No more PHYSICAL books for me

6 years ago

Originally Posted by talfighel

So for the past few years I have been reading physical motivational and business books.

Then I came across one of the most successful affiliate marketers in the world that I have been following for years and he said that he listens to these books as AUDIO.

So I decided to give it a try and must say that I LOVE IT.

I use Audible.com and have it on my phone.

Do any of you listen to audio too? Do you like it or not?

People like audio because they can listen while they drive or work.

But reading a physical book involves concentration. It forces you to be involved in the learning.

I listen to podcasts because the content isn't essential. But a book? A nonfiction book I'm studying? No. Reading is better.

Audio is more popular because it involves less effort, and it still feels like you are learning something.

A motivational book? Sure. A business book, to improve a skill? No.

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Frank Donovan

6 years ago

Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre

But reading a physical book involves concentration. It forces you to be involved in the learning.

Agreed. Learning is an active process. And also I find I learn more effectively from a physical book than the same one in electronic form. Even then, I usually have to read it more than once.

Of course, I might just be slow on the uptake.

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Claude Whitacre

6 years ago

Originally Posted by Frank Donovan

Agreed. Learning is an active process. And also I find I learn more effectively from a physical book than the same one in electronic form. Even then, I usually have to read it more than once.

Of course, I might just be slow on the uptake.

I buy physical books for a couple of reasons. All are non-fiction.

I can write in the margins, circle important points, or even tear pages out to file separately.

I have a library. There is a visceral pleasure in owning the book. I don't know how to describe it otherwise. The most valuable thing I own is my library.

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Frank Donovan

6 years ago

Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre

I buy physical books for a couple of reasons. All are non-fiction.

I can write in the margins, circle important points, or even tear pages out to file separately.

I have a library. There is a visceral pleasure in owning the book. I don't know how to describe it otherwise. The most valuable thing I own is my library.

Same here. For me, a good book is something to savour. I could no more enjoy speed reading than speed eating.

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myob

6 years ago

Originally Posted by Frank Donovan

Same here. For me, a good book is something to savour. I could no more enjoy speed reading than speed eating.

Ultimately, digestion is what's really important.Good books and good food can be savored, or devoured.

Sometimes, at the same time.

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Frank Donovan

6 years ago

Originally Posted by myob

Ultimately, digestion is what's really important.Good books and good food can be savored, or devoured.

Sometimes, at the same time.

I'm not knocking speed reading. In fact, when I start a new book, I often race through the first chapter or two to get a feel for it. What's changed for me over the years is that I no longer feel guilty about abandoning that book if isn't totally engrossing.

There are a few books I have, maybe no more than 15 or so, that I'll read again and again - and each time get something new from them.

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Claude Whitacre

6 years ago

Originally Posted by Frank Donovan

I'm not knocking speed reading. In fact, when I start a new book, I often race through the first chapter or two to get a feel for it. What's changed for me over the years is that I no longer feel guilty about abandoning that book if isn't totally engrossing.

There are a few books I have, maybe no more than 15 or so, that I'll read again and again - and each time get something new from them.

A habit I have that my wife doesn't understand at all..

I buy a book, and give it a quick browse. Maybe 15 minutes total. i may read one chapter.

If I can see that the author knows their stuff, I'll set it in order, to really absorb a careful reading. If I think the book is a waste of time, I'll donate it to the library. I almost never return a book.

And like you, I have a small group of books that I go back to over and over again. Every once in a while, I'll find an author that has, what I think of as "Deep knowledge".

Sometimes, I'll order a first edition of the book to keep in my library, and a reader copy to mark up and write in the margins.

Originally Posted by Frank Donovan

Same here. For me, a good book is something to savour. I could no more enjoy speed reading than speed eating.

Hey! I speed eat at every meal. It still takes me an hour.

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Chyna B Atkinson

6 years ago

I agree!

You are more involved with a physical book.

Taking notes, highlighting...

Hell, I love the smell of books.

When you see them in your library it's a reminder to sit, take time and read.

It's also great to have a physical book to share.

However audio books are great for driving, washing dishes and just listening to content, but i don't think there is much retention.

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talfighel

6 years ago

Originally Posted by Chyna B Atkinson

I agree!

You are more involved with a physical book.

Taking notes, highlighting...

Hell, I love the smell of books.

When you see them in your library it's a reminder to sit, take time and read.

It's also great to have a physical book to share.

However audio books are great for driving, washing dishes and just listening to content, but i don't think there is much retention.

Listening to audio is new to me but I like it.

I guess your subconscious mind will listen to the words even while you are not.

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Rashida Qureshi 6 years ago

I have to agree on this one! My favourite thing about owning a physical book is the notes that I make in it. I always find my notes are the best way to refer back to books I've read, as it's put in a way that I can understand best!
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Profit Traveler

Banned 6 years ago

Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre

People like audio because they can listen while they drive or work.

But reading a physical book involves concentration. It forces you to be involved in the learning.

I listen to podcasts because the content isn't essential. But a book? A nonfiction book I'm studying? No. Reading is better.

Audio is more popular because it involves less effort, and it still feels like you are learning something.

A motivational book? Sure. A business book, to improve a skill? No.

Great insights as always.

I guess that is why Tony Robbins does both.

