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Exciting News About Goodreads: We're Joining the Amazon Family!
When Elizabeth and I started Goodreads from my living room seven years ago, we set out to create a better way for people to find and share books they love. It's been a wild ride seeing how the company has grown and watching as more than 16 million readers from across the globe have joined Goodreads and connected over a passion for books.
Today I'm really happy to announce a new milestone for Goodreads: We are joining the Amazon family. We truly could not think of a more perfect partner for Goodreads as we both share a love of books and an appreciation for the authors who write them. We also both love to invent products and services that touch millions of people.
I'm excited about this for three reasons:
1. With the reach and resources of Amazon, Goodreads can introduce more readers to our vibrant community of book lovers and create an even better experience for our members.
2. Our members have been asking us to bring the Goodreads experience to an e-reader for a long time. Now we're looking forward to bringing Goodreads to the most popular e-reader in the world, Kindle, and further reinventing what reading can be.
3. Amazon supports us continuing to grow our vision as an independent entity, under the Goodreads brand and with our unique culture.
It's important to be clear that Goodreads and the awesome team behind it are not going away. Goodreads will continue to be the wonderful community that we all cherish. We plan to continue offering you everything that you love about the site—the ability to track what you read, discover great books, discuss and share them with fellow book lovers, and connect directly with your favorite authors—and your reviews and ratings will remain here on Goodreads. And it's incredibly important to us that we remain a home for all types of readers, no matter if you read on paper, audio, digitally, from scrolls, or even stone tablets.
For all of you Kindle readers, there's obviously an extra bonus in this announcement. You've asked us for a long time to be able to integrate your Kindle and Goodreads experiences. Making that option a reality is one of our top priorities.
Our team gets out of bed every day motivated by the belief that the right book in the right hands can change the world. Now Goodreads can help make that happen in an even bigger and more meaningful way thanks to joining the Amazon family. (And if you want to be part of this, please check out our Jobs page for open positions. We've got a lot of hires to make!)
This is an emotional day for me. Goodreads is more than a company to me – it's something that Elizabeth and I created because we wanted it to exist. Since then it has grown a lot and become a place we love working at, full of incredibly smart and passionate people who also believe in our mission. I feel a little like a college graduate – happy to come to this milestone, nostalgic for the past amazing seven years, and incredibly, incredibly, excited for the future.
Otis
P.S. For the more official version of the announcement, here's the press release that went out today.
P.P.S. Please let us know – what integration with Kindle would you love to see the most?
Today I'm really happy to announce a new milestone for Goodreads: We are joining the Amazon family. We truly could not think of a more perfect partner for Goodreads as we both share a love of books and an appreciation for the authors who write them. We also both love to invent products and services that touch millions of people.
I'm excited about this for three reasons:
1. With the reach and resources of Amazon, Goodreads can introduce more readers to our vibrant community of book lovers and create an even better experience for our members.
2. Our members have been asking us to bring the Goodreads experience to an e-reader for a long time. Now we're looking forward to bringing Goodreads to the most popular e-reader in the world, Kindle, and further reinventing what reading can be.
3. Amazon supports us continuing to grow our vision as an independent entity, under the Goodreads brand and with our unique culture.
It's important to be clear that Goodreads and the awesome team behind it are not going away. Goodreads will continue to be the wonderful community that we all cherish. We plan to continue offering you everything that you love about the site—the ability to track what you read, discover great books, discuss and share them with fellow book lovers, and connect directly with your favorite authors—and your reviews and ratings will remain here on Goodreads. And it's incredibly important to us that we remain a home for all types of readers, no matter if you read on paper, audio, digitally, from scrolls, or even stone tablets.
For all of you Kindle readers, there's obviously an extra bonus in this announcement. You've asked us for a long time to be able to integrate your Kindle and Goodreads experiences. Making that option a reality is one of our top priorities.
Our team gets out of bed every day motivated by the belief that the right book in the right hands can change the world. Now Goodreads can help make that happen in an even bigger and more meaningful way thanks to joining the Amazon family. (And if you want to be part of this, please check out our Jobs page for open positions. We've got a lot of hires to make!)
This is an emotional day for me. Goodreads is more than a company to me – it's something that Elizabeth and I created because we wanted it to exist. Since then it has grown a lot and become a place we love working at, full of incredibly smart and passionate people who also believe in our mission. I feel a little like a college graduate – happy to come to this milestone, nostalgic for the past amazing seven years, and incredibly, incredibly, excited for the future.
