Submitted 11 months ago by return2ozma@lemmy.world to technology@lemmy.world
I am okay with this only in cases where 1) the author approves, and 2) there is no audible version anyways.
Some people prefer listening to their books instead of reading and that’s totally ok. Indie authors can’t always afford to hire a narrator but I’d still want the buyers to be able to listen to the book.
Big question is, will the author get paid for the download or not…
I wouldn’t support it even if the author couldn’t afford it otherwise. There’s no test to confirm that and knowing profit margines, all publishers will use AI for all their books.
Yes, I’d want smaller authors to have people listen to their books, but without oversight, it’s going to ruin all audiobooks.
It was bound to happen. I’m okay with ones that were never going to be turned into audiobooks to begin with… but they likely will use that as the norm for all books… I guess unless the author/publisher says not to.
I’ve listened to a couple audiobooks where the author did the voice and i liked them. They know how phrases need to sound like better then an AI i would assume.
Yeah currently contracts require the author’s or publisher’s consent. If anyone is a writer make sure to triple check your contracts for this shit.
And unless your are Stephan King or the like exactly how are you going to get the publishing cartel (I think they re consolidated downs to 3-4 publishers now) to change their contract to not include this? Their response will almost certainly be either “that’s non-negotiable” or “ok then you get half as much money”.
Godnroc@lemmy.world 11 months ago
Fucking gross. Maybe it’s the 250+ audiobooks I have influencing me, but the very best ones I’ve listened to transcend just turning words into sound. Sound effects, music, tone, emotion, accents, sarcasm, and god damn BLOOPERS all improve the experience beyond just hearing what is written down.
I’m against it, fuck that literal noise.
taladar@sh.itjust.works 11 months ago
Actually hard disagreeing on that. I absolutely hate the audio drama versions of audio books and prefer the narrator only ones since they are much clearer and require a lot less focus to listen to and work in more contexts (background noise,…). Sound effects and music (while something is read, intro or outro style music is okay) distract from the actual content.
echodot@feddit.uk 11 months ago
Usually I agree with this with the exception of hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy where the audio drama is much better than the audiobook version.
JoMiran@lemmy.ml 11 months ago
All I can think of is Jim Dale’s reading of the Harry Potter books. Fucking epic.
echodot@feddit.uk 11 months ago
What, no way, they did not replace Steven Fry.
Dindonmasker@sh.itjust.works 11 months ago
Also Andy Serkis reading the lord of the rings. 11/10