How do algorithms work?

Russell Brooks · 11-10-2013, 06:22 AM

I'm not the most tech-savy person on the net. Would someone be so kind to let me know how algorithms work?

For example, I heard that Amazon keeps changing theirs all the time.

Thanks in advance.

HarryT · 11-10-2013, 06:26 AM

Your question doesn't really mean very much, I'm afraid. The word "algorithm" simply means a procedure for performing a calculation. Which particular algorithm are you talking about?

Russell Brooks · 11-10-2013, 06:30 AM

Thanks for replying, Harry. I'll give you an example.

When authors jumped onto the KDP Select program, they all saw huge boosts in sales after their FREE promos. A few months later, authors were seeing smaller boosts. I read that the cause was due to Amazon changing their algorithms.

HarryT · 11-10-2013, 06:33 AM

Your guess is as good as mine, but I imagine in that case they're referring to the algorithm used to generate Amazon's "bestseller" lists. Any book that appears with a high ranking on these lists is going to get more sales.

pdurrant · 11-10-2013, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell Brooks

Thanks for replying, Harry. I'll give you an example.

When authors jumped onto the KDP Select program, they all saw huge boosts in sales after their FREE promos. A few months later, authors were seeing smaller boosts. I read that the cause was due to Amazon changing their algorithms.

Amazon chooses which books to advertise next to other books, and chooses how to rank the books in their categories.

These choices are made by the computers running the web site, according to the algorithms programmed into the software by the Amazon web site creators/maintainers.

So if the programs/algorithms are updated, and so the choice of advertised books changes.

People won't buy books that they don't know about. If the change means that your book is no longer advertised as much on the pages of other books, fewer people will buy it.

Does this help?

Russell Brooks · 11-10-2013, 06:35 AM

That sounds reasonable. I just want to be sure I know what I'm talking about if someone were to ask. I think it's something that's important for me to know. Thanks again.

Russell Brooks · 11-10-2013, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdurrant

Amazon chooses which books to advertise next to other books, and chooses how to rank the books in their categories.

These choices are made by the computers running the web site, according to the algorithms programmed into the software by the Amazon web site creators/maintainers.

So if the programs/algorithms are updated, and so the choice of advertised books changes.

People won't buy books that they don't know about. If the change means that your book is no longer advertised as much on the pages of other books, fewer people will buy it.

Does this help?

It sure does. I'm beginning to have a clearer picture now. Thanks.

Gunnerp245 · 11-10-2013, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell Brooks

...authors were seeing smaller boosts. I read that the cause was due to Amazon changing their algorithms...

Wiki

Likely Amazon 'refined' the steps either through adjusting the 'code'

removing excessive steps and/or combining functions.

crich70 · 11-10-2013, 08:21 AM

I've always associated algorithms with computer programs and assumed they give a set solution to a given set of inputs based on how the individual program is written. Like with a spreadsheet program for example. If you type in different amounts of funds (for bills & deposits) and tell it to add or subtract one variable from another it adds up the amounts and tells you how much money you have left. Other algorithms no doubt come into play when you purchase something either online or at a local store.

Dr. Drib · 11-10-2013, 08:41 AM

Here's an algorithm flowchart to give you an idea of the choices involved when making a decision. Of course, this is just a simple example.

Don

Russell Brooks · 11-10-2013, 03:02 PM

Thanks, everyone.

fjtorres · 11-10-2013, 03:37 PM

When it comes to Amazon's ranking algorithm, this might help:
http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2013/...on-algorithms/

Russell Brooks · 11-11-2013, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fjtorres

When it comes to Amazon's ranking algorithm, this might help:
http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2013/...on-algorithms/

Thanks, that article helped.

Russell Brooks · 11-12-2013, 01:18 PM

I believe I got the hang of this. Thank again for your help, everyone. It's much appreciated.

11-10-2013, 06:22 AM	#1
Russell Brooks Fanatic Posts: 538 Karma: 569642 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Montreal, Quebec Device: none	How do algorithms work? I'm not the most tech-savy person on the net. Would someone be so kind to let me know how algorithms work? For example, I heard that Amazon keeps changing theirs all the time. Thanks in advance. Last edited by Russell Brooks; 11-10-2013 at 06:24 AM.

11-10-2013, 08:41 AM	#10
Dr. Drib Grand Sorcerer Posts: 45,442 Karma: 59592133 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Peru Device: KINDLE: Oasis 3, Scribe (1st), Matcha; KOBO: Libra 2, Libra Colour	Here's an algorithm flowchart to give you an idea of the choices involved when making a decision. Of course, this is just a simple example. Don Attached Thumbnails

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11-10-2013, 06:26 AM	#2
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Your question doesn't really mean very much, I'm afraid. The word "algorithm" simply means a procedure for performing a calculation. Which particular algorithm are you talking about?

11-10-2013, 06:30 AM	#3
Russell Brooks Fanatic Posts: 538 Karma: 569642 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Montreal, Quebec Device: none	Thanks for replying, Harry. I'll give you an example. When authors jumped onto the KDP Select program, they all saw huge boosts in sales after their FREE promos. A few months later, authors were seeing smaller boosts. I read that the cause was due to Amazon changing their algorithms.

11-10-2013, 06:33 AM	#4
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Your guess is as good as mine, but I imagine in that case they're referring to the algorithm used to generate Amazon's "bestseller" lists. Any book that appears with a high ranking on these lists is going to get more sales.

11-10-2013, 06:35 AM	#6
Russell Brooks Fanatic Posts: 538 Karma: 569642 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Montreal, Quebec Device: none	That sounds reasonable. I just want to be sure I know what I'm talking about if someone were to ask. I think it's something that's important for me to know. Thanks again.

11-10-2013, 08:21 AM	#9
crich70 Grand Sorcerer Posts: 11,310 Karma: 43993832 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Monroe Wisconsin Device: K3, Kindle Paperwhite, Calibre, and Mobipocket for Pc (netbook)	I've always associated algorithms with computer programs and assumed they give a set solution to a given set of inputs based on how the individual program is written. Like with a spreadsheet program for example. If you type in different amounts of funds (for bills & deposits) and tell it to add or subtract one variable from another it adds up the amounts and tells you how much money you have left. Other algorithms no doubt come into play when you purchase something either online or at a local store.

11-10-2013, 03:02 PM	#11
Russell Brooks Fanatic Posts: 538 Karma: 569642 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Montreal, Quebec Device: none	Thanks, everyone.

11-10-2013, 03:37 PM	#12
fjtorres Grand Sorcerer Posts: 11,732 Karma: 128354696 Join Date: May 2009 Location: 26 kly from Sgr A* Device: T100TA,PW2,PRS-T1,KT,FireHD 8.9,K2, PB360,BeBook One,Axim51v,TC1000	When it comes to Amazon's ranking algorithm, this might help: http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2013/...on-algorithms/

11-12-2013, 01:18 PM	#14
Russell Brooks Fanatic Posts: 538 Karma: 569642 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Montreal, Quebec Device: none	I believe I got the hang of this. Thank again for your help, everyone. It's much appreciated.