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Is your real estate blog going to be federally "registered"

By
Home Builder with 219-465-8352

I just got caught up on a provision in a Senate Bill that would have required any political blogger with more than 500 visitors a day to be registered with the FEC.  This would have opened up lots of possible problems, like would you be allowed to make advertising dollars on such a site?   Congress Ponders Your Freedoms

I guess that provision was removed last night, or at least this post on Slash Dot suggests so, I'll do a little more searching around to make sure the post is correct.  Anyone have better info?  I may be a day to two behind, so hit me with some links if you've already posted on this issue.

Why a real estate blog?  How many times do you post on real estate law?  How about real estate politics?  There's even a group right here on AR for real estate groups.  It wouldn't be hard to connect the dots. 

 

Show All Comments
Sam Chapman
Lakeway, TX
So what's next - requiring everyone to put stat counters on our blogs with results going to the feds?  This would be an ugly Big Brother thing if it goes through.
Jan 20, 2007 08:43 AM
Steve Dalton
219-465-8352 - Valparaiso, IN
Northwest Indiana Home Builder

Sam, I think the point was to penalize the blogging phenomenon for being so successful.  Basically the Federal Election Commission would reach into your very written thoughts (the definition of a blog) and tell you that if people listen they can regulate you.  And I hope you never make money on your blog, then they can get even more regulational authority over you.

Why is this "reach" so necessary?

Does it provide security?  No  Does it help develop friendlier campaigns?  No

It only does one thing.  It continues the push toward taking people right to free speech away from them because some people believe that free speech is dangerous.  They think people might listen.  They think people might be convinced to try new leaders.  Even giving to a politician, in my humble opinion, is merely an exercise of speech.  Why do they need to tell me that I can or I can't?

Jan 20, 2007 09:07 AM
Brian Brady
Matthews Capital Markets - Tampa, FL
858-699-4590

If the FEC does this, then special interest groups will spring up with blogs and candidates will write their opinion pieces on the comments section.

You just can't over-regulate the first amendment 

Jan 20, 2007 04:45 PM
Carole Cohen
Howard Hanna Cleveland City Office - Cleveland, OH
Realtor, ePRO
I'm wondering if John McCain was behind this too! What a bad idea, thanks for the tip I'm off to research. (ooh I just made a reference to a politician, wonder if that means I need to register.)  Unbelievable.
Jan 21, 2007 08:18 AM
Carole Cohen
Howard Hanna Cleveland City Office - Cleveland, OH
Realtor, ePRO
Much to my surprise, the Nay votes were mostly Dems. I'm thinking sometimes Congress needs to think more, no?
Jan 21, 2007 08:22 AM
Ken Stampe
iBrandPlan.com - Grow your e-Profile & Brand - Dallas, TX
iBrandPlan

Anywhere you see 100 free items there's somebody in government trying to figure a way to tax it. So far, blogging and commenting on blogs is largely inexpensive if not free. You know someone wants to find a way to tax it.

Ken

Jan 21, 2007 09:37 AM
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