Amazon.com will provide free advance copies of books, movies and music to customers who agree to post reviews of the new releases on the company's Web site.
The program, Amazon Vine, will permit negative reviews as long as they meet Amazon's regular review guidelines, said manager Russell Dicker.
"As with all Amazon reviews, we want your honest opinion of the product," Dicker said. "Amazon will not edit or modify any reviews beyond small tweaks to fit within existing guidelines -- this is exactly how it works today."
Starting August 15, Amazon will ask customers to join the program in a series of e-mailed invitations to be sent over the next few months. To be eligible, customers must allow receipt of commercial e-mail from Amazon. Customers can check and change their settings here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/gss/ccp/
Asked if publishers would pay Vine placement fees, Dicker didn't elaborate. Many professionals in the book trade believe it's unethical to pay for reviews, although in this case Amazon would receive the payment, not the reviewer. It's also unclear whether small publishers or self-publishers will be allowed to participate.
In 2006 Amazon experimented with recruiting Top Reviewers to review advance copies of the fantasy novel The Stolen Child, and Amazon bought the book's film rights. The publisher, Doubleday, acknowledged that the overwhelmingly positive reviews propelled the book onto the New York Times bestseller list. However, some readers argued Amazon should have disclosed it was a paid placement by Doubleday.
Dicker emphasized publishers won't expect good reviews. "We have given the vendors absolutely no assurances about good publicity," he said. "They understand that the nature of their reviews will depend on the quality of their product." ---------------
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Comments: 25
Looks like there's no way to volunteer. It's a "don't call us, we'll e-mail you" situation.
I'm assuming they are sending out the initial invitations only to Amazon "Top Reviewers." But perhaps if the initial test goes well they'll open it up to everyone. That would be cool.
Thanks for the heads up, Steve
I do hope they send a mailing inviting me to participate. I do regularly buy off Amazon (used mostly, but still off their site) and accept all of their mailings.
"Just remember, amazon said you must accept commercial email (i.e. spam) If that is ok with you than go for it. I prefer to keep my inbox as uncluttered as possible."
I don't think this is as big a problem as you might think, and I definitely don't think you'd receive any "spam." I subscribe to several of Amazon's e-mail programs, and I only receive a few e-mails a month total. They are all book recommendations (for new books) based on books I've purchased in the past. Some are helpful, some not. You can always unsubscribe from the specific lists Amazon offers.
I emailed you, too, so let me know if you got it or not. Amazon Vine will be a fascinating segue in Amazon's continuing evolution.