Listening is the new reading

[sealbeater]

Originally Posted by leebase

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, of course. I do find it an odd one to have. For a normal adult, reading isn't hard. Certainly reading fiction for pleasure isn't hard.

I don't think I implied it was hard. Only that listening to books when you know how to read is lazy.

Originally Posted by leebase

Why do I listen to books? For when I can't read. I listen to books while I drive, while I ride the train to work (I get sick if I try to read while bouncing around, and my neck hurts looking down at my phone). I listen to books when walking my dog. When I am in the kitchen cooking or cleaning the dishes, I listen to books.

I don't drive very often but I don't find the experience of listening to books a very enlightening or entertaining one. I find having to constantly direct my attention towards my ears to be a tiresome one.

I appreciate your position but at the same time, I don't have those problems.

I read books when I ride the train to work (I don't get sick if I try to read while bouncing around and I usually find myself in a very comfortable position for reading.

I read books while walking.

While obviously l don't read while washing dishes, the experience of listening to books being read isn't so great that I feel I'm missing out.

Originally Posted by leebase

When I'm home on the couch or in the bed, I read. Not because it's easier or harder. If I try to listen to a book and I'm not engaged in another activity, I'll fall asleep. Every time. It takes me MORE effort to listen to a book and not fall asleep than it does for me to read a book.

I agree.

Originally Posted by leebase

When I was a child, I'd read books all day long. My step mom would shoo me out of the house...but I'd just take my book and go read outside. I love reading.

Audio books have brought a lot more reading back into my busy adult life. I no longer have hours and hours a day to read. So for me, listening really is the new reading.

That's actually one of the few things I miss about childhood, having the time to read.

I agree that adult life doesn't present the endless hours to read that childhood presented. However any spare time I have to read is spend....reading. Audio books just don't work for me.

However, if audio books work for you, I'm not going to rain on it. I just use my ears for music, not books. To each their own.

[sealbeater]

Originally Posted by Cinisajoy

No, I am not seeing your logic.

Ok.

Originally Posted by Cinisajoy

And although I am not the poster that commented about primary school, I would guess she was referring to your snide comment about listening to books is lazy. (Better known as your attitude and maybe you will outgrow it. )

Well, first off, it wasn't me being snide, it was me being honest. I'm sorry you seem to think that honesty is an "attitude" that perhaps should be outgrown. Personally, I find it's always best to speak truth, even if it offends.

Originally Posted by Cinisajoy

Unless you want to be called out on it don't ever call someone else's behavior lazy.
Just a little tip there.

I appreciate the tip but I'll call things as I see them. I can handle myself just fine.

Originally Posted by Cinisajoy

Actually for me it would take way more effort to listen than to look at a book.

That's great. I'm the same way. I still consider it lazy behavior (in the absence of handicaps, of course)

[sealbeater]

Originally Posted by Cinisajoy

Oh and you might want to look up because I would bet money someone looks down on something you do.

LOL, I have absolutely no doubt that they do.

The difference is that I don't concern myself overly much with what people think.

They've never seen the things I've seen nor do they know the things I know.
They've never read the books I've read and they'll never go to the places I'll go

[Cinisajoy]

Originally Posted by sealbeater

Ok.



Well, first off, it wasn't me being snide, it was me being honest. I'm sorry you seem to think that honesty is an "attitude" that perhaps should be outgrown. Personally, I find it's always best to speak truth, even if it offends.



I appreciate the tip but I'll call things as I see them. I can handle myself just fine.



That's great. I'm the same way. I still consider it lazy behavior (in the absence of handicaps, of course)

And always remember interpreting what you are reading is in the eye of the reader.
I always welcome an honest opinion.
Even if I might disagree with it.

[copyrite]

Originally Posted by Catlady

Since my multitasking usually involves housecleaning while listening, I am willing to live dangerously and accept the risks.

Same here!


Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by sealbeater

Well, first off, it wasn't me being snide, it was me being honest. I'm sorry you seem to think that honesty is an "attitude" that perhaps should be outgrown. Personally, I find it's always best to speak truth, even if it offends.

That's not honesty, it's rudeness.

[4691mls]

Originally Posted by Catlady

That's not honesty, it's rudeness.

Agreed.

If a person happens to be one of those who takes in information more easily when it's heard rather than read (I know someone like this in real life; this person is neither lazy nor stupid) then why shouldn't they get their books in audio format? I wouldn't want such a person to consider me lazy for reading rather than listening.

