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.
Raid Bucker
No more fighting over the radio during family trips โ we're all hooked on audiobooks now. ๐ถ๐ Setting the mood with stories instead of songs โ this app is my go-to playlist! ๐ง๐ Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves! Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
Are Ess Tee
This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. ๐ This app is a game-changer โ its intuitive design and seamless functionality make listening to audiobooks a joy. ๐๐ง Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration.
Queen Bee
I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app โ it's revitalizing. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. ๐๐ง This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Father Abbot
ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks, lectures, and speeches an absolute pleasure. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. ๐ก The future of audiobook listening is here โ this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. ๐ง๐ฎ A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasnโt blown away. The narratorโs performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat. This audiobook made my workouts fly by! The engaging narration kept me motivated to keep listening, which meant longer gym sessions. The narrator's energy matched the material perfectly - upbeat when needed, somber when appropriate. A great example of how narration can enhance text.
Geneva Cuffs
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. The extensive statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption habits โ so cool! I can't imagine my life without this app โ it's my constant source of books. ListenBookโs interface is clean and intuitive. Itโs a joy to use.
Kamikaze Grandma
Elevating my reading experience to a whole new level, this app's user-friendly interface and easy navigation have me hooked. Audiobooks have never been this enjoyable! ๐ฑ๐ WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature! The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Sun Runner
ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. ListenBook has redefined my workout routine. The controls are so user-friendly. ListenBookโs interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier.
Free Ham
This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. ListenBookโs support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
Zero Charisma
๐ Reading has never been this easy โ this app fits right into my fast-paced lifestyle. ๐๐ซ ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening.
Rocky Highway
This app has transformed my screen time into valuable learning and entertainment. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls โ it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. ๐ My audiobook haven โ this app is like a door to endless adventures and knowledge! ๐๐ ๐ง Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly โ this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. ๐๐
Alley Cat
ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. ๐ Long road trips? No problem โ this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! ๐๐ ๐ก This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts โ it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. ๐๐ง I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off! I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Mental
The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. Perfect for my daily walks. The story was engaging enough to keep me motivated to exercise but not so complex that I got lost in thought. Great production quality too.
True Sweetness
Audiobooks at my fingertips โ this app's ease of use is a game-changer. ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience.
Prone
I'm addicted to this app โ it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales. Audiobook excellence made simple โ this app's functionality is a true asset. Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. ๐๐ ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
CodeExia
I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and powerful features have rekindled my love for audiobooks. The audio filters and precise controls are fantastic! ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this narrator is now in my top 5. Their timing and inflection were masterful. Never a dull moment in the entire performance.
Mallow Man
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level. The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience. ListenBookโs support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily. The interface is so clean and clutter-free. Itโs a pleasure to use.
ForumFlare
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch.
57 Pixels
ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant โ it's that good! I'm addicted to this app's seamless performance and impressive library. ๐ง My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. ๐๐ณ ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Flint Cast-Iron
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. ๐ก Balancing learning and living effortlessly โ audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! ๐ง๐ซ Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Woo Woo
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. This app has given me the joy of reading even when my hands are full. The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy.
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