FYI: This should have been posted in the W/O Code forum ... oops.
I just added a some code to my forum that will allow users to list the ISBN of the book they're reading and it will display the cover art (works for movies and albums, too) by grabbing it from Amazon's server, writing it to a folder, and displaying it as an avatar. When clicked, it takes the user to Amazon's page where they can read the description of the book (to comply with Amazon's TOS, at least, but also because it is a good service). The members change the image over time and have really enjoyed this and they say it's much more meaningful to them than regular avatars.
It's basic ASP so I'm just giving the idea out to others -- almost every Snitz forum member knows ASP. If you need to see the code, I can supply instructions. There are only two pages you need to edit, one field you need to add to the db, and you need to include a saveimage.asp page that grabs the image from Amazon to save it to a write folder (probably one that you already have available). I use a hacky method by hardcoding a password in the url that I pass to the saveimage.asp page and I feel comfortable with it, but it's not for everyone.<

its an easy MOD, and if you what to include the Book image as well, here is a good reading on how you could accomplish that.
http://aaugh.com/imageabuse.html<

It's very easy. I wish I did it a long time ago. My system includes the book image but only goes to Amazon.com once via MSXML, grabs the image, then places it on my server. That way there is no leeching and Amazon's server doesn't get abused. And it links back to the book, thereby driving traffic to Amazon which fulfills the TOS. You can even put your Associate tag in it and get about six percent of all orders if anyone clicks through.<

I'd like to see/use your work, Astralis! <

Definitely. It has a lot of promise.<

This is very interesting indeed!<

I agree with the others sounds like a very good thing. <

Could this mod ever work so that a sites affiliate details would insert into the product link automatically?<