7 Pros And Seven Cons Of Audiobooks

I just finished my first audiobook. And it was an experience value sharing:

I had been reading reviews and weblog posts and tweets about Seth Godin's newest book, Linchpin. Went to a couple of bookshops on my solution to work/house; it wasn't available. So I went to Amazon.com to order one. I used to be at Amazon after a very long time, and was shocked to see the options available: zanzibar01 Kindle (ebook download), hardcover, paperback, audio CD and audio download. Audio download appeared just 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.forty nine with a new membership! I signed up, paid the money, downloaded the book, and began listening to it instantly! The advantages:

1. It's fast. I used to be listening to the book after just a number of clicks in few minutes.
2. It is cheap. Book versions were USD13-25.
3. It's convenient. I copied the file to my iPhone to listen during my commute to and from work.
4. It's safe. A copy every on my pc, iPhone and backup is prone to final (damage-free) so long as I wish.
5. It takes no space. So less clutter. No worries about whether to maintain, dump, recycle or give-away.
6. It is surroundings-friendly. No paper, ink, chemicals.
7. It is comfortable. For someone who spends numerous time in front of computer systems or books, this is an effective break for the eyes. You possibly can listen while standing, walking or lying down.

And the disadvantages:

1. You need technology - computer, Internet entry, purposes like iTunes, and power supply
2. You need a handheld machine to maximize using audiobooks - iPhone, iPod or every other MP3 participant
3. You need a credit card for on-line buy
4. You may't share. I like giving away my books to someone who would possibly take pleasure in/benefit. Most audiobooks can't be shared on multiple computers/accounts.
5. You'll be able to't refer as easily. I prefer to go back to specific passages in my favourite books for inspiration/information/sharing. In audiobooks, you can quick-forward to chapters but it's troublesome to go to the exact passage you're looking for.
6. You possibly can lose it easily - unless you might have an excellent backup system.
7. You become anti-social. Your possibilities of interesting conversations with strangers drastically diminish in the event you go around with headphones in your ears.

On balance, I think it is determined by your life-style, circumstances and even the type of book you wish to read. Please take a couple of minutes to share your views via feedback: Have you tried an audiobook? If not, will you? What other pros and cons are you able to think of?