Alexander: Read. Listen. Watch.

Monday, November 30, 2020 Permalink

I returned to University to study (another) Masters mid year. Although I find some of the referencing requirements laborious and confusing and some of the academic-speak a bit wanky, it’s actually aligning with my interests. In a publishing subject for example, we discussed changing technology and its impact on the industry. It seems that good old print books are hanging in there, despite the increase in ebooks but that audiobooks are an area of growth. This, I understand is possibly piggy backing on the popularity of podcasts*.

I still recall a few years ago hearing someone talk about an audio / ebook hybrid that allowed readers to listen and/or read, and pick up where they left off. I read quickly so am not a huge fan of audiobooks but like the idea of being able to do both.

And in a recent subject (which I ended up dropping, though not cos I didn’t enjoy it) we read this piece from the New York Times, Snow Fall, which features some interactive features and I started pondering the direction we may be heading in terms of publishing, writing and reading.

So I was kinda intrigued by this media release I received last week. I don’t fully understand how it works but I love the idea that you can read, listen and watch something. And of course I’m a fan of David Tennant, who’s narrating this, so like this sample… (only 1 min 45)

From the media release (because I’m too lazy to summarise):

Using the Alexander mobile app, every original feature is presented in multiple storytelling dimensions—a commissioned written story, an audio performance and a super short film. The crafted film introduces the setting, teases the subject and sets the mood. Audiences then transition into the full story and can read, listen or move seamlessly via The Toggle, a proprietary text-to-audio functionality, between the written word and the audio performance.

Conceived and created by veteran film producer Cameron Lamb, Alexander harnesses the talents of an all-star cast of award-winning authors, A-list actors and celebrated filmmakers.

Commissioned writers include National Book Award winner Colum McCann, National Book Critics Circle Award winner Xiaolu Guo and finalist Valeria Luiselli, two-time Booker Prize-nominated Chigozie Obioma, theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli.

Audio performances include Helena Bonham Carter, Richard E. Grant, Bill Nighy, Vanesa Kirby, David Tennant, Dan Stevens, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Ṣope Dìrísù and Nathalie Emmanuel.

Super short films come from directors including Charlotte Wales and Derek Zheng, and star the likes of Emma Corrin.

It’s a paid subscription service and that’s fine cos we can’t expect something for nothing and we should be willing to pay creatives for their work.

More details can be found here, but I find it fascinating. People. Are. So. Clever. And I love that it gives creative people the opportunities to share their stories, words and pictures in many different ways.

In the 1970s we had records that allowed us to read along, turning the page when Tinkerbell rang her bell. Electronic books were a huge leap for many and when I consider how interactive technology is nowadays I can only imagine where things might head.

Do you like the idea of mixed media? Being able to read, watch and/or listen? Where do you imagine books, reading and the publishing industry might be heading?

## This is not a sponsored post. I’m just intrigued. ##

* I’m not including an references because this is NOT an academic paper so I can just say what I want. (Well, kinda!)

18 Comments
  • Min Write of the Middle
    November 30, 2020

    Wow! Technology is advancing so quickly! I find this fascinating and I think it will be wonderful. My thoughts wonder though if there is the possibility of it taking away from our own imaginations? You know how when you read a story, you conjure up your own imaging in your head. I guess this would depend on what the topic is. I’m also wondering whether this could become an added pressure for authors to have to take things one step further and produce some film vision to go with their stories. Already there is the new done thing of audio recording books in addition to the written version. Maybe I’m just thinking too much! Most likely! lol Overall though – I love to see the creativity and vision of creatives and this looks fab!

    • Debbish
      November 30, 2020

      Interestingly Min I’m not a visual thinker, so I never picture something I’m reading. I rarely imagine what the main character will look like and don’t like it when their description is really specific.

      I’m not a lover of audiobooks as I mention because I read quickly and they take so long, but I used to listen to them when I had long drives to do for work. So many people are huge fans though and prefer them. As I said, I like the combo idea so that I could listen to something but then pick it up and read from where I left off.

  • Natalie
    November 30, 2020

    Interesting combination! I think it may work for some people although may be distracting for me. I’d give it a try if there is a free trial. I didn’t think I’d like e-books but once I switch from books to e-books, I actually read more e-books and enjoy the experience. #lifethisweek

    • Debbish
      November 30, 2020

      I like ebooks when I’m reviewing because I can ‘mark’ paragraphs and quotes and make notes. I prefer hard copies if it’s a book I want to keep though.

      I think the stories on the app are short non-fiction pieces rather than novels. The media release (I couldn’t embed into the post) mentions they’re original pieces and a new one is released every two weeks.

