Twitter, Facebook and Mommy Blogs have been exploding today after one of our own pointed out an electronic book available on Amazon.com. The book, whose title I won’t even type because I don’t want it driving pervs to my blog, is a disgusting how-to for people who intend to harm children in vile ways.
Apparently, Amazon offers self-publishing. Cool. Great opportunity. But come on…can they not filter in some logical way?
Oh, yeah. Free speech. No censorship. Blah blah blah.
Baloney.
Where do we draw the line? When did “freedom” become license to do anything to anyone? It seems we have abandoned all common sense in our effort to keep from offending. Guess what…I’m offended.
And Amazon? They don’t seem to see a thing in the world wrong with selling this book. They claim it would be censorship to not sell something just because they may find the subject matter objectionable. Really? Hmm. Interesting, since this is copied/pasted from their content guidelines.
Titles sold through the Digital Text Platform Program must follow our content policy and guidelines, detailed below. Publishers are expected to conduct proper research to ensure that the Titles sold through the Digital Text Platform Program are in compliance with all local, state, national, and international laws. If Amazon Digital Services, Inc. determines that the content of a Title is prohibited, we may summarily remove or alter it without returning any fees. Amazon Digital Services, Inc. reserves the right to make judgments about whether or not content is appropriate. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with some examples of prohibited content:
Pornography
Pornography and hard-core material that depicts graphic sexual acts.Offensive Material
What we deem offensive is probably about what you would expect. Amazon Digital Services, Inc. reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of Titles sold on our site.Illegal Items
Titles sold through the Digital Text Platform Program must adhere to all applicable laws. Some Titles that may not be sold include any Titles which may lead to the production of an illegal item or illegal activity.
Seems pretty contradictory, right?
As a mother, I am OUTRAGED that Amazon is willing to put their name on something so heinous. As a customer, I am CERTAIN that I will be looking for another place to do my online shopping. I am also taking down my Amazon affiliate links, even though I make money from them. I do not want to be a part of this.
Oh, and one more thing. The blogger who first (to my knowledge) tweeted this has been getting death threats today from free-speech advocacy groups. I’m not kidding.
Now tell me…have the intentions of our forefathers gotten unbelievably twisted or what?!?!
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
In this country, people are free to do what they want.
But, that does not mean they are free from consequences. This person may have the right to write this book, but he will have to deal with the consequences of his actions.
i just hope he is indeed held accountable.