Otis
P.S. For the more official version of the announcement, here's the press release that went out today.
P.P.S. Please let us know – what integration with Kindle would you love to see the most?
Comments Showing 1,051-1,100 of 2,216 (2216 new)
I don't have an ereader, so I'm kinda ambivalent about this right now. I prefer to get my books from Barnes&Noble, though.
Vivl wrote(message 1073): "Just posted this off to Goodreads. From others' quotes from responses they've received regarding reviews, I don't think I'm going to get anything resembling a clear answer."I whole heartedly agree with the concerns about my privacy!
I don't think of my reviews as especially helpful for potential buyers, most often I only use the stars and when I write a review, it's more to remind myself why I chose this number of stars. But there are many really, really good reviews on goodreads that I trust more than the Amazon reviews. So I am concerned about Amazon's review-policys applying to Goodreads in the future.
But now I fear, that all those awesome people, who help me so much with the choice, what to read next, will leave Goodreads. And I can't understand the members, who say they will go back to paper and pencil. 'cause for me Goodreads isn't simply about keeping track of my books. It's about seeing what my friends are reading, see IN ONE PLACE what my favorite authors read, publish next or blog. To be able to participate in bookclubs or simply do a poll. In one word be part of this community!
I am an Amazon customer and I have a kindle, but I don't think I want to mix the place, where I buy my books and the place I can discuss them.
I just hope that Amazon will not try to force their own agenda on you guys. Try your very best to keep this site just the way it is:"Transparent."But on the other-hand, Congratulations. If you deal with this in a very smart way, the site will benefit a lot from this collaboration.
Fingers Crossed.
Wendi wrote: "Too bad. Another good independent thing bites the dust. Happy for you and the money you'll make off the cool thing you started; sad for me, and sad for the internet, which will soon be owned by Ama..."
Absolutely my concern. I am going to LibraryThing.
Absolutely my concern. I am going to LibraryThing.
Debi wrote: "Sorry to hear the news. I guess money talks. Sad ..."agreed. not welcome news.
I think the techdirt story is why I don't eread and have a collection of over 1500 movies on my shelves. If I start to feel like a cog, I won't have a problem leaving GR. Only been on a few months anyway...
Congrats to Goodreads for this milestone and the growth of the company.
Share quotes & progress from a book directly to GR. One of my major gripes with Kindle app (for smartphones/tablets) is that there is no copy functionality. I have to retype the quotes in GR. That is just so much easier in other apps like iBooks.
Kate wrote: "And after all the work we did when Amazon pulled their database *sigh*"Exactly. I feel betrayed.
D.G. wrote: "3. Amazon supports us continuing to grow our vision as an independent entity, under the Goodreads brand and with our unique culture. I really hopes this is true. I don't post reviews on Amazon fo..."
I don't buy from Amazon for a reason. They treat their staff badly, their customer reviews are phony, and they stock products that promote all kinds of appalling things because they don't monitor the kind of goods that people sell there. Worst of all, you can't communicate with them if there is something wrong, they have a forcefield around their site that prevents people from inteeracting with it.
The annoying thing is, some of us out there (who aren't from USA, UK, or nearby) can't buy anything off Amazon without it being 100 dollars (hyperbole, for those super literal people out there) shipping. Other websites based overseas don't have this problem. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I can't see a good reason for that and therefore don't trust Amazon too much. Anyway.I just hope Amazon doesn't change Goodreads too much :3
Very interesting analysis of changes that seem to have already have been made to our beloved site: http://ebookfriendly.com/2013/03/29/a...
Vivl wrote: "Very interesting analysis of changes that seem to have already have been made to our beloved site: http://ebookfriendly.com/2013/03/29/a..." Hmm, yes, I see what you mean. Please keep us posted.
Vivl wrote: "Very interesting analysis of changes that seem to have already have been made to our beloved site: http://ebookfriendly.com/2013/03/29/a..."I noticed that too - Amazon has been moved to the #1 choice in book sources here on GoodReads.
So I deleted it. But I'm sure it won't be long before it will be the only option.
Divide and conquer. Acquire and destroy. It's the modern corporate mantra. When will people get angry enough to fight back?
Mandi wrote: "The annoying thing is, some of us out there (who aren't from USA, UK, or nearby) can't buy anything off Amazon without it being 100 dollars (hyperbole, for those super literal people out there) shi..."Amazon doesn't even stock most Aussie books but we've always been able to add them. Bet they put a stop to that.
