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Hi Listers, I listen to (read) talking books from the NSL for relaxation,
entertainment, something to talk about and the excitement of the
professional reader.  You and I read almost everything else with synthetic
speech, including this e-mail. To listen to an exciting novel, biography or
Shakespeare's Hamlet, would be about as exciting as watching paint dry.
Synthetic speech is great for research, personal writing and cook books. 
But, for
relaxation and day dreaming, in a soft easy chair, with a cup of my favorite
tea.. What could be finer....
So, don't destroy a fine thing with a new, lesser technological gadget.
Gordon Wahl
PS. Hey Todd, remember, I am a blind  man. in the 53rd.
###
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dan Rossi" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2007 6:45 AM
Subject: Re: [VICUG-L] let's really think about this talking book situation


> Please email suggestions concerning list operation
> to [log in to unmask]
>
>
> Harry,
>
> I think you have received many good points on why your suggestion is not
> as straightforward as you thought.
>
> One of the issues why Congress is a bit confused, has to do with their own
> doing.  They say why can't blind people use off-the-shelf technology?
> Well, they have NLS so fearful of copyright violations that NLS has felt
> it necessary to make sure that NLS books cannot be read on off-the-shelf
> technology.  Four track half speed cassettes.
>
> Off-the-shelf tech works for most people but not all.
>
> Even though I am in the technology industry.  Even though I listen to
> synthetic speech eight to ten hours a day, I would rather run a drill
> through my ears than listen to a book via synthetic speech.
>
> As far as the question about the learning curve, I believe the curve is
> output verses effort.  The effort to learn to use a four-track tape
> recorder to listen to a human voice is much less than the effort required
> to learn to use a computer, a screen reader, a scanner, and listen to a
> synthesized voice for the same result, reading a book.
>
> -- 
> Blue skies.
> Dan Rossi
> Carnegie Mellon University.
> E-Mail: [log in to unmask]
> Tel: (412) 268-9081
>
>
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