Audiobook distributors should provide call centers with copies of recently released titles. That way, when I call, I win because I get to hear the beginning of a new novel, the operator wins because by the time it's my turn I forgot what I wanted to complain about, and hurriedly hang up to buy that audiobook, and the distributor wins by selling me the trilogy, plus a mug.
-- placid_turmoil, Mar 17 2012

[+] Would create a whole new, better and more interesting form of on-hold rage.

(If you offered a complex choice of genres, authors, etc., via a phone tree, you could occupy several minutes of waiting time that way. Possibly also induce some people who became absorbed in the audiobook, or the phone tree to trade places with someone more impatient, further down the queue)
-- mouseposture, Mar 17 2012


The only way this would not infuriate me beyond words (a feat of Hurculean proportion) is if the readings were short excerpts, and the title and author of the books were identified both at the beginning and end of each.
-- Alterother, Mar 17 2012


This would work best if it were possible to register your caller ID with a website and select a specific audiobook.

When you call somewhere that subscribes to Your Book On Hold, the system queries the central database. If your number matches, it plays your chosen audiobook from just before the place you left off - even if that was with another company.

"Good morning from <Big Uncaring Corporation>, how may I help you ?"

"Put me back on hold RIGHT NOW, I need to find out what happens to Ron and Hermionie/Mr Rochester/Frodo and Sam/Prince Kugarin."
-- 8th of 7, Jun 05 2016


[+] ^
-- FlyingToaster, Jun 05 2016



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