I just finished my first audiobook. And it was an experience worth sharing:
I had been reading reviews and blog posts and tweets about Seth Godin’s newest book, Linchpin. Went to a couple of bookshops on my way to work/home; it wasn’t available. So I went to Amazon.com to order one. I was at Amazon after a long time, and was surprised to see the options available: Kindle (ebook download), hardcover, paperback, audio CD and audio download. Audio download looked like the fastest option so I checked it out. It took me to Audible.com – an Amazon company, where an audio download was being offered for just USD7.49 with a new membership! I signed up, paid the money, downloaded the book, and started listening to it right away! The benefits:
- It’s fast. I was listening to the book after just a few clicks in few minutes.
- It’s cheap. Book versions were USD13-25.
- It’s convenient. I copied the file to my iPhone to listen during my commute to and from work.
- It’s safe. A copy each on my computer, iPhone and backup is likely to last (damage-free) as long as I wish.
- It takes no space. So less clutter. No worries about whether to keep, sell off, recycle or give-away.
- It’s environment-friendly. No paper, ink, chemicals.
- It’s comfortable. For someone who spends a lot of time in front of computers or books, this is a good break for the eyes. You can listen while standing, walking or lying down.
And the disadvantages:
- You need technology – computer, Internet access, applications like iTunes, and power supply
- You need a handheld device to maximize the use of audiobooks – iPhone, iPod or any other MP3 player
- You need a credit card for online purchase
- You can’t share. I love giving away my books to someone who might enjoy/benefit. Most audiobooks can’t be shared on multiple computers/accounts.
- You can’t refer as easily. I like to go back to particular passages in my favorite books for inspiration/information/sharing. In audiobooks, you can fast-forward to chapters but it’s difficult to go to the exact passage you are looking for.
- You can lose it easily – unless you have a good backup system.
- You become anti-social. Your chances of interesting conversations with strangers greatly diminish if you go around with headphones in your ears.
On balance, I think it depends on your lifestyle, circumstances and even the kind of book you want to read. Please take a few minutes to share your views through comments: Have you tried an audiobook? If not, will you? What other pros and cons can you think of?
[Photo credit: purplecrying.info]
Mush Panjwani 
I have never tried an audiobook and might not. I can never be the same as reading a book yourself. It might be harmful to have earphones on for until you finish listening to the entore book too much strain on the ears.
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I would definitely like to give the audio book a try, for the experience. However, I may not opt for this extensively, as I am talking to and listening to people on the phone a great amount of time.
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hmm.. my opinion
Read it First, and Listen it afterwards (but ofcourse if you have enough time to do so); this procedure will help you to contain valuable knowledge by using both important senses i.e. Sight and Hearing.
What i do that i give all my books to my father as he is a Book Worm and Genius (Interpreter and translator of 7 languages), and in the end he shares gist of tht books with me.. 🙂 Which helps me to save the time 😛
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you can always look for cheap books online, there are lots of websites that sell cheap books `,.
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With havin so much content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright violation? My website has a lot of unique content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over
the web without my permission. Do you know any solutions to help protect against
content from being stolen? I’d truly appreciate it.
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Good post. I learn something new and challenging on sites
I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It will always be interesting to read articles
from other authors and practice something from their web sites.
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When using such a solution, you will be asked to talk about the events
that affected you in the year, marriage, new baby, move to a new house,
started college, changed employment status, etc.
6) Easy export and import:- A tax preparer can easily import W-2, Schedule D, Trial balance and Year-end balance, as well
as forms like child’s form 8615 and K-1 data from 1041, 1120S, and 1065 are easily exportable.
Avoid hype or gimmicks and let people know exactly what to
expect and what they are required to do in order to receive
what they are being offered.
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