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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 1,301-1,350 of 2,216 (2216 new)
Wow, the amount of douchery I've absorbed in reading only two pages of comments is extraordinary! To Chandler and Elizabeth, congratulations to you! I am so sorry that so many of the people that pretended to support you and Goodreads are up and leaving at the mere mention of Amazon. Way to trust and support the people that created all this in the first place considering they've said that they aren't leaving.
Another great independent site gets gobbled up. Very sad news.
FYI - Any review you post on nearly any site no longer belongs to you. It's generally in the terms of service for any place that permits you to comment. So whether you're weighing in on a book or a movie or a vacuum or a political debate, what you say usually becomes the property of that site to use about any way they please except for fraud.
What I would like to see for my Kindle is the ability to read a book in my second language and have the hover dictionary also translate into my first language. Come on now! That would be awesome.
Hermgirl wrote: "As someone else said, if things change for the worse, I can always revive my old Library Thing account,or: WWW.moreofit.com......"
Your links got run together and don't connect - could you repeat them?
This news per se isn´t bad nor good. The future will show ...As a Kindle reader I hope for quite some improvements, I´d even pay for a good service. But we´ll see. If GR goes into the wrong direction I´ll switch back to LibraryThing (I have a lifetime account).
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 ..."Love this idea!!!
I'm not happy with this situation. I buy books on Amazon but not very often (they're expensive). I also hope that I won't be forced to use Amazon account here on GR. And I prefer epub and pdf formats while reading on my galaxy tab. Goodbye Goodreads, welcome big brother...
Amy wrote: "I can't help but say that based on the comments of people leaving, their departure will most likely improve the ratings of books here. Without the snobby and self-righteous people who couldn't enjo..."Nah, they're don't hold a candle next to all the self-righteous apologists.
As an independent bookseller, I'm really disappointed about this. Indies need all the help they can get these days, and to have a community like Goodreads fall into the corporate hands of a small-business-crusher like Amazon...
We're losing allies by the day. I can only hope that loyal readers will vote with their dollars to keep local bookstores in business.
We're losing allies by the day. I can only hope that loyal readers will vote with their dollars to keep local bookstores in business.
From today's INDIE SPOTLIGHT blog:Since I first joined Goodreads, I have always enjoyed being among like-minded readers and writers. There has always existed a feeling of community and belonging. I’ve mentioned this before; Goodreads gives me that neighborhood café feeling—I don’t necessarily know everyone, but I feel welcome. Amazon? Well, that’s more of a giant discount chain experience—sort of an elbow your way through the crowd and wait in line tedium.
In my life, I need both. I need the cup-of-coffee chat with a fellow traveler, and I need affordable dog food and paper towels in large quantities. My fear is that these two cannot exist in the same arena.
I will not act hastily. Goodreads has proven to be a top-shelf community, and I will extend the courtesy of watching things play out before I reach any conclusions. However, I must say, I did feel an ominous pall of lament when I read about the merger.
Here’s hoping,
Ricki
P.S. – To the Goodreads Team, Congratulations! If Goodreads were not such an outstanding website, Amazon would not have taken notice. You have every right to be proud and to celebrate.
An article from Publishers Weekly:http://tinyurl.com/dxmqq7p
This paragraph stood out for me:
When asked how Goodreads would be integrated into Amazon, and the all-important question of how, and when, a retail component might be rolled into the site--currently users can buy books through a host of third party retailers, including Amazon--both Chandler and Russ Grandinetti, Amazon v-p, Kindle content, skirted the subject. When pressed, Chandler said: "We don't have any plans to change anything about the buy links in the short term, but in the long term we're going to do what's best for our users."
We need to have an option where we can select for Amazon to NOT have access to our information. I love Goodreads; I am on here more than Facebook, but as message #33 said, I "prefer a community of readers not backed by someone with motives to a) unrelentingly mine my data and b) sell me stuff." I will wait to see the new changes before I jump ship, but I am certainly taking steps to export my information. I would also like to point out, as countless others have, there is more than on e-reader than Kindle.
As a writer I've spent years on-line checking out different sites for readers and writers, and I've often been shocked at how un-genuine sites actually are. They always pretend to bring the best books to the reader's attention but in reality it's just business. they charge to review books and make a fortune selling advertising. I would set Goodreads a world away from such sites. From the very start I could tell it was all about literature on this site. We may all despise Amazon, but it's the future of this industry.
Also from Publishers Weekly:Amazon's Goodreads Purchase Draws Raves, Pans on Twitter
http://tinyurl.com/crcjb24
Not good news. I'm leaving to find another bookforum.
I would love to be able to see the progress on the kindle match the goodreads progress in our status and for us to be able to mark as complete and do the star rating from the kindle!
