The Writing on the Wall... Purchase Requirements aka My "I Was an Amazon Policy Victim" Story

Hiya folks!

Welcome back to...yeah, you know where you're at after TWO other posts today, I'm sure, but just in case, it's Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.  Got it?  You meant to be here?  FABULOUS!  YOU ROCK!  Now, let's get to something less than stellar...

It's quite literally been YEARS since I drug this MEME type puppy out of the archives, but time became extremely premium, and reviews took precedence over my own mindful ramblings...but not today.  Today something has moved me so much that I had to speak out about it.  Call it lack of sleep (which is true), call it a result of the uber stress in my work life right now (so true that statement doesn't even BEGIN to cover it!), call it what you will....but those of you in the book bloggy world have seen versions of this story a hundred times over already, and now, I've become a victim too.  Today's topic...

PURCHASE REQUIREMENTS

So, recently I fell victim to changes in Amazon's policies. According to their newish rules, my nine or so odd years of reviews are no longer valid, accurate, "helpful" as rated by other shoppers...because of a very specific rule from a year or two past...

"To write a Customer Review, you must have used your account to make at least $50.00 in purchases in the past 12 months on Amazon.com with a valid credit or debit card. Once your order has shipped, you'll be able to write your first customer review."

Wait...I haven't purchased at least $50 worth of merchandise within the last 12 months with a credit or debit card? *blink blink* Um, okay.  So basically purchases made with all the gift cards I had (mostly from birthday/holiday presents) that ONLY WORK FOR THEIR SITE don't count.  Wow, way to go Amazon.  So, at this point, I have to say I'm sorry to all the authors, publishers, and publicists out there (for those past reviews that no longer exist), but I'm not going to basically pay Amazon for the "privilege" of posting on their site. 

I make purchases for items online quite often, but FROM WHERE I WANT, and it's not always this conglomerate...mea culpa...or not. T-shirts? TeeTurtle is my bag (love those cute and bookish shirts)! Foam soap? Point me to Bath & Body Works (most recent order just arrived last night, so I'm swimming in Fall scents!). Books? Publisher sites directly, BookOutlet, BAMM, and SOMETIMES Amazon, but it depends where I see the title I'm currently looking for and let's face it, where the best pricing/bonus comes from. Just recently I purchased (ironically) over $50 in books when obtaining the Orville Wellington series (AWESOME SERIES, seriously, book one in audio rocked my world!)...and while I priced Amazon, BAMM was a better deal. 

So, longish story short, I can no longer promise an Amazon review... I'm not banned, but I can't promise I'll keep my purchasing in line with their demands. Guess we know what they're really about, huh?  😒 Thanks for listening, sorry if I've offended, and if any of you need to rescind your review requests, feel free. I'll post the heck out of the reviews everywhere else, but the mogul is off my list.

 

Double Vision?

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers and an impromptu post that might make you do a double take.  How so?  Oh, you'll see....trust me.

So, my usual online routine involves a visit to the book playground that is GoodReads (perhaps you've heard of it?  ^_^).  Update my "current reads", check friend requests, and check out the new giveaways added since the day before for any I'm interested in entering as well as new additions to the wish list.  What can I say, I'm a bookaholic....but I"m betting many of you are too.  Anywho, it was during this daily "exercise" that I found myself with a mild case of whiplash.  I know you've had those moments where a book cover reminds you of another, especially with as much as we read, but this one LITERALLY hit me like a lightning bolt it was such a dead ringer....I had to look up the other book and lucky for me, my memory served me well.  Take a look at the results....

.....book I was reminded of......

Bloody Little Secrets by Karly Kirkpatrick

.....book I saw on GoodReads today....

Howl (Howl, #1) by Jody Morse and Jayme Morse

....*blink*blink*....

-------------------------------------------------------

Is it me or is that the SAME picture merely with the colors changed and the overlay added?

The Writing On the Wall....Spooktacular Edition

(Please note as this is t
otally an opinion piece...as usual.  Just my thoughts on a subject of my choosing that I thought may be of interest to you.  No offense is meant to anyone.  ^_^)

Hi there, insatiable readers!

Welcome back to another day another post during the spooktacular month of October.  Speaking of 'spooktacular', today's post is going to focus on something scary....something horrifying...something you may need to avert your eyes from the screen and let someone else read to you!  The topic for today....

GUARANTEED READS

~ Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! ~

Just kidding, but it is scary in a way don't you think?

Have you seen these words lurking on the covers of some of your favorite or even not-yet-favorite books as of late?  I know I have and it down right gave me the shivers! 

It’s not that I don’t like getting my money’s worth out of my purchases even when it comes to books, but really…guaranteeing I’ll like it or my money back?  I don’t know…for me, it doesn’t make me want to read the book any more than another…it might actually make me wary that they felt the need to offer that option in the first place.  If I didn’t like the book, I probably wouldn’t even follow through on the guarantee…it just seems wrong somehow.  I mean really, how can you “guarantee” someone will like it? 

