Would You Pay More For the Full Version of an Audiobook?

September 23, 2009

Pre-MP3, listening to a full-length audio book meant lugging around a set of CDs or cassettes. But as audiobook files were digitized along with other editorial content, the abridged audiobook went the way of the cassette tape — until now.

According to The New York Times, Hachette Audio will give away the abridged version of British author Iain M. Banks's new novel Transition in 23 installments, uploaded every Tuesday and Friday for 12 weeks, completely free. If the suspense is too much to handle, you can purchase the full audio file for $20.

Source: Flickr User Michael Casey

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6 Comments

Advah 3 years 34 weeks

Definitely not for Iain M. Banks. Or Ian Banks, for that matter. If it's a book I really want to read, I'll pick up the book - still not converted to audio books.

runningesq 3 years 34 weeks

I don't do 10 things at once when I listen to my audiobooks... I listen to them during long runs.

leahlarocco 3 years 34 weeks

There's just something about holding a book and taking time out of your day to actually sit down and read, rather than doing ten things at once while you listen to an audiobook.