This scares me a bit. I come to Goodreads to get a differing viewpoint on books than what shows up on Amazon. I hope that becoming part of Amazon's "family" doesn't change the voice of the Goodreads members. What I have enjoyed most about Goodreads is that it is not tied to a bookseller. No matter what you say now about how things won't change I know that they most certainly will and that is so sad and predictable.
I've been concerned over the accusations Amazon reviews are being bought and sold, written by people who care more about selling books than reading them. I've valued Goodreads reviews based on my belief that they are written by real readers who have actually read the book they're reviewing. I'll be skeptical of Goodreads reviews, at least for a while. Amazon has not proved to be as interested in books and reading as they are in making a profit, whereas Goodreads has never been connected (in my mind) to a profit driven philosophy. I hope that Goodreads can maintain its integrity despite this merger.
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..."This is my concern, too. I love books, no matter what format they may take. I love the stories and sharing with others. I dislike the idea of a particular set of books, sold by a particular company with a particular set of agendas having the largest stake in what should just be people connecting over a common passion.
Can someone please explain to me why this company amazon does not face antitrust litigation? Why us Microsoft the only punching bag when it comes to litigation? Do we want the entire control of the book business be in the hands of a single company? People who don't give two cents sh*t about books in the first place?
Janosch wrote: ""I'm so very sorry you've made this decision. I understand the motivation, but I cannot but dread the inevitable changes that will come. Goodreads has long been one of the best places for books and..."I couldn't agree more. I am very disappointed in the move. It surprises me that more people haven't figured out that Amazon isn't the answer to a healthier publishing community; it's the goddamn disease. And so another independent voice goes down the drain.
I haven't read all the other comments yet but as soon as I read the news I yelled a very dramatic, "NOooooooooo! I have no problem shopping at Amazon but I like Goodreads for the independent opinions without all the drama. I hope negative reviews don't get moderated or challenged. Actually I was starting to feel that Goodreads was getting too big and not offering all the features I'd like but Amazon doesn't offer everything I'd like either. There is an opportunity for someone to create a better Goodreads out there.
I hope someone opens up a niche site where readers can focus on books and reading and not so much all the other drama.
I definitely look forward to integrating your recommendations into the Kindle so when I finish a book I really like, I'll find books that are tightly related to that same genre, author, subject, etc. to follow that thread. I read a wide variety of books and often follow a thread or interest for up to 6 months before moving on to a different topic of author. Thank you.
This is very exciting! But sad at the same time since I'm a true nooker, so I'm worried with the changes how that will affect my experience being I like Barnes and Noble and the nooks better.
Janosch wrote: ""I'm so very sorry you've made this decision. I understand the motivation, but I cannot but dread the inevitable changes that will come. Goodreads has long been one of the best places for books and..."Yes. My sentiments, too, Janosch.
I spend a great amount of time on this website daily, eve if it's just to check in and add a quote here and there. And while I always see the wine glass (and sometimes the shot glass) half full, I'll admit I'm slightly disappointed. Amazon, Facebook, and Verizon will one day conquer the world. This company was wonderful when it was it's own seperate entity, ad I surely hope nothing changes. Well, I guess we'll see how it goes. Congratulations to both of you on your buisness endeavors.
Count me among the unhappy. Welcome to the corpocracy.
Amanda wrote: "Amy wrote: "I can't help but say that based on the comments of people leaving, their departure will most likely improve the ratings of books here. Without the snobby and self-righteous people who c..."Those choosing to leave should just get over themselves. This is the real world not some liberal fantasy land. Sorry.
Corporations started out as small businesses. Of course no one wants to look at it that way. If all we had were mom and pop places then we would have a higher unemployment. People don't like Walmart but they employ hundreds of thousands of people. Now GR can employ more people. Something it sounds like they have been wanting to do.
I can see the bright side to the non-corporate people leaving. And all the brighter it looks.
I am sure it wasn't an easy decision for you to take, to sell your baby, but CONGRATULATIONS for both of you. I am looking forward to see an intensive integration between Amazon Books and Goodreads and for sure there is a lot of functionality to add.
All the best Goodreads :)
I log into goodreads every single day, usually multiple times a day, so like many of you I am very troubled by these changes despite owning a kindle and despite generally enjoying what amazon has to offer. I am worried about maintaining the integrity of my reviews and keeping my reading preferences and book shelves unsullied. Whereas before, everything I did on here was for my enjoyment and for me, now I feel suddenly exposed and unsafe. In the meantime, I have:
1. Changed the email I use to log in to goodreads so that there is no inherent log-in email connection between my amazon account and my goodreads account.
2. Made sure to go to my account options and uncheck the box which allows reviews and other info to be shared with other websites (not sure if this will truly help if gr chooses to whore out our reviews to amazon, but don't think it can hurt.)
