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

[Freda Mans]

Will do.

 

I'm Canadian and feel jipped if it's singled out to California.

[LORI CASWELL]

Just an update on this problem, Amazon is willing to work with Blogger, they just need to use a non California address until everything is settled. Google has offices all across the U.S. so we are taking them, sorry there is no 800 number but as many calls as possible will help

 

Google Inc.
1600 Amphitheatre Parkway
Mountain View, CA
US

Google Inc.

[phone]

[Keith B. Darrell]

I have been using the feature since May on my Blogger blog (www.KeithBDarrell.com) and have not noticed any problems with it, other than that it is a bit slow to load (perhaps that's the white box you're referring to). I think the load speed may depend on how many books you include in the widget. I have found Amazon support to be quite responsive, especially when contrasted with Barnes & Noble and Lightning Source.

 

Remember, Google is a separate company from Amazon. Like most software firms, they release buggy software and then issue "fixes" and "updates", which also include new bugs. Software development is always a work in progress, as the software firms are too eager to get product out ASAP rather than get it out right the first time.

[William Bentrim]

I talked to an Amazon rep yesterday and she put the problem in Blogger's lap.  She said it is a California sales tax issue and it won't be fixed by Amazon because they haven't changed anything.  She flat out said that Blogger has caved to the pressure from California bureaucracy and disabled the feature.  I agree with Lori Caswell's post that as many calls as possible may get some action.  See her post for details, the number she listed is 650-318-0200.  I will be calling that number this morning.

[David Bergsland]

Issues like this and many others finally forced me to use a hosted Wordpress solution about two years ago. I always liked Blogger better and I keep my blog on Blogger, but I use it less and less (only very occasionally now). I have not been able to find a widget to drop in Amazon affiliate links that works as well as Blogger's version. However, virtually none of my income comes from affiliate links. I just hand-link to the books referenced (usually from a variety of suppliers). I suspect it depends on what works for you.

[LORI CASWELL]

I have just been informed that using the number I listed led to people being placed on hold with no answers and since it is not an 800 number that's the last thing I want.  I will be searching high and low for a new number.  When I called the number yesterday they took my name, description of the problem and assured me it would be passed on to the right person.  Maybe the long hold were because so many calls.  I can only hope!!!!

[LORI CASWELL]

Per the operator at Madison Wisconsin after going thru and elaborate press 1... 2... system I was told they do not offer telephone support on any of their products with the exception of Adwords. I am so frustrated, they are such a big company they don't care about us.  She also told me to remember Blogger is essentially free to the user so may have lower priority.

I have my blog just the way I want it and transferring to WordPress scares me to death, plus I still wouldn't have the Amazon widget there either and I don't have any idea what their support would be either.

It seems we are at their mercy.

If you are on Facebook search  for this name:  Brett Wiltshire He works for Google Blogger, You can message him without him being you friend.  Maybe we can get some answers if enough of us write!!

[William Bentrim]

Lori I admire your perseverance!

[LORI CASWELL]

I have started a Facebook page to try to get to the bottom of this issue.  I think Google is so wrapped up in launching Google Plus to compete with Facebook issues like these are being cast aside.  Another person got results to his particular problem with a Facebook page so I thought What The Heck! Here's the address http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blogger-Bring-Back-Our-Amazon-Associa... If you would like to see this feature return please stop over and "LIKE" THE PAGE and any of the posts. Feel free to add your own thoughts and pleas as well :)

 

Thank you all for the support!!!

[Anthony Fox]

 Hi

These sort of issues have happened before. I would not spend any time worrying about it. Personally you don't make enough money from it to worry.

[Mary (BookHounds)]

LORI!  Here is an update about Amazon Associates:

Amazon also pledged Friday to restore its relationships with its former California affiliates, which earned commissions for referring customers to Amazon through links on their sites.

LA Times 9.23.11

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/sep/23/business/la-fi-amazon-sales...

 

[Tina "The Book Lady"]

Does anyone make any $ off of Amazon Associates anyway? I've had no sales even though I like to Amazon for the books I review. How else do you promote your book sales? (This is really not a marketing forum - but I'm not sure where to go w/ my question)