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.
Wrangler Jim
I love that I can download content directly from the internet within the ListenBook app β so handy! The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side. Looping playback is a study tool that I can't live without. It helps me master challenging content.
The Beekeeper
Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. Now I can enjoy my favorite lectures and speeches with ease! πΆββοΈπ§ Walking and listening has never been this smooth β this app's user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to enjoy my favorite stories. ποΈπ ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver!
WanderWord
Simplifying my reading routine β this app's ease of use is remarkable. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time.
Dakota Bliss
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. π§ Making housework more enjoyable β audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. π§Ήπ Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds β this app's functionality is genius. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is top-notch.
Guncap Slingbad
ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps. Book groups keep my related titles together for a cohesive listening experience. A thoughtful feature! The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly.
Fire Queen
ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks, lectures, and speeches an absolute pleasure. This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. π Turning my phone into a portal of stories β this app's ease of use is remarkable! π±π«
Alpha
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. ListenBook's thoughtful inclusion of chapters, controls, and filters has enhanced my audiobook experience. π§ Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly β this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. ππ Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. ππ§ The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Mantis Queen
This app has revolutionized my daily routine β I can't imagine life without it. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze.
Freaky Ratbuster
ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly.
DreamDasher
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators β they add a unique charm to each book. This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment. Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time.
True Sweetness
This app's seamless integration with CarPlay and other devices has revolutionized my audiobook experience. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before.
CommandX
ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio β from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly β it's a game-changer. Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read β this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful.
Shady Lady
Kudos to the app for making literature accessible to those with busy schedules. πΆ Saying goodbye to tangled headphones and complex controls β this app's easy navigation has made audiobook listening a breeze. π΅π Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch.
Kamikaze Granny
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. π Say goodbye to boredom during long drives β this app makes road trips fly by! ππ From MP3 to FLAC, this app plays them all flawlessly. Say goodbye to compatibility issues!
HOV
Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. ππ§ Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and diverse compatibility ensure that every tale is a captivating journey. ππ§ Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content.
Freeze Queen
With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is a true winner. ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained.
Bruh
πββοΈπ Running with purpose β audiobooks keep my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals. πββοΈπ§ The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative way to make each audiobook unique. I love how easy it is to download audiobooks with ListenBook. The app is incredibly convenient.
Lumberyard
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! π±π Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth.
Cool Iris
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. βοΈ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time β multitasking made easy! π§ π§
Cumulo
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure.
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