Look - it's probably a free country where you are - and I don't really care - but how about we leave the personal stuff out of this. I just disagree with you, I don't want to be your boyfriend/girlfriend.

How about we try it this way. Webster's defines reading as:

Simple Definition of read: to look at and understand the meaning of letters, words, symbols, etc.; to read the words of (a book, magazine, etc.); to speak aloud the words of (something written)

So on that basis listening to an audiobook is not reading. It's got nothing to do with how pretentious I am - and maybe you're right I am - but on this evidence I'm discussing fact.

Next. I claim listening is different to reading. Consuming the same material via different senses changes the experience for me. Maybe I'm the only one on the planet like this and you're just as happy reading the score of the latest chart hit as listening to the mp3 but it makes a difference to me.

Not only that - but I have heard the same song performed by two different bands and liked one more than the other and the same piano piece played by 2 pianists hitting the same notes and enjoyed one more than the other. It is the same source material but the performance makes a difference.

Also - I like both reading books and listening to audiobooks. It is true I don't personally use the verb read to describe my audiobook consumption but I'm ok with that. I confess I am a reader and proud of it. I have learnt a great deal from reading over my life, it has enriched my knowledge of facts, expanded my horizons with other opinions and entertained me with stories. I hope my children will be readers too.

Finally - I'm sorry I got involved in this thread and apologise for any distress I have caused. With best regards.