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Yesterday iPad had four erotica novellas listed in its top ten selling books including the number one spot Blonde and Wet, the Complete Story by Carl East. Today the iPad list is curiously free of any erotica literature. Coincidence? Probably not.
If Apple purposefully removed these works from its list, it would not be the first time that the company has attempted to ‘clean up’ its content. Back in February, Steve Jobs made the decision to rid the iPhone App Store of all “overtly sexual content.”
While some may argue that it is up to Apple to decide what types of work they promote, many are crying censorship.
While I normally align myself strongly with the "How dare they?!?" side of these types of debate, I must admit I am torn. Business-wise this move makes good sense to Apple. It is a mainstream company that could have its reputation hurt if it becomes known as a popular purveyor of porn (or what some people consider porn). Also from a financial standpoint, it is in Apple’s best interest to take novellas off their top ten list no matter what the genre considering that many of these titles will sell for under a dollar. Hiding the likes of Big Sis, Six Sexy Stories and other short works makes way for more expensive e-books to be sold.
While it makes good business sense for Apple to tweak their top ten list, I still don’t like it. Who gave a computer company the right to choose what type of literature is acceptable? The only people that can decide that are the readers themselves and the readers have spoken with their chosen downloads. Apple, bring back Blonde and Wet – list it loud and be proud. Like it or not, this is what your customers want.
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Apple made it clear right
Submitted by Sessha Batto on August 4, 2010 - 10:16am.
Apple made it clear right from the start that all erotica would be banned from the iBookstore. That's why I'm so terribly terribly surprised and disappointed at how many publishing professionals choose to support and buy the iPad and, through their actions, support Apple's right to censor content. Censorship of words = a boycott from me. I wonder why more writers don't feel the same.
Discriminating Against Erotica or any other genre
Submitted by Amanda McIntyre on July 27, 2010 - 9:11pm.
Okay I am a parent, a good one thank you that cares about what her children read. I don't yet let them read my own work-when they are of age, then we'll see, its not their cuppa anyway.That said--thats me, making a intelligent choice for my own children-and yes, I do screen their music, movies and I am involved in their lives.
But I wouldnt dream of telling another person how to be a parent-what choices they should be making for their kid. Even worse, I cannot imagine making a choice for an adult.
Be careful, Apple. What's next? Books that portray too much violence? Books that depict child abuse, domestic violence, gangs? The list goes on and on...where does it end? May I submit for recollection the book and movie "Farenheit 451" as evidence of what can happen when people begin to place arbitary bans on things like books, music, newspapers, etc...
We are given the freedom of choice. If Apple has concerns , create an area of only over 18 to select from--make it a little more difficult perhaps to obtain, but to have them up one day and selectively choose what to remove the next and in effect ban these books? Good lord, what are you people thinking?
Amanda McIntyre