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Which websites should we link to? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 3 years ago* (last edited 3 years ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Recently there was kind of a discussion, with one user being a bit mean towards the other regarding the latter posting a link to Amazon.

While I do not agree with how they brought the discussion, I think it would be great to read everyone's opinion about what should be link, and if linking to specific websites should be forbidden.

For example, we have Open Library, BookWyrm, Inventaire, etc, if you only want to link to a book's information, and while it is harder to find a replacement to a web site where you can buy books, users can always search for it if they want.

What are your thoughts?

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 9 months ago

Not sure i can post the link, anyway...

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago

I really like LibraryThing and uses it since about 15 years. Here's my account if you want to connect: https://www.librarything.com/profile/cedricbonhomme

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago

An alternative could be something like bookshop.org which is an online book store that supports independent retailers

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago

Hey there! Great topic for discussion. I totally get why someone might feel strongly about linking to Amazon—there are definitely pros and cons. But I think it’s all about balance and providing value to the community.

For example, linking to sites like Open Library or BookWyrm for info on books is awesome because it gives us alternatives to big corporations and supports more community-focused platforms. On the other hand, sometimes Amazon links are just super convenient for purchasing, especially if users are looking for something specific and fast.

Maybe we could encourage sharing info-rich links for general discussions and offer purchasing links when it genuinely adds value. Also, a friendly reminder to keep discussions respectful never hurts. Diversity of opinion is what makes forums like this great, but keeping it civil is key!

Just my two cents!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 years ago

BookWyrm is a secondary source, so I don't think it's a good idea. Personally, I'd link to:

The book's website, if there is (which usually just links to amazon)
Wikipedia page
OpenLibrary

As for where to buy books, I've recently heard of Libreture, which have DRM-free books (see other DRM-free book source), though its database might be lacking because it's rather new.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 years ago (1 children)

Thriftbooks!

[–] [email protected] 0 points 3 years ago

I am Goodwash Thriftbooks, mighty pirate!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 6 months ago

Choosing where to link is always a bit tricky, isn't it? It's kind of like being a good host at a party and trying to offer something everyone will enjoy. Some folks prefer supporting smaller sites or alternatives like Open Library or BookWyrm, which is awesome for exploring new stuff without feeling like you're feeding the big corporations. Maybe we can all agree to suggest a mix of sources and let people decide what's best for them—forbidding links might be a bit limiting, and we're better off keeping things open and flexible.