Valleywag
Bloggers to disclose backhanders or go to jail
This is one of those political scares that never comes to anything. A bill intended by Democrats to curtail the most corrupt forms of lobbying has taken extra provisions — including one that would force some political bloggers to register as lobbyists. The measure, designed to expose supposedly grassroots web campaigns that are actually funded by the candidates or lobby groups, would threaten bloggers making over $25,000 a quarter with up to ten years in prison if they didn't disclose. This particular trial balloon will likely be popped, but, the more powerful web media becomes, the more likely it will fall under regulation. Idea: tech and business bloggers should face the same Series 7 exams as securities salesmen.
8:37 AM on Fri Jan 19 2007
By Nick Denton
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