OK, bloggers - no more free stuff. We're watching.

Just when you think the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) was running out of things to regular, along comes this New York Times story about a new crackdown on bloggers.
Yep, those are folks like me. I only started this blog because I wanted to improve my computer skills, tell off-color jokes and blow off a little steam once in awhile.
Besides, it's free entertainment. It doesn't cost me anything to write it and it doesn't cost you a red cent to read this crap.
Anyhow, the FTC now wants bloggers who review products to disclose any relationship it has with the advertisers, including whether or not they're getting free stuff in return for saying nice things about the product.
This has usually been standard practice for radio, television and print advertisers - but bloggers?
Apparently, there are some folks who have built up successful product review blogs that people actually read.
I never do. When I hit a Google search for a gizmo, I usually skip right by the at-large product reviews. Oh, I might check out Consumer Reports once in awhile if the item is over $300.
But the last item I bought in that category was my wife's recliner. I didn't need a product review for that.
But maybe I'm missing something. I have mentioned a few products I like and places that treat me fair and square, but never got paid for it.
I bought my third or fourth Samsung cell phone a few weeks ago. The last one was three years old and dropped numerous times, but still worked. Naturally, I stick with a brand that's durable and has keys big enough for me to see.
I also like Coors Light beer, Snyder's pretzels, Chex Mix and Ritz vegetable-flavored crackers with Cooper sharp cheese - sometimes all in the same afternoon.
I like Carhardt shirts, Lee jeans and New Balance sneakers. And I've paid for every item, except those under the Christmas tree.
And Basil prefers Friskies turkey and cheese, or chicken with salmon. I know it doesn't smell very good. Neither does he.
On the other hand, I've only squawked about a few products I don't like. In that case, I never had to pay the manufacturer anything, either.
I have made fun of ugly vehicles in a recent blog. Does that count?
I'm just wondering who will monitor all of these product review blogs to make sure they're on the level. Will the FTC have to hire extra staff to kill a knat with a .44 Magnum?
I'm sure supporters of these regulations are citing the awesome power of the Internet as the reasons for greater oversight.
I doubt it. It sounds more like a federal agency with too much time on its hands.
In any case, they don't have to worry about me.I buy my own beer, shirts and cat food.
Well, technically - it's not my cat food. But I doubt whether he can type a product endorsement, either.