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.
RedFisher
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. π± Carrying my library in my pocket β this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! ππ Streamlining audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is truly impressive. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Mechani-Man
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. Discovering new literary worlds has never been this easy. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audiobook library is at my fingertips. ππ The interface is sleek and modern. It's a pleasure to navigate and use the app.
Troubled Pie
Listening to audiobooks has become my daily ritual for relaxation and escape. I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily activities. Streamlining audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is truly impressive. Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature!
Omega Sub
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
2nd Hand Joe
I can't believe how much more productive I am β I'm learning and growing while multitasking! I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically.
Riff Raff
This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. Simplifying my audiobook experience β this app's design is a game-changer. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thank you! The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours.
RealmRanger
ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection.
Racy Babe
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available β so much to learn! This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever.
Street Jolly
This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app.
Senior Smurf
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. ποΈ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures β this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. βοΈπ Kudos to the developers for optimizing this app for iOS 16. It runs like a dream on my device. The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless. My house has never been cleaner! I kept finding chores to do just to keep listening. The narrator's energy matched the tone of the book perfectly.
Woo Woo
I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey effortless and rewarding. Audiobook adventures simplified β this app's functionality is a revelation. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to bond over stories. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
High Beam
Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy. The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless.
ThickSKN
As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading a part of my busy life. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time.
Spoiler
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. π± Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories β this app is pure magic! πβ¨ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings.
Succubus In Training
I've never been so entertained while doing household chores β this app is a lifesaver! I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my passport to countless stories. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Bleachers
Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers.
Nickname Master
Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. I can't stop raving about this app β it's like having a personal library in my pocket. Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. I'm hooked on this app's curated content β it's like having a personal librarian.
Dewdrop Doll
This app has made my daily routines more meaningful and enjoyable. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience.
Dahlia
Listening to audiobooks on my iPad has never been easier. Highly recommend ListenBook! As someone who listens to audiobooks daily, I can confidently say ListenBook is the best player out there. The sleep timer and auto-rewind features are lifesavers, and the sound quality is exceptional. Thank you for such a great app!
Bourbon Mirage
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist! Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient.
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