Comments on: Borders opens online audiobook store

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:24:18 +0000

I’m just glad that Steve Jobs and Itunes will actually have some competition out there. It seems like they’re just running away with the industry.

By: Arlene Radasky

Arlene Radasky — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:49:13 +0000

I do love to see my two and five-year old grandsons with books al around them. But at this age they wouldn’t care if the books were on a Kikndle, Sony readers or on paper as long as they can see the pictures. I don’t know if either can show pictures. The five-year-old reads fast and loves the computer so I can actually visualize him in front of a computer with a Kindle, downloading books. And think of not having to carry that heavy pack in school. I volunteer for Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic and many of the texts we read refer to a website or have DVDs with more information. One more step…

By: neil

neil — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:45:13 +0000

I doubt printed books will go out of style within the next few generations at least. The tactile experience is still too good. However, if readers (Kindle, etc) improve, then there is going to be a tussle. My hope is that publishers understand that the different forms are merely alternate ways to consume the same content and not attempt to push (or price) one above the others. Sadly, I suspect it will be whatever medium ends up providing the greatest profit margin will come out on top.

By: Arlene Radasky

Arlene Radasky — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:26:00 +0000

My generation has such an fear that the traditional printed book will go out of fashion, (which I believe is happening) that they are resistant to listening. When the younger generations, those who live with iPods, grow, the audience will demand and the suppliers will have to listen. So many past published authors are reading or allowing their books to be read, it is now ‘the thing to do’ in the business here in the States. Wasn’t it Jobs, when asked why Apple didn’t make a reader before the Kindle came out, say something like, because no one has time to read anymore? No matter how resistant some are the art of literature is changing to audible or readers.

By: neil

neil — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:25:47 +0000

I don’t think anyone has really worked out how best to handle audiobook distribution, yet. Neither publishers nor their audience understand how best to make the most out of the medium.

By: Arlene Radasky

Arlene Radasky — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:47:32 +0000

Hi Neil,
I have been using Audible.com for years. I get such discounts that I was able to stop buying the horribly expensive CD’s in the bookstores. I wonder how the pricing will be when the loss-leader is gone. Why go to a bookstore to download?

Arlene