[Sigia-l] "Controversiality Index"

[Lada Gorlenko]

L> Do you buy books on Amazon based on the reviews?

Yes.

For books on subjects I know little about, I go for top rates,
scanning the reviews just to make sure they are top-rated on what
I need (a primer, an intro into a concept, etc.)

For books on subjects I know enough about to teach others, I read
half a dozen or so reviews (if available) and care only about
comments, not stars.

For fiction/food for thought, I am a typical "controversality
index" buyer. In this case, 1-star reviews with a comment "I
didn't get it" are most helpful and often close the deal.

It's a tendency though, not an algorithm.

Recent review-based acquisitions:
- Franklin Toker "Fallingwater Rising"
- Jef Raskin "The Humane Interface"
- Donald Barthelme "Snow White"

Lada