Aphelion

I didn't see anywhere else to post this idea... So...<br><br>I would like to see some stories done in audio. This would be a smooth opportunity for contests or challenges. Converting a WAV to an MP3 would be pretty simple. <br><br>The only downside is the space it would take up. But it just seems like a cool idea. I know I would like to sit back and have someone narrarate in surround sound.<br><br>Anyways, I love the new lettercol. Glad to see you guys are still going strong after so many years. Sorry for my absence, if you even remember me, I have been working on cruise ships for the past two years.<br><br>Dave Vanos (ex david allen)

Sorry for my absence, if you even remember me, I have been working on cruise ships for the past two years.

Dave Vanos (ex david allen)

<br><br>That might actually be more blush-worthy than selling to True Romance (although the $150 ain't nuthin' to sneeze at or blush over). All together now -- the Looove Boooat, etc. ...<br><br>Robert M.

haha, Very funny...<br><br>Hit me while I'm down... :)<br><br>But I always liked audio books and I dont think an audio story would be too far fetched.  It would actually be pretty cool.

Down? You've made $150-plus within the past 3 - 4 years. I haven't made much more than that in about 25 years!<br><br>As you mentioned, I suspect that Aphelion would have trouble hosting much in the way of multimedia content. Even a so-so-quality MP3 of a story would be fairly large (compared to the html text version, anyway); if the Aphelion sites / servers have bandwidth / megabyte limits, too many downloads could stretch those limits. Maybe if the author / storytellers whose ISP accounts include web space hosted their own files, and Aphelion just posted links?<br><br>Rob, Dan, am I right about potential tech / ISP contractual problems if Aphelion suddenly started doing (potentially) thousands of downloads of megabytish files?<br><br>Robert M.

Actually I can think of a few sites that host free MP3 uploads, usually a max of three per person. They are usually unsigned artist sites, but most have a 'spoken word' section. This would require authors to upload their own files, but it would be free and kind to the aphelion servers.<br><br>"hit me while I'm down" was just a line from the movie Swingers :)<br><br>Anyways yep, thats probably the most info I have on this idea for now.

Well having a story "done in audio" might fit in some cases. There are some amazing new engines out there that can mimic almost any accent or dialect.<br><br>Of course, my own father runs a business and he can scarcely read at all. He has a small program that reads his email and stuff to him. It sounds more or less kind of creepy.<br><br>Before it slips my mind, here is a link to an impressive online engine that mimics a few accents: <br>http://www.research.att.com/projects/tt ... br>Anyways, I think it would be pretty cool if the author read the story... But lets be realistic. Alot of writers are writing their art simply because they write smoother than they speak. I remember having to read in front of class or even at my desk and never getting through a paragraph without stuttering like an animal. Of course thats just me...<br><br>The depth of the contest perhaps would be people submitting links to their reading of a certain story. The best readings would get linked or what not. It could be the author, but it shouldn't have to.<br><br>Just my thoughts.

here is a link to an impressive online engine that mimics a few accents:
http://www.research.att.com/projects/tts/demo.html

<br><br>Wow. Those voices are outstanding. (My favorites were Crystal & Audrey). If more than the browser-based demo would work on my Mac, I'd be very tempted to buy it. <br><br>It is amazing how your writing improves when you hear it read back to you.<br><br>Nate

Nate - Kailhofer wrote:
Wow. Those voices are outstanding. (My favorites were Crystal & Audrey). If more than the browser-based demo would work on my Mac, I'd be very tempted to buy it.

It is amazing how your writing improves when you hear it read back to you.

Nate

Update: Now you can right click and save voice samples, and play them offline in your own media player. Therefore, since the browser demo is no longer needed, re-evaluate this as you like.

Actually, you could save small pieces for some time. At least a year, maybe two. There have been a few voice improvements, though.

Nate