I have sadly neglected my blog lately, in part because of the FTC’s new regulations about legal disclosures regarding endorsements. I have always been one to adhere to the law to the letter, and this new legislation has made me nervous. After waiting for the fallout of the legislation, and reading the brief, I believe it does not pertain to me in any way. This legislation only pertains to persons compensated for their endorsement of a product. I am a commercial user of the software, and I have paid a fair market value for the software and it’s maintenance. My opinions and experiences are my own, and I have not been compensated in any way to state them. 

Yes, I have had acquaintances at the SolidWorks corporation pay for meals and even consulting work.  As such I remain an independent contractor, having paid for my own hardware, software, and with my own business interests at heart. I have shouldered the financial responsibility for travel and accommodations to SolidWorks World.

This is not to say that I am opposed to taking free products for the purpose of reviewing them. Really, if anyone wants to give me a product to review (say a 3D connections device, hint, hint…) I would be thrilled to do so and disclose that information that it was provided free of charge.