You say it’s an unpopular opinion but the survey results in the linked article suggest that Britain generally agrees with you (52% responded “No, I do not” to the question “Do you consider listening to an audiobook as equivalent to having read that same book?”).
The “yes” option was around somewhat less popular overall (29%).
I say unpopular because those that do think audiobook are “books” tend to be very, very vocal about how wrong I am when I express that opinion… As if I’m somehow undermining their enjoyment or the legitimacy of their consumption.
The 52% on my side are just sat quietly reading books and minding their own business.
I already spend most of my day reading and writing documents so the idea of reading even more for fun just makes my eyes hurt. I love books but if I can enjoy them in a different format to let them rest then I’d be happy to do so. Audiobooks are a great experience when you’re out for an evening walk or staring at traffic for your commute.
I know this is an unpopular opinion, but listening to audio books isn’t reading.
It is a different sensory experience. It uses different parts of the brain and imagination too.
It is far closer to listening to a radio play.
I’m not saying it is any worse or better, just different.
I’m not sure that conflating the two is useful, particularly when talking about reading habits.
You say it’s an unpopular opinion but the survey results in the linked article suggest that Britain generally agrees with you (52% responded “No, I do not” to the question “Do you consider listening to an audiobook as equivalent to having read that same book?”).
The “yes” option was around somewhat less popular overall (29%).
I say unpopular because those that do think audiobook are “books” tend to be very, very vocal about how wrong I am when I express that opinion… As if I’m somehow undermining their enjoyment or the legitimacy of their consumption.
The 52% on my side are just sat quietly reading books and minding their own business.
This is not an unpopular opinion.
I already spend most of my day reading and writing documents so the idea of reading even more for fun just makes my eyes hurt. I love books but if I can enjoy them in a different format to let them rest then I’d be happy to do so. Audiobooks are a great experience when you’re out for an evening walk or staring at traffic for your commute.
Yep. Cool. There’s a place for them, certainly.
Still don’t think that’s reading though.
This is pretty much why I don’t really read books but I don’t even do audio books. Part of it is there is just to much media as an option.