  • Laurie
    December 1, 2020

    I understand the popularity of real paper books. I have a Kindle but I would much rather read a physical book. The experience is just more satisfying to me. I have never tried audiobooks, but I think my opportunity to listen to one would be limited. People are so clever! I like the idea of a mixed format. Something for everyone.

    • Debbish
      December 1, 2020

      The only time I’ve ever really listened to audio books Laurie is when I was driving a lot for a job. I often had to drive 2-3hrs each way for a 1hr meeting and it was in rural areas so radio would be non-existent or not the sort of thing I’d listen to. But I can’t imagine listening when I’m at home at my computer for eg so don’t understand how people can focus when they’re doing other things.

  • Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid
    December 1, 2020

    I’m so old fashioned that I love a good old fashioned paper book. I find it so relaxing and comforting physically turning the pages although I finally caved and bought a kindle in the BM sales – so I can access books quickly and just in case I ever find myself in hotel quarantine, LOL! I have the concentration span of a flea so don’t listen to audiobooks although I must say in that clip I found the combo of David T and the visuals really quite mesmerising. Your course sounds really interesting and like you, when I see something like this, I just think that people are SO clever!

    • Debbish
      December 1, 2020

      It’s so clever isn’t it. It’s actually weird as I’ve been rewatching Doctor Who and just finished series four (the three series featuring David Tennant) so weird to hear his voice here! I love the animation and images.

  • Vanessa
    December 1, 2020

    I’ve still never tried an audiobook but they do have me curious so I can listen to fave stories as I commute. Which is exactly what I do with podcasts!

    • Debbish
      December 1, 2020

      I’d go for something short first up. Although you’d probably enjoy non-fiction audiobooks. I think if I was going to get into them it’d be something narrated by the author themselves. (And it might be the only way I read non-fiction.)

  • leannelc
    December 1, 2020

    Oh gosh I had a Tinkerbell ringing her bell flashback from all those little books our kids had! And yes, the innovations online never cease to blow my mind – I’m still trying to figure out how electricity works!

    • Debbish
      December 1, 2020

      Oh yes, the good old Disney books with Tinkerbell ringing her bell as an indication to turn the page of the book accompanying the record. We had a few. But we had many many Little Golden Books. My parents weren’t at all well off but I think she used to buy a LGB for my brother every time they went into town (which was probably only weekly at the most I suspect).

  • Debbie
    December 1, 2020

    I too had Tinkerbell memories come flooding back like Leanne! I did try audiobooks but didn’t enjoy them as much as I though I would, although I love listening to podcasts while I walk or drive for any distance. This idea seems very intertesting and intriguing Deb, not sure it’s for me though! #lifethisweek

    • Debbish
      December 3, 2020

      I’m intrigued by it Deb. I love the imagery in the sample. Very creative and beautifully done. And I like some of the narrators they’ve named. My problem is my taste is very prosaic so I’m less sure how I’d enjoy the stories themselves.

  • Denyse Whelan Blogs
    December 2, 2020

    I hear you on wanting to still reference this post!! I got that bug with my study. So, it appears, “I” am a trend setter…OK. Here’s why. I have lots of time in the car..when I was going to Sydney and even driving around here, so it’s an Audible story or non-fiction I listen to BUT…and this is where I found I could help myself better with the story-line. I was listening Marian Keyes to read her Grown Ups and for the life of me, after a few chapter…it’s a very long book, I had no idea of who the characters were because “irish” and read by author. So, I bought the book, and each night i listen to 2-3 chapters via the iphone and follow along with the written word. Really liking it and see, am on trend!!

    Thank you so much for linking up this week for #lifethisweek. We are nearly at the end of 2020 and only a few optional prompts left! Next week is 49/51 Lucky 7.12.2020. Hope to see you there. Denyse.

    • Debbish
      December 3, 2020

      When I heard about the read and listen books I was intrigued. I think it was part of a package if you bought the audiobook or something but can’t recall. When I drove a lot I listened to a couple of books I would have liked to fast-track through by reading between drives.

  • Jody @ Six Little Hearts
    December 2, 2020

    I am not into audiobooks either. For some reason I just get distracted by the voices. If they don’t sound right, I can’t listen to it. My husband though, he loves them.

    • Debbish
      December 3, 2020

      That’s true Jody but sometimes they’re wonderful. They get some great actors doing them sometimes though. I have this crush on English actor Richard Armitage who has a gorgeous voice so I’d definitely be happy to listen to him read. Anything really….

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