How Your Amazon Boycott Is Killing My Indie Poetry Press
As I sit down to write this, I can't help but feel a bit like the underdog at a superhero convention, confessing that I still tie my cape with a granny knot. It's awkward and a bit embarrassing, but it needs to be said: your well-intentioned boycott against Amazon is putting the squeeze on my little indie poetry press. And believe me, it’s not just a gentle hug; it’s a full-on, constrictive squeeze.
The Paradox of the Amazon Beast
Let's address the elephant—or, should I say, the giant—in the room. Amazon. For many, it's the corporate beast, the behemoth of commerce, that seems to devour everything in its path. And while it's easy to vilify a giant, especially one that often overshadows smaller retail and cultural ecosystems, for a small publisher based in the Netherlands, Amazon serves not just as a marketplace but as a vital infrastructure that holds my business together.
Being outside the U.S., many of the perks that American indie publishers enjoy are out of reach for me. Local distribution deals, even certain publishing tools are geographically and bureaucratically beyond my grasp. Amazon levels this playing field somewhat, providing a platform where my books can stand alongside titles from major publishers across the globe.
The Lifeline of On-Demand Publishing
Amazon’s on-demand publishing isn't just a convenience; it's a cornerstone of my business model. With a day job and a myriad of other responsibilities, I don’t have the luxury to spend hours on grant applications or to woo distributors and retailers. Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing allows me to print books as needed, eliminating the financial gamble of large print runs and the logistical nightmare of storing unsold copies in my already cramped living space. And guess what, these books deal with subjects that are anti-capitalist, anti-colonialist, anti everything that makes this world a shithole in the hope that these books help educate people on why Amazon sucks. It’s an if you can’t beat them, join them and destroy them from within kind of thing.
The Unseen Benefits
What's often overlooked in the call to boycott Amazon is the silent but significant support it provides to international sellers like myself. Amazon’s vast logistics network means that a poetry lover in Seattle can order my book with the same ease as someone in Amsterdam, without exorbitant shipping costs or weeks of waiting. This accessibility is crucial for niche markets like poetry, where the audience is passionate but dispersed. I have tried other platforms in the past and they all ended up in abandoned carts or dead accounts.
The Ripple Effect of Boycotting Bezos
Each boycott, each purchase diverted away from Amazon, translates directly to reduced visibility and sales for indie publishers like me. It’s a tough pill to swallow, knowing that the efforts to harm a corporate giant inadvertently harm small cultural endeavors that struggle to find a voice in a crowded market. So instead of boycotting, maybe start unionising, start your political activism by voting for a third party or educating people about how much capitalism sucks.
The Irony of Digital Dependence
And here's where the irony comes in thick. The platforms we use to criticize Amazon are often owned by other billionaires with massive digital empires. We tweet, we share, we post on platforms that have their own dubious practices when it comes to privacy, data security, and corporate dominance. This digital dichotomy puts us in a bind: we need these platforms for visibility and community building, yet they're not so different from the giant we're trying to boycott.
A Plea for Nuanced Support
So, what’s the middle ground? I’m not asking for carte blanche to support Amazon uncritically, nor am I suggesting that we all ignore the valid criticisms of its business practices. Rather, I’m calling for a more nuanced approach to activism. If the boycott is about promoting ethical business practices, let's also talk about how to support the underdogs who rely on these platforms.
If you choose to boycott Amazon, consider also supporting indie publishers directly. Buy from us directly so we don’t have to pay royalties to Amazon, engage with us at local book fairs, or subscribe to our newsletters. These actions help offset the loss from Amazon and ensure that we can continue to bring diverse voices and stories to the forefront.
In Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of global commerce and digital activism is no easy feat. As we strive for a more equitable market, let's remember the small players, the indie presses that enrich the cultural landscape. Our choices have power—let’s wield this power thoughtfully, ensuring that in our quest to challenge the giants, we don’t trample the grass beneath our feet.