I ran across an interesting website the other day which was mentioned in a podcast I listen to. Zoomii.com uses a web interface similar to Google Maps but instead of panning streets, they let you browse stacks of books. Each book is represented in its relative size on a bookshelf and organized by category. Clicking on a book provides full information and provides an option to add it to your Amazon shopping cart or wishlist.

What intrigued me most about this site, other than an original interface which provides a really decent analog to walking through a bookstore, is the fact they are using Amazon’s affiliate program to make money and as a result there’s no advertising or overt efforts to “monetize the visit.” The price they present is the same as if you navigated to the same book using Amazon’s “up-sell at every turn” interface.

I’m always pleased when I see a truly unique idea. It seems the best ones are the ones that are completely obvious when you think about it.