Have you heard about the recent controversy regarding Amazon and a book about pedophilia? It has been a hot topic all week and people all over, from Twitter and Facebook to Techcrunch and BlogHer have been petitioning for the books removal. Many people have even committed to never purchasing from Amazon again whether or not the book has been removed, for the simple fact that Amazon ever sold it. Of course those people will probably be buying from Amazon again in a couple weeks or they never bought from Amazon much to begin with, but it’s the thought that counts right?
The book in question is titled “The Pedophile’s Guide to Love and Pleasure: A Child Lover’s Code of Conduct.” On Wednesday, Amazon defended it’s position by saying the company “believes it is censorship not to sell certain books simply because we or others believe their message is objectionable.” Many people agree and many people disagree with that reasoning. Amazon has since taken the book down.
This is a very hot-button issue and I can see sides to both arguments. I think Loren Feldman’s latest commentary on the issue explains a different side – removing this book isn’t likely to change anything. What are your thoughts?