Or if a person has a really busy life and their best chance at enjoying a book is to listen to it while commuting or doing housework, what's wrong with that? Anybody that busy hardly seems lazy.

What if a person has severe dyslexia and although they have learned how to read, it's still difficult and slow? Why shouldn't they be able to take in a book in a format that works for them?

[sealbeater]

Originally Posted by 4691mls

Agreed.

If a person happens to be one of those who takes in information more easily when it's heard rather than read (I know someone like this in real life; this person is neither lazy nor stupid) then why shouldn't they get their books in audio format? I wouldn't want such a person to consider me lazy for reading rather than listening.

They can get their books in whatever format they like. Just don't call it reading if you aren't using your eyes.

I would laugh, truly and long, if anyone tried to imply I was lazy for reading.

Originally Posted by 4691mls

Or if a person has a really busy life and their best chance at enjoying a book is to listen to it while commuting or doing housework, what's wrong with that? Anybody that busy hardly seems lazy.

Is this some real person or just some hypothetical seeped in hyperbole?

Originally Posted by 4691mls

What if a person has severe dyslexia and although they have learned how to read, it's still difficult and slow? Why shouldn't they be able to take in a book in a format that works for them?

I believe I qualified my statement limiting it to those without handicap. People can take in whatever format works for them, obviously.

However, if you have dyslexia and have trouble reading, perhaps more practice is called for.


You can take in reading material in whatever form works for you but if you listen to audio books in lieu of the written word, I'm gonna judge you. It's not going to be a wilful judgement but I will think less of you. I'm going to think "Self, this person is not a reader. Obviously they aren't a reader because they aren't reading. They are just another poseur who tries to talk the talk but can't walk the walk, for whatever reason."

Now, I'm glad that the world of books are open to most people, in one way or another. I'm happy that all of the above examples are able to get their fix. However, listening is not the new reading and I think implying otherwise is a bit offensive.

No wonder 14 percent of the population can't read. No wonder 21 percent of adults in the US read below a 5th grade level. No wonder 19 percent of high school graduates can't read.

No wonder the "average" American reads at a 7th or 8th grade level.


But hey, that doesn't matter right? We have audio books!

[Cinisajoy]

Originally Posted by sealbeater

They can get their books in whatever format they like. Just don't call it reading if you aren't using your eyes.

I would laugh, truly and long, if anyone tried to imply I was lazy for reading.



Is this some real person or just some hypothetical seeped in hyperbole?




I believe I qualified my statement limiting it to those without handicap. People can take in whatever format works for them, obviously.

However, if you have dyslexia and have trouble reading, perhaps more practice is called for.


You can take in reading material in whatever form works for you but if you listen to audio books in lieu of the written word, I'm gonna judge you. It's not going to be a wilful judgement but I will think less of you. I'm going to think "Self, this person is not a reader. Obviously they aren't a reader because they aren't reading. They are just another poseur who tries to talk the talk but can't walk the walk, for whatever reason."

Now, I'm glad that the world of books are open to most people, in one way or another. I'm happy that all of the above examples are able to get their fix. However, listening is not the new reading and I think implying otherwise is a bit offensive.

No wonder 14 percent of the population can't read. No wonder 21 percent of adults in the US read below a 5th grade level. No wonder 19 percent of high school graduates can't read.

No wonder the "average" American reads at a 7th or 8th grade level.


But hey, that doesn't matter right? We have audio books!

Child of mine, get off your butt and get a job.
While you are at it, clean your room.

Oh and kiddo, most people do housework every day. So that was a real person.

As to your reading books, if you are reading instead of being a responsible adult, then yes you are being extremely lazy.

Love,
Mom.

[sealbeater]

Originally Posted by Cinisajoy

Child of mine, get off your butt and get a job.
While you are at it, clean your room.

Ignorance seems to become you.

What's the point of quoting my entire post if you aren't going to address a single thing in it?

Originally Posted by Cinisajoy

Oh and kiddo, most people do housework every day. So that was a real person.

Most people doing housework every day has nothing to do with what he or I said.

The original qoute

Originally Posted by 4691mls

Or if a person has a really busy life and their best chance at enjoying a book is to listen to it while commuting or doing housework, what's wrong with that? Anybody that busy hardly seems lazy.

The issue arises that a person is *SO* busy with their life that the *ONLY* chance they have to listen to books is when they are doing housework or commuting.

So, most people doing housework every day has nothing to do with a hypothetical person being so busy in their life that the only chance they have to encounter a book is by listening to it during their housework or commute. That sounds like hyperbole to me.