Truth is, you can’t…but with this new option, it’s giving those readers that fall into the category of “reluctant” a chance to step away from what they initially thought held potential without giving it a proper chance.  Think back to the books you’ve read.  Go ahead; I’ll wait… ~Jeopardy music plays~ …still thinking?  Okay, well just go back through the last few months if you’re an avid reader like me, otherwise, you may have to put that theme song on repeat for a bit. 

So, now that you have a glimpse of your past reads in mind, tell me this…did you ABSOLUTELY WITHOUT A DOUBT LOVE EVERY SINGLE ONE?  Be honest!  If I had to wager, my guess is your answer was no (unless you are fibbing and then I can't help you there)....but you know what, that's okay.  You're probably even better for it since you gave something a chance to shine beyond whatever sparkle drew you to it.  There's nary a reader that completely regrets reading a book in the first place; after all, no one made you pick it up...it was your choice....and sometimes books can surprise you.

So what do you say fellow readers?

What is YOUR take on this 'guaranteed read' phenomenon?

The comments are open...let's hear what YOU have to say!

Until next time...happy reading!



The Writing On The Wall: Reading Quirks...Mine vs Yours

So...I introduced this little beauty a long, long, long, long, long...well you get the picture....time ago.  What is it?  Well, it's a little feature I like to call...'The Writing On the Wall', hence the graphic with the matching words above.  It's basically a post where I discuss something of interest with you, generally bookish in nature of course since this is a book blog and all.  Today's writing feature....

Reading Quirks

Quirks...don't ya just love that word?  It's just really fun to say...quirks quirks quirks....but alas, I shan't keep repeating it so as to avoid annoying you and get to the point.  The very definition of the word quirk (or the plural quirks) is a peculiarity or strange habit.  We all have them, some more than others, but hey, that's okay...it helps make us individuals so go on with your quirky self.  Today I bring up the more specific subject of READING quirks...you have them whether you know it or not.  It could be your being drawn to a particular type of book all the time, to where you read, how you read, with whom you read, etc, etc. 

For example, one of my own which has been commented on before....I can read and walk at the same time WITHOUT bumping into people or objects.  Now grant it, I bump into things when I'm not reading so perhaps that's the part that makes this a quirk of my own, but I digress....this facet of my reading personality so to speak has been marveled at more than once by those not quite as coordinated in the same sitch.  What's business as usual for me, is a marvel to them...go figure!

So, my fellow reading enthusiasts....I pass the magnifying glass to you....what reading quirks belong to your bookish personality?  Do tell!  Let's see what habits we share amongst us!

The comments are open....

Long Time Favorite, Re-born!: The Forbidden Game (trilogy) by L J Smith

Hello, again!  Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!

We have some truly AWESOME news today!  (Although if they were doing a blog tour or giveaway that I could host....it would be that much more awesome, but alas, have not heard anything as of yet....) One of my first reviews was of book one in a trilogy that I REALLY REALLY LOVE!  (just in case that wasn't strong enough....I REALLY LOVE it!) It was first released back in the early 90's and I was lucky enough to get my trade paperback editions at that time (thanks, Mom!).  In the following years, it went out of print as many books do (*SIGH*).....HOWEVER, I just found out that it is being RE-RELEASED later this year in an omnibus edition!  (That's a 3-n-1 for anyone wondering what omnibus meant....hey, there's no shame in not knowing, but not finding out, that's another story.....) 

The Forbidden Game by L. J. Smith

Book 1:  The Hunter

Book 2:  The Chase

Book 3:  The Kill

Looks like the great folks at Simon & Schuster have another fabulous read to add to their current catalog.  For those of you that have not read it, I HIGHLY recommend it....especially for YA fiction lovers.  For those that have read it previously (such as moi), your copy has probably seen better days (from all that re-reading....), why not pick up a new one?  (I know I would LOVE to get my hands on one of these!  Added to my 'Wish List' already....)  Say hello to reaching another generation, L. J. Smith!  It's one that's sure to enjoy your fabulous work and keep it fresh for the years to come!

Until next time....happy reading!

"Yes, Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus": Random Acts of Holiday Kindness

Happy holidays to each of you, fellow insatiable readers! As I write this post, I am contemplating the many random acts of kindness I have witnessed in the last 24 hours. But really, are there truly any “random” acts? I mean, they appear random in consistency it’s true, but they were all the ends that the act-or intended to reach. (Confusing? Let me clear that up…) In short, these random acts merely appear random because we try to connect their occurrences when we should really just appreciate them on their own. What prompted this post? Ah, curious one…..your answers are forth-coming…

Originally this post was going to be titled “Where ARE you Christmas?”, for it seemed that something was lacking, almost unattainable this season whereas in past years, it flowed abundantly. What was this missing element? Don’t know really…can’t seem to put a label on it still, and yet there is was. Isn’t strange sometimes how you can feel something is off, but you are unable to figure out how to change it?

