You might have noticed that I’ve added some ads on the right for Simply Audiobooks. They don’t say it on their website (probably can’t legally) but they’re kind of like the “Netflix of Audiobooks”. You sign up, make a list of books you’d like to listen to, then they’re mailed to you and you later mail them back. I haven’t signed up yet myself (my Audible library still has unlistened-to books) but it looks interesting. Are any of you customers? I’d like to hear what your experiences are. Since I’m displaying ads, it probably goes without saying that I’d get a commission from any sales using these links, but I’m genuinely interested in learning how well this service works.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Cool idea – but what I’m really looking for is a streaming version – where I can stream 1 audio book at a time through an iPhone app (for a monthly plan, say $15 a month?). Mailing CDs around is really a hassle and inefficient.
I don’t really understand the audible model. I really don’t care to ‘own’ an audio book. Listening once is just fine for me.
Do you know of anything like this?
Hi Danny. I don’t know of a service that’s exactly what you’re describing but it’s an idea that very much interests me as a developer. You might want to check out overdrive.com. They work with libraries to let you checkout audiobooks for a limited time for free.
Something like this would have to start with independent authors because publishing houses probably wouldn’t like it. It doesn’t fit their traditional (i.e., dying) business model.