Say it ain't so?!? That is what I thought when I saw the recent announcement of Amazon buying Goodreads. Now Amazon owns Shelfari and Goodreads. Interesting to note that Goodreads stopped carrying Amazon Meta data because Amazon wanted too much for the privilege of doing so. Authors had to scramble to rescue our books from being lost on Goodreads due to the tension between them and Amazon. This, and other issues, made me leave Goodreads as an active participant after 3 years on the site. Still, learning those in a once adversarial relationship are now partnering, is disturbing. One more site gobbled up by Amazon.
There are also rumors of Amazon seeking to buy out Barnes and Noble so it can own physical bookstores. Soon there may be no place left for readers and authors to interact that is completely disconnected from Amazon.
Years ago the Federal government broke up monopolies like "Ma Bell" into small, independent telephone companies to stop the spread of unfair labor and business practices. The DOJ went after Apple and the Big 5 for so-called price fixing, but is turning a blind eye to Amazon's expansion.
Don't be fooled by Amazon proclaiming this will help authors find new readers. Yes, being on Amazon helps with visibility, but from personal experience and knowledge of other authors' trials and tribulations, Amazon's services aren't author friendly. We are simply a means to a sale, while buying Goodreads is just another step to become a dominating force in the book and publishing world.
I've been reading the comments for and against this deal. Frankly, some of the 'for' comments concern me. A few wondered about Amazon integrating Goodreads with Kindle so one can see what a friend said about a certain passage like "Sally enjoyed this part when so-and-so took action against this person." Really? I want to enjoy the book for myself without a running commentary or spoiler! Reading may go from being a quite, relaxing solitary experience to a community event. That's not a world for me. I'd rather unplug from technology and cuddle in my favorite chair with a good book and a cup of hot tea on the side-table.
How Amazon will impact Goodreads has yet to be seen, but I can guarantee, Goodreads will not be the same place.
4 Comments on Goodreads Now Another Amazon Tenacle!, last added: 4/2/2013
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It's true. Pretty soon the only thing Amazon won't own is Nigeria - but you can be sure they're working on it.
lol, Roger.
How sad! Is there anywhere where Authors and readers can interact online besides something Amazon related?
It is getting harder and harder to find.