Anywho…for the most part, today’s events have erased that shadow of doubt and replaced it with the wonder and magic that is Christmas. To start the day off right, work started at a bright and early 7:30 AM….yes, you read that right. One the of the many hats I wear (figuratively, not really a hat person) a few times a week is at our local bookstore. It was crazy busy with the big event being only days away and all, so for most of the day we were on our toes. During a short lull, one of the customers was telling us about something they witnessed at the nearby toy store. Apparently, it was the annual Toys for Tots toy drive today and many shoppers were donating a toy or two during the course of their shopping trip. One lady in particular caught this persons eyes and ears. Her story told of a family on small means, saving what little they could throughout the year in order to buy the two carts of Christmas toys she was currently pushing. No big deal, right? The catch to the story….the toys were not for her family or friends. The savings went to buy toys to donate specifically to the toy drive. Christmas-ey miracle number one.

For Christmas-ey miracle number two, we hit a little closer to home, mine in particular. Today’s economy is affecting everyone in some shape or form. From cut backs, to pay cuts, to lower savings, things happen that can not necessarily be fixed. I think that’s part of the issue this year…it’s hard to really get into the spirit of the season when you are too tired to remember how close it really is. If you are a reader of this site, you’ve probably seen my ongoing saga of trying to get a Christmas tree. Between tight funds and Mother Nature reeking havoc with our plans, it seemed that attaining one was beyond out reach. Enter a mysterious Santy Claus that just so happens to have delivered our inspiring event number two. My step dad works at a store that sells Christmas trees at this time of year (among other things) and was going to purchase one today come heck or high water (Mother Nature, we love you but COME ON already….). Just before it was time for the last purchases to be made, he goes to buy a tree only to discover that someone else had purchased a tree on his behalf anonymously! That’s right….we now have a 6’ - 7’ Christmas tree drying in the garage (yeah, Mother Nature still had her say on the way home with more rain), just waiting for lights and a topper. To whomever the kind soul was that made this Christmas wish come true, THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts! (Mom was SO excited….she can’t wait to see it set up with LOADS of white lights.)

So I again will quote the famous line heard round the world with a full heart, “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus”. Whether your persuasion is to believe in a jolly man in a red suit and white beard, or simply in the spirit of the season to which the red suit is inhabited by one and all, I send you the fondest of wishes for you and your family this holiday season. Whichever holiday you celebrate, make it special in your own way and remember to share your good fortune and spirit with those around you. You never know how much your reaching out to them might truly mean…

Until next time….happy holidays and happy reading.


(OH, I almost forgot! To check out the original article that this quote comes from, just click here.  ALSO, the contest winner for The Brain Finds a Leg by Martin Chatterton is being contact today…will post an update once I’ve heard back from the winner. Lastly, I updated the music player bear on the bottom right hand sidebar with some holiday tunes, feel free to enjoy!)

The Writing on the Wall

Hello again, everyone! Surprised to hear (well, okay read) from me again so soon? No worries...I'm just keeping you on your toes! Seriously though...it has been a while since the last "Writing on the Wall" segment and today felt like as good a time as any.


Ah, the infamous wall on which the writing is written...or at least that's where it should be. This one starts out as blank for this post to allow YOU the chance to write whatever you want. Whether it's something you're thinking about, feedback, suggestions, or mindless wanderings, you've got a place available to share with others.


My contribution for today is going to be a little horn tooting of my own. I came across a site the other day called Webs. They offer both premium AND FREE webs site creations for online users. Being naturally curious (what can I say, perhaps I was a cat in another life?), I decided to try and make one for my own use. The end result, or should I say fledgling start, is Insatiable Readers. Original, right? I purposely chose the same name for this newly created site in the hopes of moving over to it fully one day or sharing blog time at both locations (see, there IS a method to my madness!). Although I like the available features thus far, I wanted to see what YOU, the readers, thought of it. Be brutal! (okay, maybe not brutal, but kindly honest) Is the navigation easy, the look better or worse, the forums and guestbook convenient, and of course the content (although at this time, there is only a welcome message, and about me page)..... Post your thoughts and suggestions either directly on the new site or on this posting!


Feel free to leave your comments and feedback! (as always)
Until next time....happy reading!

The Writing On the Wall

You see this? This is what it has come to. The entry of the day is a BRICK WALL! Why you may ask? Well, maybe I just felt like putting one here, or maybe I reached a mental block for the book choice of the day....just kidding! No, the real reason for the brick wall entry is to try and elicite some responses from YOU the readers. I know you're out there, the page counter tells me so! So what's with the cold quiet shoulder? The joy of books for both the reader and the writer comes from not only the completion of the story or reading it in full....it is in the SHARING. The experience, emotions, thoughts, wonderings...anything and everything that the written word can provoke!

So this is YOUR chance. YOUR turn to put the writing on the wall and share your thoughts, comments, feedback, suggestions, or whatever else you wish! Here's to hoping for a crowded masterpiece!

Until next time...happy reading!