Delicious Library for iPhone Pulled Due to Change in Amazon's Policies

MacRumors · Jul 8, 2009, 10:01 AM

Mac and iPhone developer Jim Dovey reports (via TechCrunch) that the iPhone version of the popular media cataloguing application Delicious Library has been pulled by the developer after being notified that that the application's use of Amazon data runs afoul of recent changes to the company's Product Advertising API license agreement.

Quote:

So Amazon recently changed the terms of service for their Product Advertising API, which is in use in applications such as Delicious Library. This is (I believe) the API by which DL gets its book information, and through which it provides links to related items, reviews, etc.

The new license includes this marvellous little tidbit in section 4e:

"You will not, without our express prior written approval requested via this link, use any Product Advertising Content on or in connection with any site or application designed or intended for use with a mobile phone or other handheld device."

Importantly, the restriction applies only to mobile platforms. Delicious Library's developer, Wil Shipley, contacted Amazon to request permission to continue using the API in the iPhone version of Delicious Library, but was denied.

It remains to be seen whether Amazon will eventually grant an exception to its policies, Shipley will find another source for the necessary data, or if the iPhone version is truly gone for good.

Article Link: Delicious Library for iPhone Pulled Due to Change in Amazon's Policies

Roy Hobbs · Jul 8, 2009, 10:25 AM

So does that mean my Delicious Library app will be deleted form my iPhone the next time I sync?

TraceyS/FL · Jul 8, 2009, 10:43 AM

That stinks.

I use Readerware and they are "licensed" to pull data from a variety of places (based on what i read back when it was bought). HOpefully the developer works something out, i know a lot of people love it!

sith33 · Jul 8, 2009, 10:44 AM

That language has been in the amazon agreement for a while. At least 6 months or so.

crees! · Jul 8, 2009, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roy Hobbs

So does that mean my Delicious Library app will be deleted form my iPhone the next time I sync?

No, but only if Apple is forced to pull the kill-switch due to pressure from Amazon.

libertyforall · 01:15 PM

So what was the reason he was denied? How about some real reporting in this article -- the why part is significant...

The reasoning might be because Amazon has their own application for iPhone...

jessica. · Jul 8, 2009, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roy Hobbs

So does that mean my Delicious Library app will be deleted form my iPhone the next time I sync?

I wondered the same but ...

Quote:

Originally Posted by crees!

No, but only if Apple is forced to pull the kill-switch due to pressure from Amazon.

***********

Quote:

Originally Posted by sith33

That language has been in the amazon agreement for a while. At least 6 months or so.

Can you prove that?

This is bullsh*t really. DL has been an app I use often for quite some time (back when it was really in beta stages). I love this app and was finally so pleased to see it on my iPhone. I was exporting my library to a webpage (via DL) and uploading it to my own website but that always required me to download the site onto my phone each time I wanted to view it. I love the DL app and only just got it up and running on my phone. Screw Amazon for this and the fact that they took away the referral commissions from NC residents.

Whoremongers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by libertyforall

So what was the reason he was denied? How about some real reporting in this article -- the why part is significant...

For the reasons set forth in section 4e of their agreement. Clearly.

REBELinBLUE · 10:56 AM

What makes this worse is that the touch app isn't actually using the API, it is syncing the data from the desktop version which uses the API.

Amazon are now saying you can't use data collected with the API on a mobile device, not just that you can't use the API on a mobile device without permission (which they have always said).

jessica. · Jul 8, 2009, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REBELinBLUE

What makes this worse is that the touch app isn't actually using the API, it is syncing the data from the desktop version which uses the API.

Amazon are now saying you can't use data collected with the API on a mobile device, not just that you can't use the API on a mobile device without permission (which they have always said).

Good catch. The phone also uses data sync'd from the desktop so ... technically we did not collect it via the mobile device.

BeyondtheTech · Jul 8, 2009, 11:40 AM

So the desktop version is still ok? I just bought the damn thing!

pdjudd · Jul 8, 2009, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeyondtheTech

So the desktop version is still ok? I just bought the damn thing!

Yes, the desktop version is just fine. The licensing agreement issue appears to be related to mobile (iPhone) usage of Amazon API's - not desktop.

z4n3 · Jul 8, 2009, 12:19 PM

Amazon should be GRATEFUL for the free publicity, Traffic, and SALES!!!!! due to Delicious Library... looks like someone is getting to big for they boots!!!!

stevearm · Jul 8, 2009, 12:54 PM

Hang on... Delicious Library was out as an iPhone app??

Since when? How long has it been out!

I'm completely gutted I missed it

Roy Hobbs · Jul 8, 2009, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevearm

Hang on... Delicious Library was out as an iPhone app??

Since when? How long has it been out!

I'm completely gutted I missed it

It's only been out a couple weeks

macduke · Jul 8, 2009, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdjudd

Yes, the desktop version is just fine. The licensing agreement issue appears to be related to mobile (iPhone) usage of Amazon API's - not desktop.

Yeah, it's fine right now. Or at least until Amazon decides to arbitrarily change their terms again.

If you want to do something about it, complain to Amazon.

DaveGee · Jul 8, 2009, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by z4n3

Amazon should be GRATEFUL for the free publicity, Traffic, and SALES!!!!! due to Delicious Library... looks like someone is getting to big for they boots!!!!

"Record producers and music publishers should be GRATEFUL that we chose to play their song in our movie, tv show, radio broadcast, commercial, etc... Its FREE advertising for their product!"

Yea but the real world doesn't work that way...

You'd think automakers would PAY game makers to include their top cars as featured vehicles for their hot new racing/crash-em game after all they do it for big budget movies? Do you think it was out of sheer luck for BMW that one it's signature autos was 007's latest toy? For some strange reason the exact opposite is what actually happens for games or at least it did last I heard.

Why? Got me...

Dave

matticus008 · Jul 8, 2009, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jessica.

This is bullsh*t really. DL has been an app I use often for quite some time (back when it was really in beta stages). I love this app and was finally so pleased to see it on my iPhone.

Just highlighting how complicated the real world is--software always carries this risk when it relies on a third party service without a negotiated and definite agreement in place.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jessica.

Good catch. The phone also uses data sync'd from the desktop so ... technically we did not collect it via the mobile device.

Technically, it doesn't matter. The license restricts use of the data in mobile applications. It doesn't have anything to do with how the data was acquired from Amazon. It's a distinction without a difference.

Quote:

Originally Posted by macduke

Yeah, it's fine right now. Or at least until Amazon decides to arbitrarily change their terms again.

If you want to do something about it, complain to Amazon.

Indeed.

I don't think this has to do so much with Amazon's own plans, but rather concerns of retailers on specialized price aggregation software being developed to do comparison shopping in retail stores--right now you need a web-enabled phone and have to load the individual websites, but pulling the data directly (from Amazon and Buy.com, etc.) and compiling it through APIs is a much more powerful and efficient way to do it while standing in the aisle of a local retailer.

Amazon doesn't want to kill local retailers completely, because the fact that it relies on the honor system for people to pay their use taxes is a major advantage for most customers, and the B&M industry isn't pushing the matter too hard right now--so Amazon needs to be careful not to heat that battle up much more. They're already slowly losing it.

NAG · Jul 8, 2009, 03:46 PM

Yeah, basically Amazon is now saying we can't use the data on a mobile device. It doesn't matter how we get it on the device.

This is incredibly cheap. Yes, it is their data and they can limit it (they don't even have to give APIs). Still, it is super annoying that they'd suddenly just change the terms. I guess Delicious Library will have to find a new way to get the info.

kironin · Jul 8, 2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macduke

If you want to do something about it, complain to Amazon.

Done.

iphones4evry1 · Jul 8, 2009, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matticus008

I don't think this has to do so much with Amazon's own plans, but rather concerns of retailers on specialized price aggregation software being developed to do comparison shopping in retail stores--right now you need a web-enabled phone and have to load the individual websites, but pulling the data directly (from Amazon and Buy.com, etc.) and compiling it through APIs is a much more powerful and efficient way to do it while standing in the aisle of a local retailer.

Amazon doesn't want to kill local retailers completely, because the fact that it relies on the honor system for people to pay their use taxes is a major advantage for most customers, and the B&M industry isn't pushing the matter too hard right now--so Amazon needs to be careful not to heat that battle up much more. They're already slowly losing it.

I think it's so that when people are standing in retail stores, they cannot do price comparison shopping.

Can you explain the second paragraph better though? I don't understand what you are saying. Thanks.

iSee · Jul 8, 2009, 04:45 PM

I complained to Amazon... Hopefully the fact that I'm a Prime member and order a ton of crap from them will count for something.

I don't have DL for iPhone but I complained anyway because when companies start doing this kind of thing we consumers lose. Amazon should remember that their customers contribute greatly to their site by writing and rating reviews, publishing lists, and most importantly, by buying things. If they come off as a greedy, grasping, arbitrary, souless corporation, they risk alienating the customers that have made them what they are.

Careful, Amazon... you are treading on thin ice here.

z4n3 · Jul 8, 2009, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveGee

"Record producers and music publishers should be GRATEFUL that we chose to play their song in our movie, tv show, radio broadcast, commercial, etc... Its FREE advertising for their product!"

Yea but the real world doesn't work that way...

You'd think automakers would PAY game makers to include their top cars as featured vehicles for their hot new racing/crash-em game after all they do it for big budget movies? Do you think it was out of sheer luck for BMW that one it's signature autos was 007's latest toy? For some strange reason the exact opposite is what actually happens for games or at least it did last I heard.

Why? Got me...

Dave

Good points, BUT!!!! last time I looked Amazon are not doing so well!!! and should not play giving away free publicity!!!

lets face it, with Amazons UGLY interface!!! the only way I look for info on Amazon is via DELISH! if thay do bring out a iPhone App, lets face it!! it will not even come close to that of DELISH!! with barcode scanning, GREAT interface etc. etc. etc. etc. etc.

let's wait to see Amazons traffic stats go WAYYYY down with this one.

TuffLuffJimmy · Jul 8, 2009, 04:54 PM

There was no "change in policy" as far as I can tell. This article is complete BS.

citi · Jul 8, 2009, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iphones4evry1

I think it's so that when people are standing in retail stores, they cannot do price comparison shopping.

I think it has everything to do with the fact you can get the information from their own amazon app, thus, more likely to purchase from them. On my Blackberry I can even take a picture of the item and Amazon will come back with the exact product and price, and I can buy it right then and there.

citi · Jul 8, 2009, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by z4n3

Good points, BUT!!!! last time I looked Amazon are not doing so well!!! and should not play giving away free publicity!!!

lets face it, with Amazons UGLY interface!!! the only way I look for info on Amazon is via DELISH! if thay do bring out a iPhone App, lets face it!! it will not even come close to that of DELISH!! with barcode scanning, GREAT interface etc. etc. etc. etc. etc.

let's wait to see Amazons traffic stats go WAYYYY down with this one.

Amazon is doing just fine. They have barcode scanning too now. I happen to really like their app on my Blackberry

Jul 8, 2009, 10:43 AM	#3
TraceyS/FL macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: North Central Florida	That stinks. I use Readerware and they are "licensed" to pull data from a variety of places (based on what i read back when it was bought). HOpefully the developer works something out, i know a lot of people love it! __________________ Mommy's Portable Brain - blogging about Apps that help out busy moms

Jul 8, 2009, 10:46 AM	#6
libertyforall macrumors regular Join Date: Mar 2006	So what was the reason he was denied? How about some real reporting in this article -- the why part is significant... The reasoning might be because Amazon has their own application for iPhone... Last edited by libertyforall : Jul 8, 2009 at 01:15 PM.

Jul 8, 2009, 10:51 AM	#8
REBELinBLUE macrumors regular Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: London, UK	What makes this worse is that the touch app isn't actually using the API, it is syncing the data from the desktop version which uses the API. Amazon are now saying you can't use data collected with the API on a mobile device, not just that you can't use the API on a mobile device without permission (which they have always said). Last edited by REBELinBLUE : Jul 8, 2009 at 10:56 AM.

Jul 8, 2009, 11:40 AM	#10
BeyondtheTech macrumors regular Join Date: Jun 2007	So the desktop version is still ok? I just bought the damn thing! __________________ Command your starship with Archangel: Fate of the Galactic Commonwealth A new iPhone/iPod touch game! Trailer here, download here, discuss here!

Jul 8, 2009, 12:19 PM	#12
z4n3 macrumors member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Madrid Spain	Amazon should be GRATEFUL for the free publicity, Traffic, and SALES!!!!! due to Delicious Library... looks like someone is getting to big for they boots!!!! __________________ Bonus est hostes hostium excellentia,talentum haud est necesse pro excellentia,perseverantia est necesse pro excellentia,quod per est a sententia

Jul 8, 2009, 10:25 AM	#2
Roy Hobbs macrumors 65816 Join Date: Apr 2005	So does that mean my Delicious Library app will be deleted form my iPhone the next time I sync?

Jul 8, 2009, 10:44 AM	#4
sith33 macrumors newbie Join Date: Jul 2002	That language has been in the amazon agreement for a while. At least 6 months or so.

Jul 8, 2009, 12:54 PM	#13
stevearm macrumors 6502a Join Date: Nov 2007	Hang on... Delicious Library was out as an iPhone app?? Since when? How long has it been out! I'm completely gutted I missed it

Jul 8, 2009, 03:46 PM	#18
NAG macrumors 68000 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: /usr/local/apps/nageth	Yeah, basically Amazon is now saying we can't use the data on a mobile device. It doesn't matter how we get it on the device. This is incredibly cheap. Yes, it is their data and they can limit it (they don't even have to give APIs). Still, it is super annoying that they'd suddenly just change the terms. I guess Delicious Library will have to find a new way to get the info. __________________ "You call this archaeology?" • Professor Henry Jones

Jul 8, 2009, 04:45 PM	#21
iSee macrumors 65816 Join Date: Oct 2004	I complained to Amazon... Hopefully the fact that I'm a Prime member and order a ton of crap from them will count for something. I don't have DL for iPhone but I complained anyway because when companies start doing this kind of thing we consumers lose. Amazon should remember that their customers contribute greatly to their site by writing and rating reviews, publishing lists, and most importantly, by buying things. If they come off as a greedy, grasping, arbitrary, souless corporation, they risk alienating the customers that have made them what they are. Careful, Amazon... you are treading on thin ice here. __________________ "Nobody ever reads these things so I can write anything. I'd eat bananas every day if they were crunchy."

Jul 8, 2009, 04:54 PM	#23
TuffLuffJimmy macrumors 601 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Portland, OR	There was no "change in policy" as far as I can tell. This article is complete BS. __________________ "Next PM I get from you about this, and it gets posted as my signature." --LTD

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