Call to Action: What About that Amazon Boycott?

First, thanks to those who responded to last month’s invitation to divest from Meta…including the writers who informed me that WhatsApp is owned by Meta (I’ve since switched to Signal) and those who shared with me that they have chosen to stay on Meta-owned social apps to post intentionally disruptive or informative content. I love all the ways we’re making a difference, folks. There’s no doubt about it: we’re stronger together!

Second, what about that Amazon boycott, eh? While my businesses have been off Amazon for years, my home and family are now entirely off (as of the inauguration). Pertinent to writers and creatives is the fact that Amazon owns GoodReads and Audible (…and Whole Foods…and Zappos…). And why boycott for just one week? The powers that be in this nation right now (corporations) are operating 24-7; our boycotts should too.

But if you’re still not convinced that boycotts work or not really certain that Amazon will feel it where it hurts, here are a few ways to think about these conundrums, if you’re not certain an Amazon boycott is for you:

• “…looking back at history, there should be no question regarding whether boycotts can actually work—the answer is clearly yes, but there is a caveat: boycotts should be one of many tools in our arsenal for social change…” Read more.
• Even if the Amazon boycott doesn’t make a dent in this Goliath’s massive sales, here are 10 more reasons not to make purchases from this corporation. If worker safety, child labor laws, or climate change are on your lists of causes – you’ll want to check out that link.

In the hopes that you will feel inspired and join me in stepping away from Amazon, here are some fantastic alternatives to some of Amazon’s more author-related services:

• Buy books via Bookshop.org rather than Amazon.
• Stream audiobooks via LibroFM rather than Audible.
• Review books and connect with book lovers via BookWyrm rather than GoodReads. They have a great code of conduct, and they acknowledge their presence on the land of the Ramaytush Ohlone people, and donate a portion of their proceeds to the Yunakin land tax.

With so many nuances in corporate behavior and its impact, it’s important to make your own informed decisions. I hope the above bullet points at least inspire you to join (or continue) the boycott of Amazon in whatever ways that make sense for you.

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