| I just finished my first audiobook. And it was an | | | | break for the eyes. You can listen while standing, |
| experience worth sharing: | | | | walking or lying down. |
| I had been reading reviews and blog posts and | | | | And the disadvantages: |
| tweets about Seth Godin's newest book, Linchpin. | | | | 1. You need technology - computer, Internet access, |
| Went to a couple of bookshops on my way to work | | | | applications like iTunes, and power supply |
| home; it wasn't available. So I went to to order one. I | | | | 2. You need a handheld device to maximize the use |
| was at Amazon after a long time, and was surprised | | | | of audiobooks - iPhone, iPod or any other MP3 player |
| to see the options available: Kindle (ebook download), | | | | 3. You need a credit card for online purchase |
| hardcover, paperback, audio CD and audio download. | | | | 4. You can't share. I love giving away my books to |
| Audio download looked like the fastest option so I | | | | someone who might enjoy/benefit. Most audiobooks |
| checked it out. It took me to - an Amazon company, | | | | can't be shared on multiple computers/accounts. |
| where an audio download was being offered for just | | | | 5. You can't refer as easily. I like to go back to |
| USD7.49 with a new membership! I signed up, paid | | | | particular passages in my favorite books for |
| the money, downloaded the book, and started | | | | inspiration/information/sharing. In audiobooks, you can |
| listening to it right away! The benefits: | | | | fast-forward to chapters but it's difficult to go to the |
| 1. It's fast. I was listening to the book after just a | | | | exact passage you are looking for. |
| few clicks in few minutes. | | | | 6. You can lose it easily - unless you have a good |
| 2. It's cheap. Book versions were USD13-25. | | | | backup system. |
| 3. It's convenient. I copied the file to my iPhone to | | | | 7. You become anti-social. Your chances of interesting |
| listen during my commute to and from work. | | | | conversations with strangers greatly diminish if you |
| 4. It's safe. A copy each on my computer, iPhone | | | | go around with headphones in your ears. |
| and backup is likely to last (damage-free) as long as I | | | | On balance, I think it depends on your lifestyle, |
| wish. | | | | circumstances and even the kind of book you want |
| 5. It takes no space. So less clutter. No worries about | | | | to read. Please take a few minutes to share your |
| whether to keep, sell off, recycle or give-away. | | | | views through comments: Have you tried an |
| 6. It's environment-friendly. No paper, ink, chemicals. | | | | audiobook? If not, will you? What other pros and |
| 7. It's comfortable. For someone who spends a lot of | | | | cons can you think of? |
| time in front of computers or books, this is a good | | | | |