Wendi wrote: "Too bad. Another good independent thing bites the dust. Happy for you and the money you'll make off the cool thing you started; sad for me, and sad for the internet, which will soon be owned by Ama..."I feel the same way too...
Mandi wrote: "The annoying thing is, some of us out there (who aren't from USA, UK, or nearby) can't buy anything off Amazon without it being 100 dollars (hyperbole, for those super literal people out there) shi..."This is also relevant, and might help clarify our objections to Amazon a bit more to all those who are saying there's no need to worry about anything. If Amazon can do something like this, not to mention all their other problematic actions that have already been mentioned here, why should we give them any benefit of the doubt about their intentions?
Vivl wrote: "Very interesting analysis of changes that seem to have already have been made to our beloved site: http://ebookfriendly.com/2013/03/29/a..."I was able to remove the Amazon link from my account and it doesn't show up anymore. Maybe that'll change...
Catherine wrote: "Feature Request: When I buy a book on Amazon I'd like it to automatically get added to my to read or reading shelf (unless I click a box to not post it, which I would do if it was something like a ..."I would absolutely NOT want this! Maybe it could be a user option.
Not looking forward to deleting my account here :(
I don't have an Amazon account, nor am i interested in creating one. So i really hope, that you'll take into account those of us who want to continue to use Goodreads as they always did. That said, i hope that i'll be able to login into this site as i always did.This is the only social network that i use, and that's because in here i get to met all these people who are just crazy about books as i am. I don't want to be bothered by "sellers" in a site that i love!
I felt elated when i heard about this news, I'm really excited for all the GR users out there who are using Kindle (like me) who would take advantage of this merge. I'd love to see alot of integration from both my accounts. I guess that's a really important feature I'd like to see.
Wendi wrote: "Too bad. Another good independent thing bites the dust. Happy for you and the money you'll make off the cool thing you started; sad for me, and sad for the internet, which will soon be owned by Ama..."I second your sentiment.
Seems like I'm in the minority but I'm thrilled with the news. Amazon isn't the devil, just a business trying to be successful in a very competitive environment. If you think its the only site trying to get your data, think again. Everything you do online is subject to data mining and is public.Amazon publishing has allowed several of my favorite authors to self publish and be even more successful when other publishing companies turned them down. They are even allowing several to put up new books for preorder, something B & N will not allow.
I would love to be able to buy a Kindle book and have it added directly to my Goodreads read or to read category.
I, too, am saddened by this. A great independent site will be diluted by Amazon. Nor am I a Kindle user.
I'm so sad to hear this! I hope nothing changes. GR was an easy way to keep track of my TBR pile but it was also a great way to get news from my favorite authors and see what they were reading as well.Something tells me this is going to change now.
E.W. wrote: "Too bad the members were not clued on this decision. I would have paid a fee to keep this site independent. Now all I can do is wait and see."I have just tried Librarything, but it is a little cumbersome. Not sure yet where I can move to with my library and keep my friends. Am distraught.
There's a reason I'm not an Amazon/Kindle customer. I have to admit that I'm very disappointed by this news, and I agree with a lot of what's been said here regarding privacy concerns as well. Goodreads has become one of my favorite sites since I joined, both because of the social aspects, and because it's been wonderful to have a place to post about what I'm reading without fear of online stores getting a hold of it. I'm not sure that will last once Amazon sinks their claws in. :(
It'd be interesting to do a poll on this on the homepage ;)Personally I'm worried about the accuracy of the Goodreads database. One of the best things here was adding my local, non-US library copy to the database so I could track _exactly_ what I'd been reading. And I'll also stop working now on the still ongoing recovery of all those "broken" editions after the Amazon heist last year. What's the point.
I'm not using the same name on Amazon as on Goodreads so I guess I can avoid my accounts being linked that way. I wouldn't be too happy with "automatic" links.
And I never liked the review styles on Amazon either.
Sigh... feeling more than a bit worried here. Goodreads is probably my favourite website.
Macartney wrote: "This is a big bummer. I understand you guys and your backers are looking to make money, but this has ripped the rug out from under everything I enjoyed about Goodreads. Amazon is undermining and de..."I second this.
Marjorie wrote: "FEATURE REQUEST FOR AUTHORS (1 of 2)When a user shelves a book on Goodreads as "Wants to Read" please do two things:
1) add it to their Amazon Wish List automatically
2) send them an email if/w..."
You want to send emails to people who have expressed an interest in your book? If ANY author did that to me I would boycott them on principle. And I AM an author. Dreadful idea.
