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Why do I keep doing the same thing over and over again, with the same results? Isn’t that the very heart of addiction? And isn’t addiction the very thing I’ve spent much of my life trying to avoid? Yes, it is. Yet, I continue... The same way I do here at Epinions. You must have noticed this addictive character trait when you (who read my reviews) began to see the new reviews from (faithforever) keep popping up in your various categories. I have a few other addictions besides Epinions, too... the world of Amazon, Netflix, Drugstore.com and many, many other book stores and online stores!!!

Amazon.com began its journey through cyberworld in July of 1995, two years before I would become “just another net junkie” with an obsessive urge to search through Amazon’s spacious catalogue of bestsellers, classics, fiction & non-fiction, title after title of phenomenal content to explore until my heart’s content. As I clicked upon link after link, my surfing future slowly dimming before my red-strained eyes, I realized that I had misjudged my strength. My willpower diminished completely as my obsession took over and I continued to follow the alluring weakness that somehow seduced me into Amazon’s heady database of ISBN numbers, fascinating Titles, Authors and Descriptions.

With claims of offering the Earth’s Biggest Selection of products, Amazon.com is - to books - what Levi is to denim, Jergens to moisturizer, Kodak to photograph. Amazon.com, once approached by literary addicts like myself, often becomes more potent and potentially “real” life threatening, than Stephen King’s latest protagonist. Why do customers keep returning? ... Easy... Amazon.com is the book lover’s euphoria, the crack-house of word addicts. So many words in one place is as profound a temptation as Las Vegas is to gamblers, the ABC store to AA Members, Starbucks to caffeine lovers. We’re addicts. AA beckons...

“Hello, I’m Regina Hill....” sigh... “I’m a book-a-holic....” My face is red by now. I haven’t ever spoken before a audience of this size. “My addiction began...,” ummm... thinking, ... “back in my early childhood. I first remember something about a train that said I think I can... I think I can... I think I can...” I won’t bore you with the remainder of this solemn acknowledgment. But, I will tell you that Epinions is just as addictive and is supporting my habit with all these great recommendations in the Books Category. What is a book flake to do? Back to Amazon...

Although my main purpose in visiting this site is plainly their enormous choice of books, book reviews and literary references, Amazon.com’s selection of products has grown to include a broad range of products that would appeal to nearly any online shopping enthusiast. And, once you’ve visited Amazon and set up a personal account there, future visits will lead you to a personalized page where you’ll find recommended products that, from information obtained by your past shopping experiences, Amazon has collected for you. There are usually a number of these personalized items that you’ll find interesting, which might prove to be offensive to your wallet.

Products sold on Amazon.com include, but are by no means limited to, BOOKS, magazine subscriptions, CDs and Videos, Electronics, Toys, Health & Beauty Aides, Stuff for baby, games, tools, computer stuff, photography items... the list is extensive. So, although they’re renowned for their wide selection of Books, they offer any online shopper a worthwhile shopping site.

Customer Service, I’ve discovered, through personal experience, is especially attentive to the average consumer [namely, me]... In the time I’ve spent shopping on Amazon.com, I’ve yet to email their customer service with a question or idea without receiving a rapid response to my query. And, when ordering books [I can’t possibly tell you about other items because I’ve yet to order anything other than their books], I’ve been delighted with how quickly the books arrive in my mailbox. For avid readers who look forward to reading certain books as much as many anticipate their next vacation, Amazon.com’s speedy deliveries mean the difference in satisfied patrons and disgruntled customers. Thus far, I’ve never been disappointed in Amazon’s shipping methods.

The Wish List, a personalized web page created through Amazon is basically a “Favorites” page for those who hope to purchase specific items in the near or distant future... [I’ve saved books for future orders for as long as a year before purchasing] and, for anyone with online friends or family members who might visit the participating shopper’s Wish List to obtain information for gift buying during the holidays or birthdays. This page is especially helpful in keeping up with books you’re interested in reading. Keep the specific book on your list and have a second chance to read reviews of it, etc... before actually putting out your money for the cost of the book. Also, a nice addition to this page... if you’re looking to come away with the most “words” for your dollar, Amazon.com offers sidebar, a list of those books that you’ve added to your Wish List which could be purchased used through their store, usually at a huge discount.

And, if you’re not quite as addicted to this site as I am and would like reminders sent to you ... Amazon.com’s Newsletter will email a “New For You” opt-in letter at undetermined intervals with the newest essential elements they believe, from your past shopping data, would interest you the most. The newsletter provides updates on upcoming bestsellers, various music and video releases and much more, according to your personal taste. This letter is often a great way to remind yourself of a specific book or movie you’ve been planning to pick up when it comes out.

Purchases are easy as 1,2,3... with Amazon.com’s 1-Click settings, available to you when you complete the required purchasing information. Once you’ve completed the necessary steps - Name, Address, Payment Information - you only need to click on one button to add the book, movie, etc. to order. This is especially valuable to anyone who intends to shop with Amazon.com regularly.

One of the things I like most about Amazon.com is their search engine... when I want to know what, if any, other books a specific author has written, I can put that writers name into the search box and come up with a list of their other books. This is great when you discover a new writer and want to read something else with their byline, when you’re researching a particular subject, for whatever reason, the search results offer an extensive book list for the specified topic. I guess I just LOVE Amazon!!!

Final Recommendation: Amazon.com is as addictive for book lovers as Epinions.com has been for writers - What else can I say? Of course I recommend it... Although, I do admit that you might want to consider the possibility of AA (Amazon.com anonymous) meetings if you’re an avid reader.

Just teasing.... Keep Reading!

And, Thank You for reading this - Gina

©2005 faithforever