4 ms·
The thing is that it is a pretty easy to solve problem. Print advance copies with a QR code that contains a link to the publisher's site with a GUID in the para
by agloe_dreams 3y ago
The thing is that it is a pretty easy to solve problem. Print advance copies with a QR code that contains a link to the publisher's site with a GUID in the params. The publisher would have a page, authenticated with the GUID, with authenticated links to private review pages. This allows for knowing the person had the advance copy. Just that line will kill 95% of review bombing. You can also use the publisher side to collect analytics on books before retail.
Why am I telling you this? It's a not-half-bad B2B startup one could MVP over a week or so and your first publisher could get you in the door with the review sites who would love to have verified reviews.
- AlbertCory 3y agoGood idea. Maybe YCombinator would back it.
- fn-mote 3y agoWhy stop at that? Why not have every book contain a QR code (crypographically secure GUID) and you have to be an "authenticated buyer" in order to participate. The ones that go to libraries could either be tagged specially or have the reviews scrutinized / shadowbanned until vouched for. This started out as /s but now I just feel like all of my information and every daily habit is going to end up (sold) online anyway. We're still hoping the owner of the New Goodreads doens't sell the ability to remove bad reviews. But what's the incentive not to? Hoping I see something better in the comments here.
- MrVandemar 3y agoSo ... what about second hand copies. Who is the "authenticated buyer" in that scenario?
- AlbertCory 3y agoIt's half-solved. I used a service to send out review copies, so I have a record of who downloaded from the email and who didn't. Which means the service does, and Amazon / Goodreads could easily use that.