I hope the reviews on the two sites don't mix. I would rather not see those over prolific "amateur" reviewers from Amazon take over Goodreads.
same here!
Jacquie wrote: "for me, I would like to be able to post one review and have it go to both sites"
Jacquie wrote: "for me, I would like to be able to post one review and have it go to both sites"
I love this idea, hopefully integration between goodreads and my kindle library will be tight!
I just don't see the need to join Amazon. Goodreads is great just the way it is and I don't know why Kindle is supposed to be such a big deal either. No book-tracking and taking reviews without permission, please. I really hope this is not just about money and that Goodreads will stay like it is.
Ninja Neko wrote: "It'd be interesting to do a poll on this on the homepage ;)Personally I'm worried about the accuracy of the Goodreads database. One of the best things here was adding my local, non-US library cop..."
Oh, wouldn't the answers of that poll show them...
I echo all the sentiments shared here and add my voice to the sea of many.I love Amazon as a retailer but a social networking site it is not. The people at Goodreads THINK it will stay the same but the site will fall victim to the machine of capitalism. I joined this site for the community aspect. I get real and unfettered reviews. I don't want to be integrated with Amazon because we all know the magnitude in which bogus reviews populate the site. I guess now Amazon is GR's pimp and we will all suffer being effed around...and none to gently. Bad form GR peeps. I will wait to see what happens but I'll start the process of moving my written reviews *sigh*. A sad day for us members because we have been forced to become members of Baby Amazon. I'm prepared to walk
Redangel333 wrote: "Sorry to say that, but you were bought by another company and since you do not own GR anymore, how can you say that it is still your business decisions? You are just another employee right now. You..."This exactly. You're sellouts!
Mattia wrote: "How can I delete all the content I put here before Amazon owns it?"
To export your book lists, type in "Export Books" & follow instructions.
To simply delete all books, go to Help pages, type in "delete all my books" & follow instructions.
To delete personal info, edit your Profile.
To cancel account, go to Help pages, type in "Cancel Account" & follow instructions.
To export your book lists, type in "Export Books" & follow instructions.
To simply delete all books, go to Help pages, type in "delete all my books" & follow instructions.
To delete personal info, edit your Profile.
To cancel account, go to Help pages, type in "Cancel Account" & follow instructions.
Feature Request: Mark as 'Want To Read' on GR and the book gets added to Amazon Wishlist, and vice-versa.
Like several, am of VERY mixed feelings. If Goodreads still allows me to do reviews, great. Are you going to pull them because I'm an author? Are you going to stay smiple and easy to post reviews, becuase I find Amazon a total pain forthat. And, are you going to stay eccentric in your algorythms for suggestions? That is my favorite feature of good reads, even with profiling, there are all kinds of books I'd never otherwise see that are brought to my attention, either through folks I follow, or placement, or suggestion, and I've found many new authors and things to read as a result. Amazon is good for focused suggestion, but misses the boat on the outliers and that is where reading gold lives.
I'd like to wish you a sincere congrats. I am sure this is a big dream come true for you both and I am happy for you. You worked hard and have earned the rewards. :)I love amazon and my kindle. I love goodreads and the community it has provided and the friends I have made. I'm not so sure I like the idea of the two combining though. I am sincerely concerned about what will become of goodreads.
I am certainly willing to give it a shot but I really wish there was a 'renig' button if this all doesn't work out.
This actually makes me sad, one of the things I like about Goodreads is that it was independent from any booksellers. I don't like many of Amazon's business policies, I'm afraid they will destroy the things I like about the site.
Wendi wrote: "Too bad. Another good independent thing bites the dust. Happy for you and the money you'll make off the cool thing you started; sad for me, and sad for the internet, which will soon be owned by Ama..."I agree too. I think I will not continue to use goodreads anymore.
Ali wrote: "Automatic syncing of reading progress between kindle and Goodreads will be a nice feature!"I'm not sure how well this would work. Many kindle users share an account with others in their family. I don't want my husband's reading to sync up with my Goodreads account.
Audra (Unabridged Chick) wrote: "Will the 'review policy' change here? how about review culture? I avoid reviewing on Amazon because it seems to devolve into a giant flame war. There's enough of that on GoodReads already. I ..."
I agree totally, Audra. The flaming at Amazon is out of control. I would hate to see my reviews from Goodreads show up unannounced at Amazon, without my consent!
Another concern is for all the indie books, etc.
I believe this could be a good thing...I just have little actual hope. Too much of a realist, I guess.