Amazon Kit

[misohoni]

Does anyone know how to start it up? I've downloaded it, but don't know where to start!

[Help Desk]

I believe that you are talking about the Amazon Web Services. This kit is just a set of instructions and examples to using the XML and SOAP interfaces.

You now have 2 options. Program your own interface or use one of the open source ones out there.

If you want to use PHP, I suggest using my Amazon Data Stream (http://www.thinkbling.com).

If you want to use Perl, then take a look at Amazon Product Feed (http://www.mrrat.com).

[misohoni]

Yep it's the Web Services. Your PHP Data Stream looks impressive! Thanks for this, quite the accomplished programmer!

[misohoni]

When I installed your PHP version I get:

Cannot open "books\background.php" for writing.

The background.php file is missing?

[misohoni]

I think you had a background.txt file which you can just rename to .php ? I'm trying it out now...

[Help Desk]

You need to temporarily CHMOD your books directory to 777. The simple setup uses background.txt as a basis to create background.php.

Make sure you CHMOD the directory back after it's setup completely.

[Owlcroft]

A less complete but possibly easier Amazon package is "Freebie" (http://seo-toys.com/freebie-seo-package/freebie-package.shtml); it is, to be frank, more aimed at giving a site operator a substantial number of extra pages with relevant, ever-changing content yet no maintenance and only modest set-up effort. It deals with books only.

But you might look at it and see how it compares for your particular purposes.

[misohoni]

Thanks Thingblink, that worked. I'll have a play around with it - but works well.

Owlcroft thanks also. I think Thingblinks Amazon package is dynamic also? If not, I'll take a look at yours also.

Cheers

[Trance-formation]

I believe that you are talking about the Amazon Web Services. This kit is just a set of instructions and examples to using the XML and SOAP interfaces.

You now have 2 options. Program your own interface or use one of the open source ones out there.

If you want to use PHP, I suggest using my Amazon Data Stream (http://www.thinkbling.com).

This link just takes me back to the home page...???

[Help Desk]

This link just takes me back to the home page...???
That is the demo page. Click under downloads if you would like to download your own copy.

[Will.Spencer]

If you want to use PHP, I suggest using my Amazon Data Stream (http://www.thinkbling.com).

I just set this up, and technically it looks very nice.

But... I am still confused. <blush>

What are the business advantages of attaching this to my web page? Wouldn't a simple affiliate link to Amazon.com work just as well? Then the user could search the same database using Amazon's bandwith and processing power instead of mine.

What am I missing here? <blush>

[Owlcroft]

I must confess that I have not yet taken the time to examine Bling's package, but, if it is anything like my own "Freebie" package (http://seo-toys.com/freebie-seo-package/freebie-package.shtml), one big advantage is added relevant, always-fresh pages in large numbers.

And, I suppose, the possibility of actually making some money (Amazon pays a mite more for links direct to a particular product).

[Trance-formation]

That is the demo page. Click under downloads if you would like to download your own copy.

I've downloaded the data stream.... one thing I like about Eric's freebie is that I can use it to set up a content relevant bookshop on my site that is always in date... am I able to do the same with your Amazon Data Stream?

[Trance-formation]

I must confess that I have not yet taken the time to examine Bling's package, but, if it is anything like my own "Freebie" package (http://seo-toys.com/freebie-seo-package/freebie-package.shtml), one big advantage is added relevant, always-fresh pages in large numbers.

Hey Eric... the InURL of my site just started climbing today... I'll keep you updated regarding Google hits etc.

[T0PS3O]

TB, is this Data Stream just for content as well or also for the affiliate revenue? On you site I do see your ref id in the links. When adding to the basket, I can not find a basket though. How does it work?

Does it work with amazon.co.uk?

Thanks.

[Help Desk]

Currently the "shopping cart" is maintained by Amazon. Future versions of the software will incorporate our own shopping cart. However, when you check out you will be taken to Amazon's site. That way you are ensured a secure transaction.

My script does not current support the UK feeds. It can be changed to just one category or set of key words as to target exactly the type of items you use on your site. Also the more recent version is more search engine friendly.

Misohoni has done a very good job of implementing it.

[Help Desk]

Almost missed a question. This is for both content and for affiliate revenue. If you don't want to sign up you can always use my id for revenue, but I can't really see why anybody would want to throw money away.