As is reading, listening requires equal attention and concentration. Since ‘digital’ has taken precedence in our lives in many ways, lots of content these days, are available over podcast format.
I’ve never been a dedicated podcast, or even, an audiobook listener. I couldn’t even find an excuse to start with an audiobook. The most worrying aspect was the gradual increase in the number of days (even months) to complete reading a book.
I wanted to spend more time reading than watching Netflix or Prime shows. That’s when I made a conscious decision to make a change. Instead of listening to music every morning, why not listen to a story. I looked out for options and found that Audible (an Amazon company) and Storytel (a Swedish company) are the two prominent players. Both have a similar structure. However, the former is a tad cheaper, whereas the latter has more collection.
Enter, Audible.
Audible is a seller and producer of spoken audio entertainment, information, and educational programming on the Internet. Audible sells digital audiobooks, radio and TV programs, and audio versions of magazines and newspapers.
As compared to books (reading), Audible is an expensive bet given the amount of effort that goes into the audiobooks production process. That justifies the high cost. Nevertheless, Audible or Storytel offers up to 3 months of free trial having 5 credits, and thereafter a monthly subscription fee. It entitles 1 credit each month, and over that would be paid.
Audiobooks are absolutely addictive. To such an extent that I’ve switched to it almost completely. Nothing inspires me more to wake up to each morning for my daily run, in curiosity as to what would happen next in the chapter. It could be an excellent source of content consumption while on the move.
They have a section for Stats. Some pictures are here:
Rather than reading from every genre, it becomes a lot engrossing and interesting in the activity if you select your genres of interest. For me, it has been mystery, thriller, health, sci-fi, and business.
Thankfully, I could complete The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy, The Goodbye Party, and Habits for Happiness in 4 weeks.
