

Recently Darren admitted that none of his so-called students for his course of a similar name have even come close to making “six figures” from blogging. Neither has he substantiated his own income through a verified independant third party.

I’m no expert in consumer law but I was perusing Google and came across this article about a guide prepared by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reviewing laws that it enforces:

Advertising must tell the truth and not mislead consumers.

In addition, claims must be substantiated.

It goes on to say the Federal Trade Commission Act allows the FTC to act in the interest of all consumers to prevent deceptive and unfair acts or practices. In interpreting Section 5 of the Act, the Commission has determined that a representation, omission or practice is deceptive if it is likely to:

• mislead consumers, and
• affect consumers’ behavior or decisions about the product or service.

Given the track record of his courses it seems to me that titles promising “six figure” incomes from blogging may be misleading consumers to purchase his courses and books.

I wonder if the FTC would have anything to say about this? What do you think?