Thoughts on Audible.com?

Skyegirl21 · ‎03-20-2010

Hi Q Chat friends! Do any of you use Audible.com ?
I would like to try it but would love to hear any pros or cons that you have noticed! Thanks so much- 💝, Skye

Nonametoday · ‎03-09-2010

I did it for several years and enjoyed it. Then when my husband and son became very ill simultaneously, I was unable to read due to caregiving. I got too many books (automatic charges and books) piled up, many books I will never read. I won't go into all the details but the books piled up as well as those of my son (who is now deceased). Hope springs eternal. I finally canceled my membership and his wife canceled his. I still have more books than I will ever read. I just don't have the time with both my husband's health and mine.

For a year it was my husband's and son's health needs (because his wife was basically "scared" of his illness) and now it is my husband's and mine.

But I can assure you that for someone who has cataracts, getting cataract surgery, who cannot focus at times, it is perfect. I loved it because I could get interrupted and go back and listen to the last few words as it marked my place and I would recall what I had read. I have, maybe around 100, but it is my fault. Just be sure you cancel at any time you feel you have more than you can read. Just know you have options and use them. Don't be foolish like me and think you can keep reading when you don't have either the time or energy.

Skyegirl21 · ‎03-20-2010

@Nonametoday , I'm so sorry to hear about all the struggles you've been through and are currently going through- I appreciate you sharing your experience with me. It's helpful. Best wishes for future better health to you and your fam- 💝💪🏽🙏

WRXtoo · ‎03-22-2010

@Skyegirl21

I love Audible and have had a subscription for many years (7 or 9?). I listen on my phone (w/ portable bluetooth speaker), in my car, on my Fire tablets...

It's mostly hassle-free (the search function can be clunky), and I love the credits to purchase books. I think I have the higher subscription at $14.95/mo and I earn a free credit every so often and also get a chance to purchase more credits, which I do when they are cheaper than the books I'm interested in. Lots of free books available as well.

The only issue I have is when a "reader" has a style or voice that I don't care for--it's really hard for me to get past that sometimes, so I just skip that book/series. Definitely listen to the sample reading to make sure the reader isn't nails-on-a-chalkboard for you! Most of the time the readers are fine or fantastic (Stephen Fry--Harry Potter series!).

I've never tried to cancel or had any issues to resolve, so I'm not familiar with how responsive their support is. My downloads and account management have been issue-free. Good thing--the thought of being without a book to read or listen to... Ack!!

Skyegirl21 · ‎03-20-2010

@WRXtoo wrote:
@Skyegirl21

I love Audible and have had a subscription for many years (7 or 9?). I listen on my phone (w/ portable bluetooth speaker), in my car, on my Fire tablets...

It's mostly hassle-free (the search function can be clunky), and I love the credits to purchase books. I think I have the higher subscription at $14.95/mo and I earn a free credit every so often and also get a chance to purchase more credits, which I do when they are cheaper than the books I'm interested in. Lots of free books available as well.

The only issue I have is when a "reader" has a style or voice that I don't care for--it's really hard for me to get past that sometimes, so I just skip that book/series. Definitely listen to the sample reading to make sure the reader isn't nails-on-a-chalkboard for you! Most of the time the readers are fine or fantastic (Stephen Fry--Harry Potter series!).

I've never tried to cancel or had any issues to resolve, so I'm not familiar with how responsive their support is. My downloads and account management have been issue-free. Good thing--the thought of being without a book to read or listen to... Ack!!

-----

Very helpful to know, @WRXtoo !
While I love books, I think I enjoy the aufitory experience better than reading- Thanks so much. I am going forward with it! Best wishes to you! 🌺

Nonametoday · ‎03-09-2010

@Skyegirl21 wrote:
@WRXtoo wrote:
@Skyegirl21

I love Audible and have had a subscription for many years (7 or 9?). I listen on my phone (w/ portable bluetooth speaker), in my car, on my Fire tablets...

It's mostly hassle-free (the search function can be clunky), and I love the credits to purchase books. I think I have the higher subscription at $14.95/mo and I earn a free credit every so often and also get a chance to purchase more credits, which I do when they are cheaper than the books I'm interested in. Lots of free books available as well.

The only issue I have is when a "reader" has a style or voice that I don't care for--it's really hard for me to get past that sometimes, so I just skip that book/series. Definitely listen to the sample reading to make sure the reader isn't nails-on-a-chalkboard for you! Most of the time the readers are fine or fantastic (Stephen Fry--Harry Potter series!).

I've never tried to cancel or had any issues to resolve, so I'm not familiar with how responsive their support is. My downloads and account management have been issue-free. Good thing--the thought of being without a book to read or listen to... Ack!!
-----
Very helpful to know, @WRXtoo !
While I love books, I think I enjoy the aufitory experience better than reading- Thanks so much. I am going forward with it! Best wishes to you! 🌺

@Skyegirl21 @WRXtoo

PS : I forgot to mention how convenient and great it is for travel as well. I had to go back and forth about 125 miles one way each day when my DH was having major surgery at the research university hospital. I would listen to books to keep me company.

KailaS · ‎03-09-2010

I used audible.com for a little over a year. I stopped for a while because the cost for books was more than my limited budget would allow. I also use Chirp, purchasing only those books offered at low prices. I have macular degeneration. I so miss reading. As a result, I listen to at least a book a day. It is so nice to listen while I am doing chores, cooking, or winding down at the end of the day. I also listen to many podcasts. I agree with the person who suggested that you listen to the samples provided so that you can avoid narrators whose voices might not appeal to you.

Nuttmeg · ‎03-09-2010

My sister has a subscription and enjoys the books. Prime Day is July 15-17, I think. Amazon may offer prime customers a deal.

WRXtoo · ‎03-22-2010

@Skyegirl21 Seems like they offer free trial periods every so often, and I bet as@Nuttmeg said, the upcoming Prime days might be a good time to check.

@Nonametoday I agree that listening while you travel is the best. It takes your brain away from daily worries and frustrations. I got started with audio books on my commute to/from work. And I like to listen while I'm doing household chores... it almost makes them fun.