Amazon calls FAIL “ham-fisted” – but questions linger
By Anne Stameshkin
The sales figures are coming back.
But I have to say I’m still very suspicious of this whole thing…call it a “glitch,” or a flipped-switch error, or the fault of the French, or an elaborate prank by a famous hacker. Whatever may have happened and whoever may be at fault, Amazon is offering explanations, not apologies, and considering the magnitude of the situation, I think the latter is sorely needed. And said explanations have more than a few holes. Whatever unfolds in the next few days, Amazon owes customers (1) a speedy and complete fix…a “flipped-switch error” really shouldn’t take long to correct and (2) a super-sized reparation to illustrate their not-homophobia — perhaps an offer to prominently feature and promote GLBT-themed books, films, etc. in some way? And I like the following suggestion from Twitterer pegobry: “Why doesn’t Jeff Bezos post a video to YouTube to apologize for #amazonfail? Social leverage, dude!”
Ad Age notes that Amazon’s silence over the weekend was — and is — a terrible strategy in situations like these, and NPR’s Linda Holmes considers why Twitter hashtags might be the most powerful bullhorns around.
Much as I hate Twitter, they deserve full credit for bringing this story to light–days before any “real” media outlets picked it up. Whether this was really a glitch, a hack, or some poorly-executed homophobia on Amazon’s part, it was something that needed to be brought to the public’s attention and needed to get fixed. And Twitter got it done.
And yes, let’s hope that a full fix, an apology, and some kind of reparation arrive fast. Whatever problems you may have with Amazon–and there are plenty to choose from–they’re also the main way a lot of people get their books. For people who don’t live near an independent bookstore–or heck, near *A* bookstore–or for those who can’t spend much money on books, Amazon provides a way to access literature beyong the romance novels at the grocery store. So hopefully, AmazonFAIL will give Amazon a kick in the pants to start being more socially responsible, in a lot of ways.
I completely agree, Celeste. As someone who buys the sheer volume of books I do (for this site, for myself, as gifts), I NEED Amazon, and – truth be told – I’ve been consistently impressed by the speed and quality of their service. Until this weekend, even the harshest arguments against them (monopoly! bully! future destroyer of all publishing gatekeepers!) didn’t keep me away for long. AmazonFAIL marks the first time I actually decided to make a mass purchase elsewhere, online at the Strand, and you know what? It was comparable, price-wise; they just didn’t have everything I needed–but Borders filled in the blanks (even if it was more expensive).
I’ve always make a point of buying at least as many books from indie bookstores (online or in store) or from Borders as I do from Amazon or B&N. (ASIDE: In the current climate, Borders practically IS an indie bookstore, and that store rescued Lancaster, PA from bookstoreless-ness during my teenage years, so it deserves some love.) But let’s face it — it’s sometimes painful or even impossible for readers to fork over $26+ for a book somewhere else when they know they could get it for $16 from Amazon.
And I like paying for the books we review on this site, especially since they’re the only payment we can offer our contributors. Yes, a growing number of books we discuss are advance review copies or comps from publishers, but many aren’t. In this current climate, it feels important to spend money–even money I don’t have!–on books (new, not used). I can afford to buy a greater number because of Amazon, so I’m hoping they fix this problem and make both heartfelt amends and adequate reparations so I can return to their site with a clear conscience.
To do something constructive and good for the GLBT community (besides talking about AmazonFAIL), show Iowa lawmakers how many people stand behind marriage equality; they’re under increasing pressure from right-wing groups to reverse the decision with a constitutional gay marriage ban.
Go here and sign to help prevent another hateful Prop 8:
http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/campaign/next_prop_8