disclaimer

This will of course depend on the nature of your blog, but here are a few of the most common and most important blog disclaimers you may need.

• A disclaimer that mentions your employer

You don't have to mention your employer by name, but you should have a disclaimer that makes it clear that these are your opinions, and not necessarily the same opinions that your employer has. If you're a member of any organizations apart from the company you work for (like volunteer organizations), you may want to extend your disclaimer to them, as well.

• A disclaimer that says your opinions may change

Because you're always adding new content to your blog, you may change your mind about a few older topics. While you certainly have the right to change your mind, let your readers know it's a possibility. That way, they won't be stunned or angry if it happens.

• A disclaimer that says you're not responsible for the comments your readers leave

Great blog posts tend to generate a lot of comments. However, there's no guarantee that all of those commenters are going to share your point of view, or the point of view of other readers. There's also no guarantee that your commenters will say nice things. Since you can't control what someone types, you need to eliminate your liability for what they end up saying.

• A disclaimer that gives you the right to delete comments

While you can't control the content of each comment, you do have the power to delete comments. Make this clear to your readers for two reasons -- so that commenters don't try to take action against you because you deleted their comment, and so that other readers can rest easy knowing that you're going to get rid of comments that they may find offensive.

• A disclaimer that says you're not offering any endorsements

Just because you mention or link to a certain product or service in your blog posts doesn't necessarily mean that you think everyone should run out and buy it. Furthermore, you don't want readers to try to hold you liable if they do buy something they saw mentioned on your blog and it doesn't go well.

• A disclaimer that says you're not responsible for your readers' finances

If your blog offers tips on how to make more money or how to build a more successful business, you need to include an earnings disclaimer. This statement tells your readers that you aren't guaranteeing any kind of income or profit increases.

You also need to take it one step further and point out that if readers do follow your advice, you're not liable for whatever may happen to them or their finances as a result.

While blog disclaimers are serious stuff, there's no rule that says yours has to be boring. As long as it includes all of the necessary details and it's easy for the average reader to understand, you can feel free to be as creative as you want.