Goodreads used to import their book information from Amazon. It was very convenient. When a book went up on Amazon.com or the Kindle Store, the cover image, description, publisher, etc showed up automatically on Goodreads.
No more. In fact, they are deleting books that were automatically imported from Amazon. Or you may find some of the detail missing, like the cover image, or book description.
If you're an author, check Goodreads to make sure your book is still listed. If it isn't, you or your publisher will need to plug in the information.
According to Goodreads:
"At Goodreads, we make it a priority to use book information from the
most reliable and open data sources, because it helps us build the best
experience for our members. To that end, we're making a major change.
"On January 30, Goodreads will no longer display book information that comes from Amazon.
"Amazon's
data has been great for us for many years, but the terms that come with
it have gotten more and more restrictive, and we were finally forced to
come to the conclusion that moving to other datasources will be better
for Goodreads and our members in so many ways that we had to do it. It
may be a little painful, but our aim is to make it as seamless as
possible for all our members.
"Amazon data that we will stop using
includes data such as titles, author names, page counts, and
publication dates. For the vast majority of book editions, we are
currently importing this data from other sources. Once the imports are
done, those few remaining editions for which we haven't found an
alternative source of information will be removed from Goodreads.
"Member
ratings, reviews, and bookshelves are safe, but your data may be moved
to a different edition of the book. If we can't find a matching edition,
then your review will be attached to a book with no title or author.
But the good news is that there's a way you can help.
"Today, we are announcing new tools to help Goodreads Librarians source data for the books that need rescuing."
(Please go here to read the rest of the announcement, with instructions on how to add book information that has been deleted.)
Goodreads isn't being specific about just what these "terms" from Amazon are, which of course I find most interesting, and would like to know the whole story.
I hadn't heard about that~ thanks for spreading the news!
ReplyDeleteI found my book covers were in danger of being removed so I downloaded them all myself. As the author it was easy enough to do.
ReplyDeleteDidn't realize that. Hmm. I suspect Amazon is demanding some sort of exclusive arrangement--aren't they famous for that?
ReplyDeleteMy book was fine, but when I checked my title on Feb 1st, it was another author's last name so I had to make the change.
ReplyDeleteA shame they can't all play nicely together. I saved one book on my Goodreads and I actually felt really good doing so. :)
ReplyDeleteI was there yesterday and didn't notice anything missing, but guess I should check again.
ReplyDeleteSounds like the start of Book Wars. I guess everyone wants to capture the greatest sector of the audience. It's kind of bad for the authors caught in the middle --there's so much to keep track of as it is without shots fired by the big guys with the authors caught in the crossfire or having to choose sides.
ReplyDeleteLee
An A to Z Co-Host
Tossing It Out
Twitter: @AprilA2Z
#atozchallenge
Amazon had it all so good, but now it seems - from the outside, at least - like they want everything. That can't be a good thing. I got an email today from them saying I couldn't buy shoes with a 20% discount - er, no thanks, I buy my shoes from a shoe shop!
ReplyDeleteIs Amazon now charging Goodreads or something?! Oh dear!
ReplyDeleteTake care
x
Wow! I totally missed this. I'm off to see if I have to submit information on my books. Just one more thing a writer has to take care of.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this!
Too bad they can't continue their relationship.
ReplyDeleteGosh now that's interesting. It sounds like the facebook and google wars!
ReplyDeleteOh really? Is everyone cutting ties with Amazon now?
ReplyDeleteI had read about this last week and had to go and add some things to one of my books on Goodreads.
ReplyDeleteWow! This is huge. I never new this. Something I need to think about...
ReplyDeleteAah, that explains why some of the books in my read list are missing covers.
ReplyDeleteWow! That really stinks.
ReplyDeleteWhoa. That really surprises me. Too bad it came to this. =(
ReplyDeleteSo much to remember when it's my time. Hope I'll still remember. thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteThanks again Karen for taking the time to share important info with your followers. It is so appreciated.
ReplyDeleteSeems like something very toxic is brewing under the surface of Amazon and will perhaps erupt soon.
I find this fascinating-- thanks for sharing. Amazon seems to be doing a bit too much controlling, from what I can tell, and it looks like lots of other booksellers and book-related industries are getting fed up lately.
ReplyDeleteThe Amazon backlash begins in earnest. Time will tell whether it has any effect or not.
ReplyDeleteHey Karen,
ReplyDeleteBeen talking with Retro about an A-Z banner for Life is Good, and saw your email about what he did for you. So had to check it out! I love it. Does fit the style of your blog nicely, and happens to be my two favorite colors ;-)
However, this announcement re: Amazon has me very concerned, actually. Don't laugh, but I don't even know what Goodreads is (but no worries, I'll go find out) and this just sounds wrong. Somehow Amazon has gotten power hungry (it seems to me at least) and uses it's power to hurt the little guy. The Border's store in our town CLOSED. Closed! Don't people realize that part of shopping for a book is being IN A BOOK STORE, test reading books. You can't do that online for every book. So amazon kills the physical retailer. Goodreads sounds like a network of authors banding together to market their books and offer unbiased reviews. (And yes, I have no idea what I'm talking about...but that never stops me ;-) and now Amazon wants to require something of you that's serious enough to sever the connection. Are they trying to take over the world???
Tina @ Life is Good
Co-Host of the April 2012 Blogging from A to Z Challenge
Twitter:
@AprilA2Z
#atozchallenge
Good to know, I should check my shelves for some of the non standard editions I've read.
ReplyDeleteYes, I tried to get my mystery novel Tainted Souls, which I just e-pubbed a little more than a week ago, listed on Goodreads, but couldn't do it. Seems unfortunate, considering how much the industry is changing, that Kindle books would be left out. On the other hand, even though I'm selling my novel through them, I can't say I'm not concerned about Amazon trying to take over *everything*.
ReplyDelete