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  • Thoughts on Audiobooks?

    Not much going on around here, so at the risk of turning our usual circle jerk into a knitting circle, I wanted to get your thoughts on audiobooks.

    I've never listened to one, but I have this concern they'll curb my desire to actually read, heightening my potential to become much dumber.

    Thoughts?
    -Slizz of Wangnutz

  • #2
    i think it depends on how much time you spend in a car.

    I have a dear colleague who commutes into Manhattan from New Jersey and she swears that audiobooks are great.

    PS. she is probably one of fhe smartest persons I know. And I know some smarties.
    --------
    "We choose to go to the moon."

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    • #3
      I read the Game of Thrones books this way. I was traveling for work, so I just switched off between listening in the car and reading when I was at home. It worked out pretty well except for finding the page.

      Hasn't changed my reading habits for the negative. i probably read more actually.

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      • #4
        Tried it once

        on a long car trip and the guy narrating sounded like a doofus, considering the subject matter of the book.

        It was so distracting that I stopped listening and went back to Sirius to amuse myself.

        However, I have a friend who does it all the time (he has a 2-3 hour commute each way to work ... drives in from Long Island to NYC instead of taking the train ... I think he's fucking crazy myself).

        Anyway, he says the narrator is a key component, but contends that most of the ones he has heard are fine (and he's heard a shitload of them) ... claims I just got unlucky the only time I tried it.

        FWIW
        Obscenity is the last refuge of an inarticulate motherfucker.

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        • #5
          I'm thinking of doing the audible trial and doing American Gods this way. I just don't know if I'm going to do $15 per month of use.
          -Slizz of Wangnutz

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          • #6
            this is true

            Originally posted by slag View Post

            Anyway, he says the narrator is a key component, but contends that most of the ones he has heard are fine (and he's heard a shitload of them) ... claims I just got unlucky the only time I tried it.

            FWIW
            some books do have bad narrators and it makes the audio book otherwise useless.

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            • #7
              Originally posted by BigSlizz View Post
              Not much going on around here, so at the risk of turning our usual circle jerk into a knitting circle, I wanted to get your thoughts on audiobooks.

              I've never listened to one, but I have this concern they'll curb my desire to actually read, heightening my potential to become much dumber.

              Thoughts?
              I'm a big fan. Especially when you're trying to get through long books/series. I usually listen to the audiobook when I can't physically read (driving/biking/hiking/etc.) and then also supplement with an e-book or real thing.

              They're especially good if they have a quality reader. I'm a fan of Stephen King's books - not a fan of him reading them as he does for a few. Wil Wheaton reads ReadyPlayerOne and it's pretty good.

              I'm not a big fan of Audible's actually app, so when I get books there I convert them to MP3 and split them up into 2-3 minute files. I find it much easier to keep track. A 2-minute audiofile usually translates to about a page of text for most books. Audible will let you buy a year's worth of rentals (12 books) for ~$120 if you pay up front. You can then convert and play them on your preferred player.

              I can send you links to pull this off if you're interested.
              --
              Your Retarded

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              • #8
                Originally posted by BigSlizz View Post
                I'm thinking of doing the audible trial and doing American Gods this way. I just don't know if I'm going to do $15 per month of use.
                If you like it after the free trial, do the long-term subscription. Here's the converter:

                https://sourceforge.net/projects/aaxtomp3/

                As far as a cutter, you'll have to look around. I have one I downloaded a few years back but the newer version restricts it and wants you to pay.
                --
                Your Retarded

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                • #9
                  It's $150 for the annual membership and 12 books. If you don't convert them, there is a time limit as to when you can download and have to listen by.
                  --
                  Your Retarded

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                  • #10
                    I do audiobooks and podcasts for commute

                    Originally posted by BigSlizz View Post
                    I'm thinking of doing the audible trial and doing American Gods this way. I just don't know if I'm going to do $15 per month of use.
                    And I can get plenty of audiobooks through the local library for free.

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                    • #11
                      Thanks for this info. The converter info is very helpful. I can cut them up in Premiere.
                      -Slizz of Wangnutz

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                      • #12
                        Need to get books narrated by a William Shatner!
                        -Slizz of Wangnutz

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                        • #13
                          try your local library first ....

                          If you are worried about a $$ commitment .....my local branch has a ton for free.....easy stuff if you are just curious.
                          "I feel much better now that my pants are on."- overheard conversation at a Gayte

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                          • #14
                            Always wanted to try to do one of those language ones and learn a language on my commute.

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                            • #15
                              Originally posted by BigSlizz View Post
                              I'm thinking of doing the audible trial and doing American Gods this way. I just don't know if I'm going to do $15 per month of use.
                              Have you tried actually reading American Gods? Great book, hard to put down (all his books are like that).

                              However, I also heard his audio books (with him reading) are great too.

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