I'm a fan of the written word, and will always prefer it. That said, I know that some people are more comfortable with recordings and some of course due to vision issues benefit from the recordings. So, probably a good idea.
There's a writer of spicy things, and mundane things who I've enjoyed for decades. I've read her books for most of my adult life, and more recently her work published here on Substack. Today she posted a spicy story, with a voice over like I used yesterday. I imagine it would be quite fun to hear her voice after all these years, but alas, I'm too much of a text guy. I read it instead.
But, just over the past few days, an old friend of mine (who is a really smart fellow) and I have been discussing how he learns. He tells me that he has horrible reading comprehension when he is actually reading, but great comprehension when he is listening. So he does audio books instead of print. I had no idea, but he even has examples of how much better he does when he hears it instead of reading it.
So yeah, I think there must be value in the voice-over idea.
MW: There's something called Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) which stipulates different people learn and absorb information in different ways. Some, like myself, learn best with the printed word. Others, especially people who have long commutes, like to listen to audio material in their vehicles or while doing chores at home. Still others learn visually, which is why media such as YouTube is popular. The more distribution outlets you have, the more reach you will have. Just my two cents.
I guess that I've long known that different people learn in different ways, but that never really struck home with me until a good friend started talking to me over the past few days about how much greater his comprehension is when he listens to something compared to when he reads something.
So I guess that certainly lends credence to the thought that the voice-overs can be important.
Video is a feature offered here on Substack that I could use as well, but I find that I'm just not comfortable with it. I again experimented by creating embedded video versions of my last couple essays, but ended up deleting them. The voice-overs I'm comfortable with, but not so much the videos.
Perhaps there is someone in your community that does artwork and would like the chance to put some visuals to your narrative? Animated, stop motion, or scenes with symbolism perhaps?
The audio recordings helps a lot on days where my processing abilities are taxed. Which post ABI seems to be more often than I’d care to think about.
Thanks for creating content for the community Brother.
Happy to Brother. Feel free to message me any particular styles or samples you might be interested in should I happen to come across a bored artist in need of publicity, or with an axe to grind...
I'm not sure that I could speak well to style though. Trust me, if you ever saw my attempts at visual art you'd wonder how I ever managed to graduate from preschool! 🤠
I love the audio version, and, I hope you do more in the future. It gives readers the option to listen to essays when they don’t have time to read. For instance, I love listening to books while driving in my car.
I like to contemplate and consider the words. This is harder to do when they are ephemeral and I have to attend to the constant flow. You have a fine speaking voice, but I would forget the details instantly and essays would have less staying power in an audio format.
I do a lot of podcasts and audiobooks while out walking and they are great, but they are primarily entertainment. Just my 2 cents.
Thank you Brother. I think that I'm like you, my comprehension and retention is best with the written word. I'm learning however that other folks are different when it comes to that, which I'm honestly finding fascinating to contemplate.
I listened to one. That was it. When I read your posts, I generally do it quickly.
Not that your every word isn't a masterpiece of thought and wisdom.
Actually, I enjoy your writing. It just ends up being part of my email scan so, depending on my day, you might not get more than a couple minutes from me.
I certainly understand that, and I appreciate the time that you are able to give. I too am bombarded with email, and more to read then I could ever possibly read!
I try to keep the essays relatively short for just that reason, always knowing that I can come back the next day if I feel there is more to write.
I have only listened to the most recent one recording, so I'm not ready to answer yes or no to "All future essays"?
No worries Brother!
I typically only have time to read while I'm riding the bus. So audio doesn't do anything for me.
Very cool to know that I get included as a part of your commute!
I'm a fan of the written word, and will always prefer it. That said, I know that some people are more comfortable with recordings and some of course due to vision issues benefit from the recordings. So, probably a good idea.
I'm with you, I'm a written word kind of guy.