It also sounds like you could do with some reading comprehension practice yourself.

Originally Posted by Cinisajoy

As to your reading books, if you are reading instead of being a responsible adult, then yes you are being extremely lazy.

Some of us don't find the two activities mutually exclusive.

Originally Posted by Cinisajoy

Love,
Mom.

How cute. I guess when you can't address anything actually said, this is the next best thing one can do to make oneself feel better...

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by sealbeater

They can get their books in whatever format they like. Just don't call it reading if you aren't using your eyes.

I would laugh, truly and long, if anyone tried to imply I was lazy for reading.

Is this some real person or just some hypothetical seeped in hyperbole?

I believe I qualified my statement limiting it to those without handicap. People can take in whatever format works for them, obviously.

However, if you have dyslexia and have trouble reading, perhaps more practice is called for.

You can take in reading material in whatever form works for you but if you listen to audio books in lieu of the written word, I'm gonna judge you. It's not going to be a wilful judgement but I will think less of you. I'm going to think "Self, this person is not a reader. Obviously they aren't a reader because they aren't reading. They are just another poseur who tries to talk the talk but can't walk the walk, for whatever reason."

Now, I'm glad that the world of books are open to most people, in one way or another. I'm happy that all of the above examples are able to get their fix. However, listening is not the new reading and I think implying otherwise is a bit offensive.

No wonder 14 percent of the population can't read. No wonder 21 percent of adults in the US read below a 5th grade level. No wonder 19 percent of high school graduates can't read.

No wonder the "average" American reads at a 7th or 8th grade level.

But hey, that doesn't matter right? We have audio books!

Reading is generally believed to increase understanding and empathy. Obviously it hasn't worked for you. Have a nice day.

[sealbeater]

Originally Posted by Catlady

Reading is generally believed to increase understanding and empathy. Obviously it hasn't worked for you. Have a nice day.

Perhaps your perception of my lack of understanding and empathy speaks more to your own condition.

[Cinisajoy]

Originally Posted by sealbeater

Ignorance seems to become you.

What's the point of quoting my entire post if you aren't going to address a single thing in it?



Most people doing housework every day has nothing to do with what he or I said.

The original qoute


The issue arises that a person is *SO* busy with their life that the *ONLY* chance they have to listen to books is when they are doing housework or commuting.

So, most people doing housework every day has nothing to do with a hypothetical person being so busy in their life that the only chance they have to encounter a book is by listening to it during their housework or commute. That sounds like hyperbole to me.

It also sounds like you could do with some reading comprehension practice yourself.



Some of us don't find the two activities mutually exclusive.



How cute. I guess when you can't address anything actually said, this is the next best thing one can do to make oneself feel better...

I was responding specifically to this:

Originally Posted by 4691mls View Post
Or if a person has a really busy life and their best chance at enjoying a book is to listen to it while commuting or doing housework, what's wrong with that? Anybody that busy hardly seems lazy.
Is this some real person or just some hypothetical seeped in hyperbole?

So yes, my post was fitting.

[barryem]

Originally Posted by sealbeater

Ignorance seems to become you.

I was defending you till you said that. I don't agree that listening is lazy but I see nothing rude about giving that opinion. It's hopefully the kind of group where we can share our opinions and that's a valid one even if it's not mine.

But "Igorance seems to become you" is just name calling, plain and simple. That's the sort of thing that's best left out of forum discussions. It's personal. It's about the person you're discussing with, not about their opinion.

I find this to be a fairly interesting topic but if we aren't polite we're not going to get very far.

If you don't know, I'm not a moderator, just a participant giving my opinion.

Barry

[ekbell]

Originally Posted by sealbeater

I don't think I implied it was hard. Only that listening to books when you know how to read is lazy.

...

I don't drive very often but I don't find the experience of listening to books a very enlightening or entertaining one. I find having to constantly direct my attention towards my ears to be a tiresome one.

You appear to be contradicting yourself. How can a task you find too tiresome to be enlightening or entertaining be also the lazy option? If there is merit to choosing the more difficult option you should be taking on the challenge of learning the skills needed to listen and comprehend audiobooks.

l freely admit that I'm simply too *lazy* to practice paying attention to complicated material with my ears (the last time I regularly listened to books they contained much simpler material) when I can just pick up my tablet and have read the book in a tenth of the time using already well practiced skills. I do see merit in practicing listening skills so I've been listening to the Great Courses where no written option exists, sweetened by linking it to working on my embroidery so that even if I fail to retain much of the lecture I have another bit of my current project done.