Amazon blindsided me a couple of days ago. I got a message that because of “irregularities,” they were taking away my ability to review on Amazon and deleting ALL of my reviews. That is at least 15 years of reviews. I have tried to appeal, but there has been no response yet.
Basically, in this era of scams against authors, I was out there trying to provide free and honest reviews, and Amazon’s AI somehow found something suspicious, and now I can’t review on Amazon anymore.
For anyone I have promised a review, I can still review the book, but I cannot put the review on Amazon. I can put it on Goodreads, Bookbub, Instagram, Audible, and wherever else you want, but Amazon has blocked me and has not given me a reason.
I used to pick up your books on Kindle Unlimited when possible, because it helped you out, but I am cancelling my Kindle Unlimited because I can’t review the books I borrow there, so why pay for it?
Basically, my good deeds have been punished. I will still continue to try to do them, but I can’t do them on Amazon.
Sorry for the rant! Let me know if you no longer want me to review your book, knowing the review won’t be on Amazon.
so sorry for your troubles with Amazon. You are an amazing person with generous practices and intent.
I still hope you’ll review my book ( #4 in my Hamelin Stoop series) someday, but you might want to wait until number five comes out. I’ll send you a copy when it’s available.
Thank you Robert. When I picked up book four, I realized I needed to go back over the first three because it had been a while since I’d read them and needed to know where I’d left off so now I’ll have time to do that before #5 comes out.
How unfair, Bonnie! I think they have purge every now and again, because I remember this happening a while back to established book bloggers. I don’t blame you for cancelling your KU subscription.
Were they able to fight it?
I remember they were trying, and they might have won in the end. I know when I leave reviews on amazon I don’t mention NetGalley any more, as they were funny with me a few times.
Oh, no, Bonnie! I am so sorry you’ve been screwed over by Amazon. Are you able to fight it or at the very least get an explanation of what you did wrong? In its efforts to stop scammers, the Mighty Zon is using a sledgehammer to kill a fly.
So far no explanation beyond “irregularities.”
Not much I can do if they don’t reply.
True. I really wish they weren’t the primary distribution channel for indies.
So sorry to hear this, Bonnie. I know how frustrating it is. And you had such a long reviewing career. It happened to me too, so now I post my reviews in the same places you mentioned. I also appealed but no reply.
Don’t let them stop you or put a damper in your enjoyment of reading. Hugs
You too? That is so messed up. Meanwhile the actual scammers are thriving.
All that being said, you and I are both still reviewing.
This shows how little control have over AI, big business etc. It is a love / hate relationship with amazon.
Agree, especially AI. It’s out of control.
Why does Amazon do this?? Do they not know they are shooting themselves in the foot? So sorry this happened to you. If only they would explain what thyey mean by irregularities.
I really think it’s AI we’re dealing with, and at least when it comes to reviews, very few to no humans anymore.
That seems to be a big error by Amazon, Bonnie. Your reviews are great. It seems to me that a lot of those stupid things go on these days.
Yes they do, and they have not responded to me at all.
It sure makes me wonder what the point is.
It’s ridiculous that that would block you without first contacting you to explain.
That’s true, but since they aren’t responding there’s not much I can do.
😡
That’s crazy!
That’s terrible. So sorry that happened. Amazon’s AI is out of control. I don’t post reviews on Amazon anymore since the last time I tried, it said my review infringed on someone else’s copyright (not true). My review had been original and cross-posted from my blog since I’d wanted to spread the word.
Thanks Sarah. It’s amazing how many people have told me the same things about Amazon reviews. That’s crazy. Your reviews are always original.
It happened to me a couple of years ago, Bonnie. I still review on Barnes and Noble and Kobo if the books are on there. I tried to appeal. I even called customer service and they did nothing. I totally understand your frustration as I felt the same, but had to move on.
Sorry that happened to you too, Carla. Yes, I agree. I need to move on. Other reviewers get along without Amazon and I will too. I’m not sure I’ve ever reviewed on Kobo. I’ll have to go over there.
OK, I got the Kobo app for my phone. I’m trying Kobo Plus, which costs less than my KU, but I’ll have to see if it works out. If I want to buy a book for myself, I will buy it on Kobo.
I hope it works out for you, Bonnie.
It will be fine.
Hi Bonnie.That’s terrible that Amazon did that to you! After Jeff Bezo’s declined to endorse Kamala Harris in his Washington Post, I stopped subscribing to Amazon Prime and sold all my Amazon stock. I was angry, even though I self-published five books with them. For my upcoming dystopian novel, I will be self-publishing on Draft2Digital, not Amazon!
I’ve not heard of Draft2Digital. Do you like it?