Tech Expert: Amazon's GLBT Snafu Was No Glitch

SEATTLE — Amazon's labeling of all GLBT books as "adult" couldn't have been a glitch, according to one prominent tech pundit.

Dabble.com founder Mary Hodder offered her take on the high-profile snafu in a column for TechCrunch.com, in which she argued that Amazon's "it was all a glitch" defense was bunk.

Hodder backs up her argument with vast experience in computer technology and programming. She examined Amazon's claims in light of the widespread use of algorithms on sites like Amazon to find and organize data.

"The ethical issue with algorithms and information systems generally is that they make choices about what information to use, or display or hide, and this makes them very powerful," she said. "These choices are never made in a vacuum and reflect both the conscious and subconscious assumptions and ideas of their creators."

Hodder noted that Amazon's "glitch" claim not only contradicted its initial claim that they were manually segregating all GLBT-themed books as "adult," but it also contradicts itself on technical grounds, as a simple search through Amazon's archives demonstrates.

A simple search for "homosexuality" on Amazon, according to Hodder, first returns the title "A Parent's Guide to Preventing Homosexuality," a so-called self-help book. This book, unlike hundreds of other titles, has not been moved to Amazon's "adult" section. A test of Hodder's claim holds up with a search for "homosexuality" in Amazon's books section.

Michael Musto writes a regular column about the GLBT scene for the Village Voice. He commented on the Amazon foul-up in his column, jokingly advising his readers to buy all of his books to bolster their sales ranks now that Amazon has un-banished them from the gay ghetto.

“I feel there’s no way this was a glitch,” he told XBIZ. “Obviously they made a conscious decision to label all [GLBT] themed books ‘adult’ to keep them more out of reach, while charming novels about straight serial killing and other such gruesome things were left perfectly untouched. I’m thrilled at the mass outrage that arose as a result, and I’m impressed by the power of the tweet. It seems to say ‘Tweet us as equals.’"

Word broke online last weekend about the incident, largely on the microblogging website Twitter, where the shorthand for the event was "amazonfail." The fracas started when self-published author Mark Probst noticed that his gay-themed western novel, "The Filly," had disappeared from Amazon's rankings.

He asked about it, and Amazon told him, "In consideration of our entire customer base, we exclude adult material from appearing in some searches and bestseller lists. Since these lists are generated using sales ranks, adult materials must also be excluded from that feature."

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

11:11 Creations Launches Affiliate Program

11:11 Creations principal Alicia Silver has launched 11:11 Cash for creators and affiliates.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'Self Love' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers to develop self-love.

Show More