Judging by the erotica forums I lurk at this is growing. Perhaps moreso than last years crackdown. Anything suggestive of violence, non-consent, PI and (potentially) bestiality themes is getting smacked hard. Bottom line (IMO) is that Amazon is prioritizing customers complaining about adult material found while searching for keyword related items. I say that because I hear a lot of rallying that smut writers are being maliciously targeted. Despite filters that have been in place for awhile now I still see smut while searching for misc stuff. I don't mind but I'll bet tens of millions of other shoppers do.



It's Halloween season. Just imagine how many "Force F*@%ed by the ------" titles are popping up during costume searches for kids right now. It happened to me the other night.



I actually had this issue last night as well. I was browsing for some new horror titles and came across a few titles that...well...probably should not have been under the general "horror" search.I think what is happening, however, is a self-perpetuating cycle. Amazon has ALWAYS been heavy-handed with everything. This is nothing new. Amazon is not known for using a scalpel to repair an issue. They have always used a chainsaw. And yes, I think it is clear from everything that I have read that they have been cracking down on erotic titles. I do not doubt this.But, erotica authors have perpetuated the problem by simply miscategorizing their books to evade the Amazon filters. There is NO reason an erotic title should be categorized under the horror genre. And looking at some of the titles, they arent just showing up in horror search. The authors have put them in the horror genre. I understand the idea: put it in genres where it will be seen. But by doing this, you encourage more customer complaints from people who are seeing erotic titles when they are searching for other things.And the more complaints Amazon gets, the more they use the chainsaw.The solution is for Amazon to institute an adult filter on the site. That is the practical solution. But then there is the issue that erotica authors wont use it. Even when I browse on Smashwords with the adult filter, I come across obviously erotic content where the author chose to not label it adult. If authors dont use the filter, the filter doesnt work.I am curious if erotic authors have considered getting together to communicate with Amazon en masse to find a solution? Not some stupid public petition that is just meant to be confrontational. But several dozen authors getting together and contacting Amazon to say We have noticed this. We know it is happening. How can WE help AMAZON develop a better system to support OUR customers?The worst that happens is you get a form reply. The best that happens is that you get a seat at the virtual table and maybe something can be sorted out. But it may be more effective to simply get together and confront the issue directly and professionally instead of hand-wringing in forums.