Is Amazon loosing the plot?

[SillyJokes]

I'm so confused. Words are spinning around me and my eyes are aching.

I've just tried to shop at Amazon.

What is going on there these days?

They just seem to be trying too hard. I don't know if I've added something to basket or not, I'm not sure if the thing I'm looking at is new or some odd tat someone else is trying to peddle through 'Marketplace', I'm not interested in their paltry range of expensive electronic kids' toys and I have so many cards and delivery addresses listed that I can't remember who I am.

Half the time the stuff you want isn't even being sold by Amazon, it's some 'partner site' so can't be added in with the rest of the stuff you want and then they offer free shipping on a service so unattractive that you feel obliged to fork out so that you will get your goods before the end of the year.

But my main gripe is how very confusing the layout has become, the addition of 'marketplace' is an annoying distraction. If I want something second hand I'll go to eBay thanks. And what are those crap lists of some saddo's favourite goth books all about?

I'm pummelled with so many offers and combos and suggestions I really feel like writing to them and asking them to quit it, just send me the goddamn book.

[gary]

I don't often shop at Amazon, but every time I do I notice extra "features" being added on. I think you now have to be a lot more careful when shopping there in case you accidentally order something you weren't expecting, like a second hand version of the book you wanted!

Amazon used to be the benchmark for e-commerce design and usability - I think in an age where simplicity is key, Amazon has just become too complicated. That said, they do still offer a fantastic range and good prices, so maybe that will be enough.

Gary

[Ozzy]

I cant remember the last time I used Amazon! There are so many better places now, and quite often its better to buy something from a specific specialist ... like DVD's from http://www.play.com/ and so on.