I suggest that those of you who are leery of these changes do the same until we see how this pans out. Best wishes to my fellow readers in the "resistance."
What other strategies are you choosing to follow in order to protect your information? (besides jumping ship)
I keep reading the comments here just to make me feel worse, I guess. Although the ones that are criticizing others for criticizing amazon are hilarious. I want to live in your world, where big cooperation "are just about giving great service!". You don't get it. Amazon doesn't give a shit about anything but money. That's what being a successful ruthless company trying to build a monopoly is all about. You can think that's fine or not (if you condone illegal activities, like not paying taxes and treating your workers like shit), but denying it? That's some 1984 shit right here.
Terrible business. I'm deleting my Good Reads account immediately. Another great independent venture unable to resist getting into bed with The Profit Monster.
Kaje wrote: "Amy wrote: " I can't help but say that based on the comments of people leaving, their departure will most likely improve the ratings of books here. Without the snobby and self-righteous people who ..."I based my comments on the things people are saying. If you join the thought that big corporations are evil and that is why you are choosing to leave than my comment applies.
If it is for other reasons than to each his own.
Don wrote: "Wow, the amount of douchery I've absorbed in reading only two pages of comments is extraordinary! ..."Oh sure. 1400 comments and everyone is simply flying-off-the-handle, worrying-about-nothing, tempest-in-a-teacup. We're "douches" because we perceptive enough to know the corporate policies of a behemoth like Amazon. Please Don, go back to sleep. Don't let all this interrupt the nap you've obviously been taking the last five years.
So amy, because we live in world with shitty things, we accept these shitty things and don't care? Nice thinking.
Is it possible to delete all my reviews without closing my account? I want to keep my account only to keep in touch with some people in groups. I want to ensure Amazon will have no access to my reviews.
Sigh...And I joined GR to get away from Amazon.
I would love to see automatic progress updates. For instance, when I read a book on my Kindle, it would be great if it would automatically update my reading progress on Goodreads.
When I've finished reading a book, I would like the GoodReads rating/review page for that book to be the "last page" of the book.
I'd like to be able to finish an e-book on kindle, then have it automatically marked read on Good Reads. Good Reads would then remind me that I need to write a review of the book when I log onto either amazon or goodreads. Also, as I've seen mentioned, reviews i may write here should also appear on amazon. Or the other way around as well.
Feliks wrote: "Amy wrote: "I can't help but say that based on the comments of people leaving, their departure will most likely improve the ratings of books here. Without the snobby and self-righteous people who c..."As a mother of four, I don't need to read all that. Sorry if you find it necessary.
Regardless, adding money to a site that has been wanting it can only be seen as positive.
Maybe you think sex will improve GR but money is what will do that.
Here's my list-in-progress. Please do not consider this an endorsement of any site in the list -- it's only a compilation of places I'm investigating to find the best fit for me.In alphabetical order:
Anobii.com
BookCrossing.com
BookGlutton.com
BookLamp.org
BookLikes.com
BookRabbit.com
Bookwormr.com
Reader2.com
Readernaut.com
YourNextRead.com
I have not listed LibraryThing.com because of Amazon's stake in the company. I also can't get on board with RiffleBooks.com because, according to this Forbes article, it "functions through Facebook." I left Facebook over two years ago, and I haven't missed it. Slice Bookshelf is underpinned by Slice.com, and the last thing I need is for there to be a site that aggregates all my online purchases. I'm someone who likes to keep my online services unbundled.
Again, I haven't tried or tested any of these sites yet, so use them at your own risk. I just wanted to help people by sharing links to some possible alternatives.
Also, Amazon uses different filters for reviews. I can write "asshole" on this website in a review, but it won't even appear on an Amazon review. Hence, my review will not be posted. This is stupid. When I wrote a review about an author being called derogatory names for her race, I couldn't even write the word set in quotations. I think Amazon goes too far policing reviews. I just hope Goodreads doesn't allow Amazon to over-control user's reviews.
Yay! I think this'll be a great partnership! I love both Amazon and Goodreads! Can you guys sync up their wish list with your "Want To Read" list? :)
What a shame. I love Goodreads. Amazon has its place, but it's not at the helm of the Goodreads site. My guess...Goodreads will not be the same.
there's a button for deleting all your books, but not your account.
I suppose I'm far more concerned about Amazons reviews policy. I know that they do allow one star reviews of products - and allow you to share your disdain with the world. I just really hate the idea of sock puppets and all the other shenianigans that goes on over there making it's way over here.
In any event I'll wait and see what happens. This is my favourite site and I'd hate to leave it. I've come across so many great books that had previously passed me by and I've met so many generally awesome people as well it'd be a great shame to have to pack up and find somewhere else.