[nabs-l] Learning Ally new prices

Tue Aug 9 22:57:56 UTC 2011

Human speech is far better than electronic, that’s for sure.  But 
products other than the Stream have at least better electronic 
speech.  I was quite impressed by the HIMS products' features and 
price point.  They’re also a lot smaller than the Victor Stream, and 
they’re actually trying to innovate in their products.  All bonuses!

Joseph - kf7qzc

On Tue, Aug 09, 2011 at 06:45:21PM -0400, bookwormahb at earthlink.net wrote:
>Joeseph,
>Well RFB had several psychology books for me and I remember the days of
>listening to them at night in the library.  I plan to be a student in 
>the future and RFB certainly has more than textbooks; so I belive 
>they are of benefit to non students too.
>I would take four classes and 2 or three texts were generally on RFB audio.
>
>When I was a student, bookshare was more for leisure reading. But I 
>hear now they have more texts.
>For those who like synthesized speech, you can always get an 
>electronic textbook or scan it yourself. But for me, hearing the 
>human voice helps me learn.
>My VR stream has text to speech capability, but I can hardly 
>understandthe fuzzy speech! I am so thankful for RFB and NLS books.
>I used NLS books for some novels in school including To Kill a 
>Mocking Bird, The Prince, and Death of a Salesman.
>I would think if money is an issue that you could ask VR to pay for 
>it. They may say no, but its worth a try.
>Also universities should have their own institutional membership to 
>Learning Ally.
>So if you want their books using your school may be an option too.
>
>Ashley
>
>-----Original Message----- From: T. Joseph Carter
>Sent: Tuesday, August 09, 2011 6:29 PM
>To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Learning Ally new prices
>
>For me it’s a no-brainer.  I did not renew my Bookshare account
>despite being an avid Bookshare user because I do not have the money.
>
>The Organization Formerly Known As RFB&D wants twice as much, and
>they just don’t have the library of books I need anymore.  Were I
>still a student, that might be different, but the whole time I was in
>graduate school, they had I think two of my textbooks.  I just can’t
>justify the expense, no matter how awesome AnneMarie Cook is.
>
>Joseph - kf7qzc
>
>
>On Tue, Aug 09, 2011 at 05:46:32PM -0400, bookwormahb at earthlink.net wrote:
>>Hi all,
>>With budget cuts to many nonprofits, Learning Ally lost their 
>>federal funding.
>>They are now charging individuals a large fee annually for 
>>membership; when I joined years ago, I paid $35, but
>>its much more than $35 now!
>>Have you heard the news?
>>I received word today via my email from Learning Ally that 
>>effective September 1
>>individual memberships are $99.
>>It said the following:
>> a.. On September 1, 2011 Individual Memberships will be $99 per 
>>year -a little more than eight dollars a month.
>> b.. For a limited time only, we are offering a special opportunity 
>>to renew your current membership for $79 (a savings of $20). Take 
>>advantage of this special membership offer, renew on/before August 
>>31, 2011.
>>So what do you think? Will you pay this fee?
>>I know many of you may be tight on money; I hope your family can 
>>chip in or some group can sponsor you. Budgets are very tight. 
>>Personally, I enjoyed the free books. But I do understand the 
>>rationale to begin charging once again. They are a nonprofit after 
>>all. Other college students pay a lot for their texts. I think a 
>>membership to audible.com is more expensive than this.
>>As for me, I plan to take more classes at community college even 
>>though I graduated in 2009 with a BA degree. I need to keep my 
>>writing and study skills active. I think I will renew my Learning 
>>Ally membership. They recorded several books for me during school; 
>>the staff at the studio is very friendly. Good thing I have a 
>>paying internship to help cover the cost.
>>I knew this was coming when I heard Learning Ally was losing 
>>funding. I knew it months ago prior to their announcement today.
>>Learning Ally has their flaws, but overall their books are helpful. 
>>I cannot study with a human reader at midnight, but I can pull out 
>>my Learning Ally book anytime and hear a human voice read to me.
>>
>>Ashley
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