Comments on: When Will Amazon Go Social?

By: Sonia Singh

Sonia Singh — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:09:59 +0000

Does Amazon factor in reviews the user has written when making recommendations? That may be a good way to personalize recommendations without the privacy concerns (which I certainly share). This would take allow Amazon to base recommendations on books that weren’t necessarily bought from the site but were borrowed, gifted, etc. It would have the added benefits of encouraging user engagement as well as broader understanding of their customers.

By: Rick Mason

Rick Mason — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 04:19:33 +0000

Sorry but I don’t want Amazon or Google mining my personal details.
Want to improve Amazon’s recommendations? Simple, close the feedback loop. Let me tell Amazon (if I choose) you were way off on this recommendation and right on target with this one.
Every buy a gift for someone in an area where you have zero interest? Forever more things related to that are in your recommendations? Just let me tell them no, I am no longer interested in ths subject.
Much simpler technology to build and less left to interperation.

By: Alan Newman

Alan Newman — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:24:33 +0000

Interesting post, but I am wondering if there are massive privacy issues here with what you are suggesting?
Didn’t Facebook tackle this challenge with Beacon and it was largely derided as a massive privacy problem and potentially loaded with social problems.
I think Amazon do a good job. When you have your own login then you will find that the items they recommend to you are based upon YOUR preference rather than your wife/partners. They consider what you already search, what you buy and then work that in to what other also buy. It generally works well.
I don’t think it is broken….

By: Paul Dunay

Paul Dunay — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:43:59 +0000

@ Rachael – well with Facebook Connect it could be very easy but I leave that to the experts

By: Rachael

Rachael — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:47:16 +0000

Paul, I liked your post! Yes, added recommendations from friends would strengthen credibility for future purchases. I wonder how long it will take to integrate…