3 ms·

The 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" throughou

The 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 ago
So 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 ago
  I 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 ago
    I 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.

3 ms·

The 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" throughou

by jonnathanson 14y ago

ChuckMcM 14y ago
So 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 ago
  I 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 ago
    I 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.