Book description
Finance expert, law professor, and fellow overwhelmed consumer Kathryn Judge investigates the surprising ways that middlemen have taken control of the economy at the expense of the rest of us, and provides practical guidance about how to regain control, find more meaning, and contribute to a more sustainable economy. Over the past thirty years, middlemen have built intricate financial and retail empires capable of moving goods across the country and around the world--transforming the economy and our lives. Because of middlemen, we enjoy an unprecedented degree of choice and convenience. But the rise of the middleman economy comes at a steep price.In Direct, Columbia law professor Kathryn Judge shows how overgrown middlemen became the backbone of modern capitalism and the cause of many of its ailments. Middlemen today shape what people do, how they invest, and what they consume. They use their troves of data to push people to buy more, and more expensive, products. They use their massive profits and expertise to lobby lawmakers, tilting the playing field in their favor. Drawing on a decade of research, Judge shows how to fight back: Go to the source.The process of direct exchange--and the resulting ecosystem of makers and consumers, investors and entrepreneurs--fosters connection and community and helps promote a more just, resilient, and accountable economic system. Direct exchange reminds us that our actions always and inevitably impact others, as it rekindles an appreciation of our inherent interconnectedness. As Judge reveals in this much-needed book, direct exchange is both the cornerstone of the solution and a tool for revealing just how much is at stake in decisions about "through whom" to buy, invest and give.
Fire Sass
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature! ListenBookโs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Metal Aphrodite
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience. This app's convenience has turned me into an avid audiobook listener. Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer.
Palomino Cake
The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing โ it's my relaxation therapy. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment. ๐ Grooving to the rhythm of stories while tackling household chores โ a dance of productivity! ๐ถ๐ The range of supported formats is astounding. No more compatibility issues!
Romance Guppy
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. The statistics feature is a fantastic addition โ knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze.
Mule Lock
The ability to switch between different books effortlessly is a major plus. ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. I'm amazed by the variety of genres available โ there's something for everyone. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention. I love the variety of themes available. It makes the app feel personalized.
Metal Aphrodite
Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app!
Green Ghost
I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable.
Sexual Chocolate
The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. ๐๏ธ๐ง Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads โ this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. ๐๏ธ๐ ๐ก This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts โ it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. ๐๐ง
Sprinkle Lovenuts
๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ Exploring stories as I stroll โ audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. ๐๏ธ๐ง Navigating audiobooks with ease โ this app's design is user-centric. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend! Iโve been using ListenBook for months, and itโs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnโt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Queen Ginger
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. This app's simplicity has made me fall in love with books all over again.
Handsome
This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it! The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Day Hawk
ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureโit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend! A wonderful performance! The narrator captured the mood of the book perfectly, making it easy to visualize each scene. The audio quality was crisp, and the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish.
Dez
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content โ it's a real game-changer. With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories.
Referee
AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends. Looping playback has transformed my study sessions. It's an invaluable tool for retaining information. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Athena Star
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design โ it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Pixie
This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. ๐งโโ๏ธโ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook โ relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. ๐ต๐ ๐ฅ Streamlined functionality that's music to my ears โ audiobook enjoyment has reached a new level of convenience. ๐ต๐
Super Flick
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. Listening to audiobooks has become my guilt-free indulgence, and I love it. ListenBook's extensive statistics feature adds a new level of insight to my audiobook habits. ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer! The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
SprkR
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend! ListenBookโs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Homerun Diva
ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing. Absolutely loved the narration! The voice actor brought the characters to life with distinct tones and emotions. The production quality was top-notch, with no background noise or distractions. A truly immersive experience!
Engine Eye
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey. No more converting files โ this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorโs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnโt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre. The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience