First of all let me explain something. Indie authors rely heavily on reviews. Indie authors are also very close to their fans and readers, giving them access to themselves whereas traditional writers are more distant. Amazon offers support to “indie” authors that have a number of reads and reviews.
Why then, is Amazon penalizing indie authors that establish these relationships and bonds with loyal readers trying to spread support. What else does this company want from us?
Oh let me guess. Money. Since self publishing means we keep all of the (almost nonexistent) profits they feel is a source of untapped revenue.
Or maybe they are in cohoots with the traditional publishers who are losing said revenue.
Listen, Amazon. What you are doing is wrong. If someone beta reads an authors book, that means they read it. If they don’t like it they will either A. Not write a review or B. Write a bad review.
If I get a gift, and I love the product. .let’s say it’s a new phone. .are you going to tell me my review is manipulated?
I’m getting sick of this form of censorship.
Anyone want to weigh in?
Lisa Vasquez 
I think this is one great post you wrote Lisa. I have been a self published author ( indie author and overtime I have had more than several reviews taken out because Amazon believes the person manipulated the product which in turn means the review. As an author I depend on these reviews and I have established loyal readers who have read my work and most of them leave a review and most of them don’t or write a bad one at times. However, I am with you I believe it is about money for them. One of the main reasons as you pointed out as an indie author we keep most of our revenue and maybe they are also working with said traditional publishers. As an indie author I am also frustrated with this sick form of censorship too! I leave you with these famous words, ” Can’t we all just get along?”
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