There's a writer of spicy things, and mundane things who I've enjoyed for decades. I've read her books for most of my adult life, and more recently her work published here on Substack. Today she posted a spicy story, with a voice over like I used yesterday. I imagine it would be quite fun to hear her voice after all these years, but alas, I'm too much of a text guy. I read it instead.
But, just over the past few days, an old friend of mine (who is a really smart fellow) and I have been discussing how he learns. He tells me that he has horrible reading comprehension when he is actually reading, but great comprehension when he is listening. So he does audio books instead of print. I had no idea, but he even has examples of how much better he does when he hears it instead of reading it.
So yeah, I think there must be value in the voice-over idea.
MW: There's something called Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) which stipulates different people learn and absorb information in different ways. Some, like myself, learn best with the printed word. Others, especially people who have long commutes, like to listen to audio material in their vehicles or while doing chores at home. Still others learn visually, which is why media such as YouTube is popular. The more distribution outlets you have, the more reach you will have. Just my two cents.
I guess that I've long known that different people learn in different ways, but that never really struck home with me until a good friend started talking to me over the past few days about how much greater his comprehension is when he listens to something compared to when he reads something.
So I guess that certainly lends credence to the thought that the voice-overs can be important.
Video is a feature offered here on Substack that I could use as well, but I find that I'm just not comfortable with it. I again experimented by creating embedded video versions of my last couple essays, but ended up deleting them. The voice-overs I'm comfortable with, but not so much the videos.
Perhaps there is someone in your community that does artwork and would like the chance to put some visuals to your narrative? Animated, stop motion, or scenes with symbolism perhaps?
The audio recordings helps a lot on days where my processing abilities are taxed. Which post ABI seems to be more often than I’d care to think about.
Thanks for creating content for the community Brother.
That would be really cool, but alas, this operation doesn't make enough income to pay for artwork or animation. Perhaps someday!
I'm glad to know that the audio can be helpful to you, thanks for letting me know that.
Happy to Brother. Feel free to message me any particular styles or samples you might be interested in should I happen to come across a bored artist in need of publicity, or with an axe to grind...
Thank you Brother!
I'm not sure that I could speak well to style though. Trust me, if you ever saw my attempts at visual art you'd wonder how I ever managed to graduate from preschool! 🤠
Fair enough and Picasso I ain’t. 😂
I’ll send some samples if I see something that jumps out at me.
I love the audio version, and, I hope you do more in the future. It gives readers the option to listen to essays when they don’t have time to read. For instance, I love listening to books while driving in my car.
Thank you! I appreciate this feedback.
The spoken essay would be used by myself if I am traveling and would not have the time to read your thoughts.
OK, thank you. It is good to know that you would find a use for them, even if it be an occasional use.
I like to contemplate and consider the words. This is harder to do when they are ephemeral and I have to attend to the constant flow. You have a fine speaking voice, but I would forget the details instantly and essays would have less staying power in an audio format.
I do a lot of podcasts and audiobooks while out walking and they are great, but they are primarily entertainment. Just my 2 cents.
Thank you Brother. I think that I'm like you, my comprehension and retention is best with the written word. I'm learning however that other folks are different when it comes to that, which I'm honestly finding fascinating to contemplate.
Choices serve more people, which in turn expands your reach.
Thank you. I think you must be correct, it would expand reach. Which is a very good thing, considering the fact that I'm on a mission here with Emeth!
I listened to one. That was it. When I read your posts, I generally do it quickly.
Not that your every word isn't a masterpiece of thought and wisdom.
Actually, I enjoy your writing. It just ends up being part of my email scan so, depending on my day, you might not get more than a couple minutes from me.
I certainly understand that, and I appreciate the time that you are able to give. I too am bombarded with email, and more to read then I could ever possibly read!
I try to keep the essays relatively short for just that reason, always knowing that I can come back the next day if I feel there is more to write.
Hearing is one of the five senses. With that being said I think that hearing the words helps in the understanding
Good points Brother! Thank you for making them.