Amanzon tagged the word "gay" inappropriate

[reviews_and_ramblings]

I read this interesting post on Rick R. Reed's blog, but what happened to Rick seems a common event to different authors who are gay or write gay novels:

"I woke up this morning to an e-mail from Amazon announcing their new "author profiles." If you have a book on Amazon, you're eligible. I went in to do mine and was stopped short when I tried to post it because I got an error message saying that a term in my bio was "potentially inappropriate" and needed to be addressed before I could proceed. That word? GAY...of course. I removed the word because I could not post until I did, but found this to be extremely disturbing, especially in light of the recent fiasco at Amazon with sales rankings."

read the full post here: http://rickrreedreality.blogspot.com/2009/05/amazon-calls-gay-inappropriate.html

Since I'm not an author, I can't verify, but if it's true, it's quite an homophobic thing. If I'm gay and a writer, I have to hide in the closet if I want an Amazon profile?

ETA: to be precise, the problem is only on the new feature of Amazon for authors, the Amazon Author Profile, not the normal Amazon Profile everyone can sign in (like mine). And someone tried with different word, like lesbian and queer, and the problem was not arised, but the ban of the word "gay" is still active.

ETA: the problem seems now resolved, authors can post the word "gay" in their profiles and save it. The change apparently happened in the last few hours, since till this morning it was not possible.

Comments

[raynedanser.livejournal.com]

It was true, yes. Another author is a friend of mine and it effected her as well. As far as I know, it was fixed, though, or in the process of it.

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

To Rick happened this morning. They gave a reason for it? Another glitch? Elisa

[raynedanser.livejournal.com]

AGAIN? I wasn't aware that it was still going on. Yeesh.

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

I believe that most of the time these things happened no one knows it and Amazon goes away with its attempt to create a "neat" site. What I can't really understand is why they always start with the principle that "gay" is to be ostracize. Elisa

[luscious-words.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the link. I posted it on my LJ and now another person has posted it on hers. I'm left speechless by the actions of Amazon. This just seems to biased against anything related to the term 'gay' - books, bios, etc. I thought this was the 21st century.

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

More people is aware of it the better. Elisa

[luscious-words.livejournal.com]

Exactly, and I'm more than happy to spread the word. I'm really annoyed at Amazon over this. I'm starting to think I need to transfer my wish list over to Barnes & Noble and be done with Amazon. And that especially sucks if they are the only source of books.

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

I started to post link to other vendor after the last time, and only recent I stopped... maybe I stop too soon. Elisa

[luscious-words.livejournal.com]

Perhaps.

I think over the weekend, I'll see what I've got on my Amazon wishlist and see how much can be found at B&N and other sources then consider no longer using Amazon.

[mongrelheart.livejournal.com]

Good grief, what is the matter with Amazon? This is just really disturbing, especially so soon after the ranking fiasco.

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Maybe it's the same french man of last time that went too long with his hand... (I'm ironic if it's not clear ;-) ) Elisa

[mongrelheart.livejournal.com]

Heheh! ;)