Book description
"Engrossing and suspenseful." --The New York Times "Expertly pulls readers in." --The Guardian "Smith sharply chronicles the revolutionary moment." -- Financial TimesThe origin story of the Age of Disinformation: the candid inside tale of two online media rivals, Jonah Peretti of HuffPost and BuzzFeed and Nick Denton of Gawker Media, whose delirious pursuit of attention at scale helped release the dark forces that would overtake the internet and American society. If attention is the new oil, Ben Smith's Traffic is the story of the time between the first gusher and the impact of climate change. The curtain opens in Soho in the early 2000s, after the first dotcom crash but before Google, Apple, and Facebook exploded, when it seemed that New York City rather than Silicon Valley might become tech's center of gravity. There, within a few square blocks, Nick Denton's merry band of nihilists at his growing Gawker empire and Jonah Peretti's sunnier crew at HuffPost and BuzzFeed were building the foundations of viral internet media. It was tech's age of innocence: the old establishment might have been discredited by the Iraq War, but digital news would facilitate the spread of truth. After all, didn't progressive activists online get Barack Obama elected? Ben Smith, who would go on to earn a controversial reputation as BuzzFeed's editor-in-chief, was there to see it, and he chronicles it all with marvelous lucidity scored with dark wit, sparing no one--and certainly not himself. Smith tells a nuanced story: yes, Denton's ideology of radical transparency was problematic, but at least he had an ideology. Jonah Peretti survived long after Denton's Gawker perished because his focus on clicks was relentlessly content-agnostic. But unintended consequences began to snowball. Traffic explores one of the great ironies of our time: the internet, which was going to help the left remake the world in its image, has become the motive force of right populism. People like Steve Bannon and Andrew Breitbart and Gavin McInnes and Chris Poole, the creator of 4chan, all seemed like minor characters in the narrative in which Nick and Jonah and crew were the stars. By 2020, any reasonable observer might wonder if the opposite wasn't the case. To understand how we got here, Traffic is essential and enthralling reading.
Doz Killer
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic β what a win! Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. π±π
Duchess
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. πββοΈπ Running with purpose β audiobooks keep my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals. πββοΈπ§ Audiobook immersion simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset.
Cali Yacht
This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule. π©βπ³ Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales β cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! π³π§
Fire Feline
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. Streamlining my audiobook journey β this app's design is top-notch. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a technological marvel.
Swampmasher
Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. Efficient audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is a revelation. From MP3 to FLAC, this app plays them all flawlessly. Say goodbye to compatibility issues! ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch.
Pompeii Unicorn
With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. π Rekindling my love for reading β this app makes each day a new adventure! ππ Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is impressive.
Metal Star
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. Looping playback is my secret weapon for language learning. It's revolutionized my approach. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to an impressive degree.
High Deck
I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. Audiobooks on the go β this app's design prioritizes convenience. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect.
Dorothy Solitaire
This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. π Finding the perfect audiobook is a breeze with this app's robust search and recommendation features. My reading list has never been better! ππ« Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments.
Granola
ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant β it's that good! This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. π Turning road trips into unforgettable adventures β audiobooks keep me entertained on the journey! ππ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings.
Bad Beret
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. ListenBook's support for various audio formats means I never have to worry about compatibility issues. Audiobooks anytime, anywhere β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use.
Black Mustard
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true blessing for enjoying clear audio even in noisy environments. I can't stop raving about this app β it's like having a personal library in my pocket. Finally, an app that respects my busy lifestyle. Whether I'm commuting or exercising, this app's smooth playback and smart controls keep me engaged. πββοΈπ§
Pinball Esq
Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to spread the joy of storytelling. A fun feature! The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences.
Patton Digger
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom! ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true. The app's performance is nothing short of impressive β smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind.
Sick Saurus
The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience.
B@d B0y
The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Sky Trinity
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual exploration and personal growth. With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story. Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's functionality is remarkable.
Houston
Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization β top-notch. With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist!
Old Felix
Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. ππ Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience.
Duke Electro
ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly. Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness.
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