Audible Introduces An "All You Can Eat" Romance Subscription Plan
The cost: $14.95 or $6.95 for KU & Audible subscribers. That sounds like a great deal to me and I am interested. I've always thought that Audible charges way too much for a book credit. Supposedly this streaming catalog includes 10,000 romances and you can listen to as many as you can consume. Update from Audible: This service would be similar to Kindle Unlimited and you would be able to borrow up to ten books at a time and keep them for as long as you want. You can also swap them out whenever you are ready. Sounds intriguing and I say FINALLY and friggin' yay (and we need one for horror) but the articles coming out today are pissing me off. Apparently Audible has added a new feature that allows one to type in terms to bring you to the good parts; sexy bits, witty banter, etc. It sounds unnecessary and like click-bait to me but it's brought out the misinformed who think romance readers are nitwits only reading for the sex. Dum dums. That's what Monster-porn is for. I totally read that stuff for the story.
"Let’s admit it: you probably aren’t reading that romance novel for the plot. Or its literary value. Audible knows this, and is today launching a new collection of romance-themed audiobooks that come with a handy feature that lets you skip right to the action. Called “Take Me To The Good Part,” the feature will fast-forward you to the steamy sections of the audiobook, says Audible."
"You devour romance novels to get to—ok, admit it—the steamiest parts."
Seriously, are we still in the 80's?! Do horror readers read horror only to skip to the gory bits, mystery readers to the murder? This makes me so incredibly mad and I don't even read a lot of romance (but when I do it IS for the plot and characters you presumptuousness snobs!).
Now if they introduce this plan for science fiction and horror, I would totally be on board. And, yeah, that's a little bit odd that they would put it like that. One of the reasons I won't listen to romance audio books (beyond the fact that there are few romance books I like) is that I don't want someone hearing certain scenes at weird times if they walk into the room or whatever, you know? Its not always possible to have headphones in!
ReplyDeleteI am trying to push for one on twitter. @ them of your interest. Hopefully they'll listen!
DeleteI'm with Lilyn. If they do it for horror and some other genres, I'd be in. I enjoy a romance now and then but it's not my favorite genre. I enjoyed your post. I've even read some erotica and erotic books. I sure didn't skip the story to get to the bedroom scenes. The stories were why I tried more in the genre.
ReplyDeleteSend @audible_com a note. I'm trying to start a movement for a horror subscription! The more interest the quicker they'll get it done (I hope!).
DeleteIt seems like a good plan but how obnoxious with those articles or whatever they were. I like romance fo the whole story. I hate when people generalize and make assumptions.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, right? It lacks any sort of originality dragging out those lame and ancient stereotypes.
DeleteI think your points are totally correct. I love horror but never skip to the gory parts! The gory parts are better because of the story building up to it, where we get interested in characters and atmosphere and creepy things in the woods! I'm sure romance readers enjoy things like characters and sexual tension etc as well before it gets steamy.
ReplyDeleteYep, we do. It makes me so mad that people look down on genre readers. Horror gets a bad rap too. It makes me crazy.
DeleteHere kitty kitty. Don't want to cross him/her. Tell it like it is. :-)
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
Nope, do not cross an angry kitty!
DeleteI think it sounds like a good plan but then why did they have to go and ruin it with that feature. Some people are so dumb! When I read romance, I do it because of the story and the characters and not just for the steamy parts. If that's all I want, I'll watch some porn!
ReplyDeleteSuch an unnecessary feature but then again I've seen people getting all excited about it and I'm here like ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
DeleteI guess, maybe - somewhere people do this??
ReplyDeleteI kind of skip over a lot of the sex lol I need there to be a story and characters to root for as well as steam though.
As always, it just degrades romance readers and it seems like the easy way out whenever they discuss the genre to make it just about sex. Lazy writing - but I guess that feature makes it an easy target.
For What It's Worth
Those articles are just silly. I don't think anyone skips to "the good parts". I noticed quite a few good books listed as part of this program. I have such a large Audible library most of which I haven't read yet that I don't think I can justify it but it sounds like it is worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteI may give this a trial run, sounds like a good plan. Gives me a chance to try audio books and determine if it is something I would enjoy
ReplyDeleteI've been wondering about this. I've been getting into audio this past year but, gah, yeah so expensive. All audiobooks, really. I'd love similar for mysteries.
ReplyDelete