Referring to vendors on Facebook or a blog

[SingMeAway]

I have sort of a hypothetical question... I have been playing with the idea of starting a Facebook page or a blog about one of my favourite hobbies. Part of what is prompting me is a) I just love talking/thinking about hobby and b) along the way, I have found many products and vendors that other people don't seem to know about and I'd love to share the knowledge.

So, is it okay in either a blog or Facebook, to say "Check out www.companyname.com for product x" or is it better to ask the company if you can mention them. I don't have any intention of criticizing a company or product or slamming anyone, it is simply to share good things I've found with fellow enthusiasts.

[Shoo]

If they're on the internet, it is perfectly fine to link to them.  Vendors LOVE that sort of thing.  It brings them business.

[Surianne]

Yep, I agree with Shoo -- not only is it okay, the vendors will probably really appreciate it.

[MrTango]

I think it's perfectly fine.  In fact, many vendors have a "Like us on Facebook" link that would make it even easier to refer to them if you use a FB page rather than a blog.

[SingMeAway]

Perfect - thanks everyone!

[Eden]

One note on that, though. If you receive any freebies from those vendors/companies, I believe it is ethically (maybe legally?) required that you disclose that. Otherwise, blog away and happy hobbying!

[triciadi]

My daughter has an online business that frequently is mentioned in blogs.  She not only appreciates the mention and the link but also appreciates it when a blogger lets her know that they have mentioned her in their blog.

[blarg314]

I think that's fine.

It's also fine to post negative reviews on your blog, although I would personally be careful to make sure it's warranted (one bad experience or problem not so much, persistent bad service or issues that cause a lot of  problems and aren't quickly fixed would get a bad posting), and backed up ("I've been having problems with XYZ's inability to deliver products on time, and repeated wrong orders" vs "XYZ sucks!").