AMAZON ASSOCIATES/BLOGGER/OTHER GOOGLE ISSUES

[LORI CASWELL]

I am wondering if any of you use Blogger for your blog and if so do you use the Amazon Associates Gadget that is found on the right side of the Post Compose Page?

 

The last few days this gadget has not been working and in the new Blogger Interface it does not appear at all.  I am wondering if Blogger is getting rid of this feature which would really disappoint me.  You don't realize how much you use something until it is gone.  I was just getting in the habit of linking items in several places in my posts instead of just one or two at the top and bottom.

I have tried to go directly to Amazon and build links and then copying and pasting but an empty white box is always shown at the end of the link which really breaks up the post.  I do use links I make in the sidebars without a problem but in the posts they just do not format correctly and the point and click provided by the gadget was easy to use and I loved it!

I am not even sure if such a feature is part of the Wordpress blog software and have tried to research that without much luck but if it does I and it works as easy as Blogger used to I would be planning a transfer.

One Blogger called Amazon directly and reported the problem because done of our help questions emailed or put in forums at both Blogger and Amazon have gone unanswered.  The whole Amazon Associate program for creating Widgets/gadgets is down completely right now and I am hoping it will solve the issue but seeing no place for this feature on the new Blogger Interface leaves me quite worried.

 

I have also noticed as Google debuts a bunch of new features and looks that they have created a lot of bugs.  I use Google Documents to make giveaway entry forms but if you are using the Google Chrome Browser you cannot edit a Google form, but if you open up Google Docs in Mozilla or IE you can edit the forms with ease.  Copying, cutting and pasting has become a problem not only with Google Docs but in Blogger as well.  If you try to copy something from another website or a previously published post the background color is copied as well and highlights the text  when it s posted in a new posts.  There are two ways to get rid of the highlighting.  After you copy the text, paste it into Microsoft Wordpad, remove any highlighting and copy again and then paste into the new post or open up the old post as if to edit it and copy from there and then the information can be directly into the new post.

I am wondering how many other people have this problems or if you know anything about the future of this gadget in Blogger or if Amazon Associates widgets are easily used WordPress?  I want to know if my problems are isolated incidents, just me and a few others that I now of and you honest opinions about Google Products.  I want to make informed decisions and not jump ship only to be still disappointed because while it is very easy to transfer your blogger blog to WordPress going back is either quite a chore or not an option.  Plus I am so happy with my blog right now outside of these new issues, I really don't want to change if I don't have to.

 

I hope to gain lots of information from this community and your help is really appreciated!!!!

 

Thank you,

LORI/Dollycas

[LORI CASWELL]

Amazon is rumored to be working on their part of this problem according to other forums, but I am still interested in more info.

 

Thanks.

[LORI CASWELL]

UPDATE:  Still not working today and I and others re growing frustrated.

[Stormi Johnson]

Yeah I have had this problem with Amazon associate on bloggers before..just sort of have to wait it out and hope they fix it. :(

[Sharon Henning]

I've had this problem.  If it's not resolved soon I'm going to e mail.  They have been conscientious about writing me right back with useful info.

[Ruthie Pople]

I have used blogger for years for my blogs...and I have a lot of them for my networking purposes. I love it. http://www.ExtremeCouponingWithRuthie.blogspot.com .... also I use the notes in FB as a blog Ruthie Junior Yingst Appleby if you want to friend me to ck it out.

 

[Freda Mans]

I noticed it too Lori, but figured someone would get it fixed. I actually contacted blogger via twitter and asked them about it but had no reply. Hope it gets fixed quick.

[Marian Perera]

I didn't even know about this feature. I use Blogger for my blog, but I had to go to Amazon, search for a book, copy and paste the link and so on - though I never got an empty white box at the end.

 

Marian

Flights of Fantasy

[Billy Burgess]

Mine isn't working either. I hope they fix this.

[Tina "The Book Lady"]

Hi - I talked to Amazon last night and they said they are working on it. I guess it has been giving them trouble. I wasn't sure if it was something with my computer (it crashed recently) or if it was something with them. You can get the link on your Amazon account if you sign in (if you have a Amazon Associates account).

 

Hope that helps!

[Freda Mans]

Thanks for the update!

[LORI CASWELL]

I am really not happy with the answer I just received!!! Since Blogger is based in California and they are no longer working with Associates in California because of a tax issue they are shutdown this gadget and may be working on a fix but it is not a high priority.  I live in Wisconsin and I would tend to believe that there are many bloggers that use this feature that do not live in California.  Until this tax issue is resolved we will probably be without the gadget.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-fi-amazon-tax-20110908,0,36331...  Until this is resolved we may be out of luck!!

I think this is entirely an Amazon thing after reading that article.  I think Amazon should turn it back on for us and do something with bloggers in California separately but that is probably a major computer programming issue and they are viewing as low priority so EVERYONE NEEDS TO CALL AND BUG THEM OVER AND OVER 1-800-372-8066

[Sharon Henning]

Thanks for the info.  I'm glad to know this!