Debate: Do Audio books count?

[Thebooknerd24]

I thought I would get a little friendly debate here going. So I love listening to audio books just as much as I love sitting down and reading a good book. Do any of you think listening to an audio doesn't count as actually "reading." I ask because I've been counting the ones I've been listening to towards my reading goal for the year. I guess this is mostly a matter of preference and I think they count but I was curious as to what other book lovers say? Thoughts?

[MsMartha]

I think they count, and I hope I'm right because they're going to my reading goal for the year, too. I think audio books are so useful and enjoyable. It's great to have access to a variety of books--audio, printed, or ebooks.

[k_marie0930]

I think that they count, but I personally don't like listening to audio books. I can read it myself faster usually and I always do a quick read through to absorb the general plot before reading slower a second time to pay attention too the details.
But you're taking the time to experience a story that makes you think and/or feel, whether it's verbal or written shouldn't matter.

[LivreAmour217]

Why wouldn't they count? It's the same story, just in a different format. I say go ahead and keep counting them toward your goal!

[Scerakor]

I used to be someone that what on the "no" side of this debate, but have since flipped to the other side. It is a very personal choice, but I now accept that it is simply the consumption of the same story in a different manner.