carol. > Status Update

Folks actually use those recommendations from Amazon and Goodreads? Scary thing is I think the Goodreads recs are even worse than the Amazon recs as at least the old “readers who bought this also bought this” list on Amazon usually just churns out the most popular books in the same genre.

I get the majority of my new reads by skimming the new release lists (mostly on Audible). I basically just buy stuff or throw them in a wish list on a whim if the blurb sucks me in! Back in the day I did the same with the book store and library shelves.

I think the only place recs have ever really been a thing that has worked for me is here on Goodreads. When I was more active here I got turned on to so many books just from reading my friends reviews of them while scrolling the feed! I probably need to get back to being more active on Goodreads as I can definitely get sucked into buying new reads if an enthusiastic review sells it to me as something I’d enjoy.

100% agree that my friends reviews are the best indirect recommendations. If you (and a few others) say something is 4 or 5 stars, I will definitely read your review and see if it triggers any interest. I know that our tastes can be similar and I have a much higher likelihood of finding something good.

It's just hugely surprising to me that for all we might rant about AI and 'every keystroke' being monitored that the algorithm is so bad at it.

There's currently next-to-zero AI in productive use for GR. :-) The best is by far yet to come.

That hasn't been my experience. Goodreads is obviously trash, but Amazon has been doing better than Kobo for me. Ironically, the best recommendation machine for me has been Instagram (????)

Glad you found something, Mwanamali! I do not do books there. It is just so interesting me that the sites that are supposed to be maximizing commercialization... can't seem to get it right.