Amazon Patents Bad Gift Protection - Slashdot

Slashdot

Amazon Patents Bad Gift Protection 210

Posted by samzenpus on Wednesday November 10, 2010 @03:45PM
from the no-more-fruitcake dept.

theodp writes "Thanks to the inventors at Amazon.com, you needn't fear Aunt Martha any longer. On Tuesday, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos received a patent for a bad gift defense system that intercepts gifts you don't want and instead sends you something that you actually do want. For example, Amazon explains that its 'System and Method for Converting Gifts' would allow you to set up a rule like 'Convert all gifts from Aunt Mildred,' which would automatically convert any online gift orders from your well-meaning-but-tasteless Auntie into a gift certificate. Other examples of how the system might be used: You could convert bad gifts to something off your wish list; block specific products ('Not another XYZ comic strip calendar'); or ensure that any clothing gifts match your exact size ('Check clothes sizes first')."

This discussion has been archived. No new comments can be posted.

Amazon Patents Bad Gift Protection

Search 210 Comments Log In/Create an Account

Comments Filter:

Re:Missing Skill (Score:5, Funny)

by chemicaldave (1776600) writes: on Wednesday November 10, 2010 @03:50PM (#34189322)

Oh really? [amazon.com]

Parent Share
twitter facebook linkedin
"With a Computer" (Score:5, Funny)

by FranTaylor (164577) writes: on Wednesday November 10, 2010 @04:00PM (#34189410)

It's just like fortune cookies.
Append "in bed" and you get a laugh.
Append "with a computer" and you get a software patent.

Share
twitter facebook linkedin
Re:How about... (Score:4, Funny)

by c++0xFF (1758032) writes: on Wednesday November 10, 2010 @04:11PM (#34189520)

Ahh! But this is done by a computer. That changes everything!

Parent Share
twitter facebook linkedin
Re:Missing Skill (Score:3, Funny)

by c6gunner (950153) writes: on Wednesday November 10, 2010 @04:44PM (#34189948)

Right, so she can order you the pattern from Amazon, and you can knit it yourself!

Parent Share
twitter facebook linkedin
Re:Automatic? Just let me know. (Score:5, Funny)

by Locke2005 (849178) writes: on Wednesday November 10, 2010 @04:56PM (#34190054)

I've got a better idea. Every year, let's mutually agree on an amount, say $20. I'll mail you a check for $20, and you mail me a check for $20, then we can both go out and buy exactly what we want!

Parent Share
twitter facebook linkedin
Yeah... (Score:4, Funny)

by Greyfox (87712) writes: on Wednesday November 10, 2010 @05:19PM (#34190302) Homepage Journal

Now if they can patent some defense against Aunt Milly visiting in the spring and being hurt that her crappy-ass gift isn't on prominent display in the middle of the living room. Perhaps they could intercept her airline ticket and send her to El Salvidor, instead...

Share
twitter facebook linkedin

There may be more comments in this discussion. Without JavaScript enabled, you might want to turn on Classic Discussion System in your preferences instead.

Related Links Top of the: day, week, month.

204 commentsHow That 'Extra .9%' Could Ward Off a Zombie Apocalypse

"Jesus saves...but Gretzky gets the rebound!" -- Daniel Hinojosa (hinojosa@hp-sdd)