Look at all those idiots

The best song on The Simpsons Sing the Blues CD.

It's a minor thing, but speaking of longing to release the hounds...

I was browsing through the DVDs that are going on sale this Tuesday. There's an obscure D. W. Griffith/Lilian Gish silent film being issued, which had a one-star review because the reviewer was angry at Amazon. According to this reviewer (who shall remain nameless here):

Amazon is at it again! They are selling a DVD that won't be release for sometime soon. Also, Amazon has pirated the complete Criterion Collection--Buyer Beware!Don't buy from Amazon! Boycott Amazon!

This review was posted on August 24th. A bit overwrought about a four day wait, though of course I doubt this reviewer intends to buy the DVD. "Reviewing" it is just his way of registering his complaint against Amazon.

The director and star are long dead and beyond caring about a one star review. But it's still inappropriate and -- dare I say it? -- stoopid. And it isn't just products from deceased authors and film makers that get this treatment.

The New Destroyer: Guardian Angel got a one-star because the reviewer was angry that Amazon hadn't delivered it yet. Never mind that the book was three months from its release date. The idgit didn't bother to check that out.

Of course I complained to Amazon, as did several others, and it was taken down. But who knows how many people see a one-star and don't bother to check out the review, assuming that the reviewer got an advance reader copy or demo track or something?

Since I was feeling snarky, besides reporting this review to Amazon, I also composed a comment which will remain up until the review comes down:

First: Amazon lists products as soon as the info becomes available, which can be months before the product is actually out. Many people (myself included) see this as a good way to discover that something (a book, DVD, whatever) is going to offered for sale someday. I don't really care that it can't be shipped to me the second I see it.

Second: by putting one star here, you're unfairly giving a poor rating to this DVD, not to Amazon. If it is Amazon you're having the problem with, why bring down someone else's work?

"Surrounded by idiots, outnumbered by boobs. An office full of morons, a planet full of fools. Is it any wonder I'm singing, singing the blues."