But when you hear him on recording say "I do not say this to impress you but to impress upon you"..no book can capture that hypnotism hahaha. In my humble.

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myob

6 years ago

I'm a speed reader, and go through several books and professional periodicals daily. No patience for slow audio, and speedy audio is unintelligible.

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Chyna B Atkinson 6 years ago

How do you learn to speed read?
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- myob 6 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Chyna B Atkinson
  
  How do you learn to speed read?
  
  It actually takes a lot of practice and intense focused attention. But I don't read every word; just groups of words or sometimes whole paragraphs at a time for keywords. Surprisingly, speed reading does increase concentration and comprehension.
  
  I learned this back in highschool during the late 1960's from "Evelyn Wood Program of Dynamic Learning".
  
  Evelyn Wood created and marketed a system that was said to increase a reader's speed (over the average reading rate of 250 to 300 words a minute) by a factor of three to ten times or more, while preserving and even improving comprehension.
  
  There is still a much watered down version of her course on Amazon "The Evelyn Wood Seven-Day Speed Reading and Learning Program" (not to be confused with "The Evelyn Woodhead Speed Reading Course" by Cheech and Chong).
  
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dbarnum

6 years ago

Readaholic here! Inspirational Christian Fiction (both contemporary & historic) is one addiction. Each book begins with a Bible quote that the story has as a focus. Enjoy them and passing them along to others so we can discuss later or just keep sharing them with others.

Hubby is a readaholic,too. He's a home improvement & auto tech DIY guy, with plumbing, carpentry and all types of other builder and automotive books all over. Uses them a lot. He does refer to YouTube vids a bunch, too, and enjoys spiritual audio.

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Just Curious 66

Banned 6 years ago

I listen to Cosmic Master audios to squeeze more out of what I already got.

I realized ever since -- I got plenty of potential.

Books are a thing of the past. I am now on a totally different level.

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starbaby

6 years ago

I dont totally agree because i still buy and get physical books at the library since love books in all forms but since learn so much over the last three months reading exclusively ebooks and audio books from the library I see why you feel that way

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Matthew Stanley

6 years ago

Good arguments have been made for both side here, but ultimately I agree with Nassim Taleb on this: "When I look at a physical book in my library, I remember the contents! Even more when I hold it in my hands."

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laurencewins

6 years ago

I think people have made good points for and against physical vs eBooks vs audio.

One statement frightens me. Listen while driving. People need LESS distractions, not more. Audio books in the car will only lead to crashes and possible fatalities.

I also believe it's an age thing.Speaking of someone who grew up devouring plenty of books, fiction and non-fiction, I loved owning the best ones and donating the rest. However, I didn't donate many because I knew my tastes.

You take the younger generation who were born plugged into a charger and would be lost without technology. They are the generations who love eBooks and think buying a real book is weird.

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Princess Balestra

6 years ago

Coolest stuff evah is how readin' is simultaneously LINEAR

(bcs you jus' read on up to enda that LINE of SHAPES)

plus also ULTRA EVOCATIVE

bcs that LINE of SHAPES

is DANCIN' GALS

or MOUNTAIN PEAKS

or ... we jus' get back to how writin' can mebbe pluck an' plant imagry in equal measure.

Digital's advantage is bringin' libraries to evryplace.

Hey, but ain't there sumthin' real exotic 'bout openin' up a whole noo horizon with your fingertips an' followin' your nose?

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Radcliff

6 years ago

I have never tried audio books but I am pretty sure that they are not my thing because I am the kind of person who loves the smell of a book and the sound made from turning a page. Reading has no alternative. At least that's what I think.

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greatwriter

6 years ago

My mind tends to wander when listening to audios, so reading is still the best way for me to learn.

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Carlos Silva

6 years ago

Audio is OK. I have my kindle narrate PDF's and e-books. It helps to digest the information and I can hear them again on the light of other books and gathering more information or to see whenever a book is really worth getting - Generally digital options are less expensive.

With that said, there is a time I have to sit down, print some parts and really use that to set myself goals or see how those things can be applicable to my situation and what I am trying to achieve. So I normally have hard copies.

I tried Audible in the past - lack of a physical book was limiting, so the kindle works better for me - while the narration is not as good - it serves its purpose perfectly which is that of understanding where the valuable information is and then digest it later with a pen and paper. I can also set the speed or interval till it stops, when I read before sleep).

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Jose Fourino

6 years ago

The magic happens when you listen to cosmic audios and fall asleep.
Of course if the Master was a book, he would be a page-turning case study.

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Claude Whitacre 6 years ago

Originally Posted by Jose Fourino

The magic happens when you listen to cosmic audios and fall asleep.
Of course if the Master was a book, he would be a page-turning case study.

Sorry, I have to ask..

Who is the Master you guys are talking about? Is this something like The Cosmic Master I read about on this forum?
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- Tom Heinz 6 years ago
  
  Most likely yes it is about the Cosmic Master.
  
  It whets my appetite when there is food for thought.
  
  Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre
  
  Sorry, I have to ask..
  
  Who is the Master you guys are talking about? Is this something like The Cosmic Master I read about on this forum?
  
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oppyeaunome

6 years ago

I love audible and I've been using them for years. Although I love to listen to books I like to read them as well. I rarely if ever purchase a hard copy of a book and have all of my books on kindle.