Writer Sanctum

Corporate Sector => What are Amazon doing now? [Public] => Topic started by: Twolane on January 24, 2026, 02:02:28 AM

Title: Amazon's 'Ask This Book' feature and AI concerns
Post by: Twolane on January 24, 2026, 02:02:28 AM: It just never ends.

https://writerbeware.blog/2025/12/12/kindles-new-gen-ai-powered-ask-this-book-feature-raises-rights-concerns/ (https://writerbeware.blog/2025/12/12/kindles-new-gen-ai-powered-ask-this-book-feature-raises-rights-concerns/)

https://authorsguild.org/news/statement-on-amazon-kindle-ask-this-book-ai-feature/ (https://authorsguild.org/news/statement-on-amazon-kindle-ask-this-book-ai-feature/)

https://kindlepreneur.com/amazon-ask-this-book/ (https://kindlepreneur.com/amazon-ask-this-book/)
Title: Re: Amazon's 'Ask This Book' feature and AI concerns
Post by: TimothyEllis on January 24, 2026, 02:29:16 AM: I had no idea this was even coming.

Nor do I see any need for it.

In my books, the main questions would be where did that character first show up, but that could have been 100 novels before. I seriously doubt the bot will be able to answer outside of the current book.

Seems pretty useless to me.

What worries me is what happens in reviews, when the bot gives bad answers, and the reviewer blames the author.
Title: Re: Amazon's 'Ask This Book' feature and AI concerns
Post by: Hopscotch on January 24, 2026, 03:57:27 AM: Why not ask "Ask This Book" to tell you what the characters are doing after the book finishes, ie, generate your very own and unique AI sequel?
Title: Re: Amazon's 'Ask This Book' feature and AI concerns
Post by: PJ Post on January 24, 2026, 11:02:33 AM: For non-fungible Art, where readers/fans are excited to explore and discover, savor the narrative even, I doubt they'll use this feature much. Although, I won't be surprised if they find new ways to enhance their enjoyment with it - AI can be pretty nifty. And the feature doesn't really matter for the commodity-bin writers. Those readers are not likely to be fans or brand loyal, so however they use this feature, it won't really affect sales or the reading experience. It may even improve it.

It may hurt Cliffs Notes, though.
Title: Re: Amazon's 'Ask This Book' feature and AI concerns
Post by: TimothyEllis on January 24, 2026, 11:34:35 AM: Quote from: PJ Post on January 24, 2026, 11:02:33 AM
It may hurt Cliffs Notes, though.

Why him specifically?
Title: Re: Amazon's 'Ask This Book' feature and AI concerns
Post by: LilyBLily on January 24, 2026, 02:08:07 PM: Quote from: TimothyEllis on January 24, 2026, 11:34:35 AM
Quote from: PJ Post on January 24, 2026, 11:02:33 AM
It may hurt Cliffs Notes, though.

Why him specifically?

Summaries, Timothy, meant for people who don't read the book.
Title: Re: Amazon's 'Ask This Book' feature and AI concerns
Post by: Post-Doctorate D on January 24, 2026, 02:22:47 PM: Maybe Cliffs Notes can expand into offering summaries for authors who didn't write their books.
Title: Re: Amazon's 'Ask This Book' feature and AI concerns
Post by: LilyBLily on January 25, 2026, 12:48:15 AM: Quote from: Post-Doctorate D on January 24, 2026, 02:22:47 PM
Maybe Cliffs Notes can expand into offering summaries for authors who didn't write their books.

:hehe :hehe :hehe :hehe