amazon KU: scam-catching algorithms might be catching too many legitimate authors

[Quantum]

and what you can do to protect yourself:

http://www.sfwa.org/2016/07/guest-pos...

[Nik]

Thanks, Alex, useful info

[Annie]

Thanks a bunch, Awesome Alex!

Personally, I never swap reviews. The idea makes me cringe. And it's against most group policies anyway, eh?

With that being said, if I happen upon an indie book I really dig, I WILL review it, regardless of whether the author has already done so for me. This is never planned, though. And I just purchase the book (vs a free copy provided for a review).

Side note: I'm currently in a non-reciprocal review round. I won't be doing another, but I do recommend them if you're looking for reviews!

Hugs,
Ann

[Tara Woods Turner]

I don't think Amazon has any excuse here. An MIT sophomore could tweak the algorithms to differentiate between page reads and pages bypassed. Surely Amazon could address that particular problem as easily.

As for peer reviews I see that going badly in future. The disclaimer is obligatory but it makes the review less than stellar, in my opinion, despite the content. Call me cynical but I think indie authors are slowly being funneled into promo sites that will only be considered legit by Amazon. I wonder how long before Amazon unveils their own version of bookbub or simply purchases the company outright?

[Annie]

Tara wrote: "or simply purchases the company outright"

My spidey-senses are tingling.

[Tara Woods Turner]

Non-reciprocal reviews get the job done but they give me a massive headache. They just feel...less than.

[Annie]

@Miss Tara: I totally agree with you. Hence why I won't be doing another...

*smirks*

But it might be a good start for some? Especially if getting reviews are a struggle? Yeah, I dunno haha!!