Disclaimer: The following is not for everyone.

I have seen enough of the product or service disclaimers we, as bloggers, seem to feel the need to disclose if we write a recommendation and include an affiliate link. It goes something like this, “I’ve just found the best online service with Awesome Service A. Let me tell you about it! (Please note the following is an affiliate link. If you prefer, here is the direct link … blah, blah, blah.)

Don’t misunderstand, I am not referencing those industries required by law that you disclaim, such as real estate.

You see, if I am reading your blog, following your tweets on Twitter, listening to your conversations, I am doing so because you have my respect. Your reputation or word is valued. Give me a recommendation, and I am not offended that you might receive something in return for that. In business, it is often seen as gratitude. That might be a gift card, tickets to a movie, or cash.

I’ve known of those that paid referral fees. In the restaurant business, an owner commonly comps meals or drinks in gratitude of business sent their way.

Here’s the point. In relationships where your word is your bond, there is integrity. In my world, if I recommend something, I have actually used it myself and liked it. That is why it has my word behind it. I will not nor have not recommended things for the sole purpose of receiving a cash fee. That has always been against my ethics. So when place a link to a book, a vitamin company, an online host, or a service, I do so because I believe in it. I have had a great experience. I feel it is worth it.

Therein lies the difference. Too many today make recommendations for the money, not the personal value. That is why if it even remotely suggested you are not speaking of personal experience, you have no chance of establishing credibility with me. Those marketers pay a high price. They will never get my business again. Worse, I will probably tell others about them.

In the early days of online information, I remember suggesting or promoting anything to be sold on a blog was considered wrong. I never thought that. I thought that was a snobbish attitude. If you have put in the time, the use, and the research, your opinion is valued. And there are situations I would gladly pay for that, particularly if it saves me in time.

Our market has commonly been buyer beware. Or as is. That is another reason why your recommendations are valuable to me.

Let’s face it. I am responsible for my buying decisions. Unless required by law in your industry, you do not owe me a disclaimer nor anyone else. You owe me your integrity. Disclaimers do not make you better, more honest, or superior. Your character does.

Disclaimers are apologies. There’s no reason to apologize. It is not a bad thing if a company offers to offer you a payment for your referral. Especially if the referral is a result of your experience, which often comes as a result of hard work.

Does a disclaimer upset you? I find them pretentious.