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The reviews tend to paint a pretty grim view of the quality of these books, but the sarcastic ones are some of the funniest reviews I've ever read. Here's an h
by krenoten 14y ago
The reviews tend to paint a pretty grim view of the quality of these books, but the sarcastic ones are some of the funniest reviews I've ever read.
Here's an honest one that shines a light on the quality:
"The description for this book is TOTALLY misleading. It is NOT a book of quotations and phrases. It is a reference book of where to look to find possible quotations- like the old filecard cabinets in the library. On the few pages where you can actally find a quote, it reads like this one: Jack London, from Jerry of the Islands, "I am writing these lines in Honolulu, Hawaii." Huh?? That's it. That's all there is! I'm not sure who would use this book. Certianly not me! I was very disappointed as I was looking for a collection of quotes from notables like Mark Twain, Jack London, etc."
Edit: Sort by avg rating. Goldmine of comedy in the reviews for "Butts" and "Scrotum" books. Wow.
Here's the review for "The 2009-2014 Outlook for Plastics Lamp Shades in the United States":
"(4/5 stars)An instant classic in the Icon style
While this outlook hardly holds a candle to comparable classics such as The World Market for Silica Sands and Quartz Sands: A 2009 Global Trade Perspective, the information is invaluable for any red-blooded American.
The five-year span is parsed in fascinating prose, and the 176 pages fly by, feeling almost like a 150-page work.
Don't let your lack of background knowledge deter you - there isn't too much reference to the 2004-2009 report, and most of the important information is explained in exposition.
Luther Blaze runs the show in this non-stop thrill ride of an economic adventure. His last outing ended in the government setting up a secret commission to investigate his possible wrongdoing in stopping the mysterious project Mantis, but now he's back, and ready to run roughshod over anyone in his way.
At a price of approximately 2.81 per page, you know you're getting your money's worth with this paperback. It's a perfect read for the park, or a lazy Sunday afternoon.
On a side note, this book is a real pick-up gem! I personally attracted no less than three beautiful women, all of whom wanted my thoughts on the challenging themes and motifs. They all gave their numbers, and there's been no looking back!
The biggest problems with this book are largely physical aspects of the book. I didn't care for the font too much. And the beige background on the cover betrays the intrigue within.
The Icon International group has hit another classic out of the park. I look forward to the next book with baited breath, and I can't wait to see how Agent 71 and Dash get out of this jam."
- jonnathanson 14y agoThe funniest part of "Scrotum" is that it's priced at $28.95. For an 84-page paperback, whose sole purpose is to trace the usage of the word "scrotum" throughout an oddly specific period in English linguistic history (1678 - 2007). I mean, perhaps the content farmer should also write a pricing algorithm? The review is, indeed, ball-bustingly hilarious.
- ChuckMcM 14y agoSo how soon before the algorithm then uses the comments as part of the next revision of the book? Its an interesting way to demonstrate the value proposition. In this case algorithmically selecting stuff from around the web generates random books, but they have little value for the most part. Books that are researched and curated on the other hand have higher values. The only difference being the curation, not the basic information. So it gives you an insight into pricing curation. Next up, a bot that sends out 800,000 DMCA takedown notices, oh wait we already have that for youtube.
- jcr 14y agoI think using the word "value" is a bit too strong at this point, but maybe someday algorithms along these lines (and the ones I mentioned to you in email, article spinning) will be able to do more good than harm. The trouble is, at present, they are more harmful than beneficial. Machine generated, or guided, curation may eventually become a good thing, but as you know all too well, there are far too many uses of such tech that are harmful (e.g. poisoning search results, &c).
- ChuckMcM 14y agoI agree with you, clogging up Amazon's stuff with 800,000 titles is a sad effect. It suggests that crooks in the 21st century don't rob banks, rather they rob a million people of 50 cents because none of them feels ripped off enough to prosecute and even if they did they are only out 50 cents.