Blackstone Audio Books Sale

[Catlady]

Blackstone Audio has a sale of nearly 300 titles (mp3 or m4b, DRM-free).

Most of the sale downloads are 40 percent off, but some classics are a whopping 90 percent off--I picked up Scarlet Letter for $2, Don Quixote for $2.70, and Oliver Twist for $2.80.

Downloads of titles not included in the sale are 30 percent off with the coupon code HOLIDAYS.

You need to create account, but you don't need to become a member. Sale runs through Cyber Monday.

[FizzyWater]

I've never heard of this site - how do you know it's tied to Blackstone Audio? I couldn't find anything definitive in the Terms of Service or Privacy Policy (or on the home page).

[Catlady]

blackstoneaudio.com sends you to downpour.com

[FizzyWater]

Thanks!

[tubemonkey]

Three months ago, Blackstone Audio spun off its consumer arm and branded it "Downpour". As part of the spinoff, they're offering a subscription service similar to Audible. Blackstone still exists, but only for libraries and retailers.

So as far as consumers are concerned, Blackstone Audio is now Downpour.

Blackstone Audio Launches Downpour.com!

Forgive me if I sound like a father gushing over the birth of his first child, but I’m over-the-top excited about the launch of our new e-commerce site: Downpour.com. Aside from the fact that our customers can now download audiobooks published by Blackstone and most of the main publishing houses, including Simon & Schuster, Penguin, Hachette, HarperCollins, and Recorded Books, the site is just so slick and incredibly easy to navigate. It offers search and download experiences that are second to none.

If you’re an audiobook enthusiast—and I have reason to believe you are, since you’re reading this blog—you really should give it a try. There are numerous real benefits that Downpour offers. In my opinion, the fact that all of the audiobook downloads are offered in DRM-free (that’s Digital Rights Management–free) format is huge. With DRM-free audio, customers can transfer their books from device to device, and thereby avoid the hassle of being tethered to a single device. For those listening on Apple devices, they will have the option to order m4b versions, and this format allows for great advances in bookmarking and maneuvering.

[skinmaan]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

Three months ago, Blackstone Audio spun off its consumer arm and branded it "Downpour". As part of the spinoff, they're offering a subscription service similar to Audible. Blackstone still exists, but only for libraries and retailers.

So as far as consumers are concerned, Blackstone Audio is now Downpour.

I got a free trial offer from them and gave it a try. Their downloads are DRM-free and good quality, both for Blackstone titles and others. Their selection is not up to Audible's yet but they get my vote. When I spend my money on audiobooks, it's likely to be here. They also offer good discounts on CDs and mp3-CDs.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by skinmaan

Their selection is not up to Audible's yet but they get my vote.

That's for sure. I checked for a couple of my favorite authors (F Herbert and AC Clarke) and the selection was extremely poor (1-3 books each).

In the mean time, I downloaded their app to my Galaxy Player and iPod touch. I might get a couple of the classics they have on sale.

[skinmaan]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

That's for sure. I checked for a couple of my favorite authors (F Herbert and AC Clarke) and the selection was extremely poor (1-3 books each).

In the mean time, I downloaded their app to my Galaxy Player and iPod touch. I might get a couple of the classics they have on sale.

I was able to pick Neil Gaiman's American Gods, so I know they have more than just Blackstone. Hopefully they will continue to grow.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by skinmaan

Hopefully they will continue to grow.

I'm with you there. Competition is good.

[avid01]

Does Blackstone/Downpour offers free credit for signup like Audible?

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by avid01

Does Blackstone/Downpour offers free credit for signup like Audible?

No; Downpour used to offer a free one month trial, but no longer do so. After that, they offered you the opportunity to get one audiobook of your choice for $6.95, but that's also no longer available. Now they offer nothing in the way of an enticement to join.

[avid01]

They said you get 1 free credit (equals 1 book) for sign up. Will see.