Random Chatter Showing 3,951-4,000 of 6,507

[Gavin]

idiffer wrote: "I've generally found that authors who are in it for the money tent to write shit. ..."

I think most authors are likely in it as much for the money as the fun. Anything becomes a chore as soon as you have to do it.

I cannot blame writers for feeling that way as I know that the only reason I've ever showed up to any of my jobs is for the money.

[Gavin]

Charlie wrote: "I wish we had packages here in the UK! We can buy 1 or 2 credits a month for £8.99 each and that's it. After that we have to go back to the £24 average per ebook. I'd be thrilled to pay a set fee each month and get unlimited books. ..."

It gets a lot better if you listen to a lot of audios. I'm on the top package so my audios work out at less than £4.60 a credit. I buy the 24 book annual package which works out a lot cheaper than the monthly one. Once I burn through those credits they usually offer a bunch of even cheaper credits that work out at around £3.90 a book. When they stop doing that one can then just renew that annual plan early! That did not always used to be the case which was a bit of a nightmare lol.

On top of that there is all those Whyspersync deals. I get a lot of Kindle Unlimited deals and that lets me buy a lot of audios for around £3.49 a book. It is a pretty sweet deal even if no books from the big publishers find a way into KU. I get tons of self-published stuff and lots of my favourite LitRPG or Superhero stories that way.

Back when I was in high school it used to cost £30 to £50 for an audiobook on CD and it cost between £6.99 and £7.99 for a paperback. Here we are nearly 20 years later paying less than that so I'll definitely not complain:)

I like the sound of the Audible US package deals as they sound like Kindle Unlimited for audios but the thing that would make them completely useless for me is the fact that the audios in the package cannot be downloaded. I listen to all my audios on some old Sansa MP3 players as I've not got on-the-go internet.

The downside to Audible UK when compared to Audible US is that we get about 1/3 less content. I hate it when a book has an audio but we cannot buy that audio in the UK. Region restrictions drive me insane. You would think publishers would drag themselves into the 21sts Century and realize that the internet and the digital era are both actual things!!!

[Miche]

Thank you, Charlie!. :)

[Charlie]

Gavin wrote: "Charlie wrote: "I wish we had packages here in the UK! We can buy 1 or 2 credits a month for £8.99 each and that's it. After that we have to go back to the £24 average per ebook. I'd be thrilled to..."

The region restrictions are mad. I recently listened to the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs on audio. Some random titles within the series weren't available on audio. So I went on the publishers website looking for a purchase link to the audiobooks but all they had were link to the usual audiobook services, none of which had the missing books.

I contacted the publishers directly and begged them for a link where I could purchase the missing books legally in the UK. I was told it didn't exist, and certain books in the series didn't have UK rights. I was trying to give them my money and they refused. I ended up downloading the missing titles illegally (which I don't normally do) just so I could complete the series. It really sucks.

[Sarah]

For any that also like to dabble in the "Classics"

On YouTube there is a video (basically a picture with audio) of James Earl Jones reading The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe.
Go listen to it.

[Siobhan]

Miche wrote: "Back from slump hell. Nothing felt good post Malazan, so I took a long break. :)

Time to catch up for the lost time."

Welcome back, Miche! :)

[Miche]

Siobhan wrote: "Miche wrote: "Back from slump hell. Nothing felt good post Malazan, so I took a long break. :)

Time to catch up for the lost time."

Welcome back, Miche! :)"

Thank you, Siobhan!

[Gavin]

Charlie wrote: "I was told it didn't exist, and certain books in the series didn't have UK rights. I was trying to give them my money and they refused. I ended up downloading the missing titles illegally (which I don't normally do) just so I could complete the series."

Ugh...I really hate it when that happens! It is madness when publishers just refuse to accept ones money. I do not feel any guilt when I'm forced to resort to just grabbing the audio in that case. My eyes are not what they used to be so long periods of sustained reading is not an option for me which means it is audio or nothing for me.

I think the good thing is that more and more titles seem to be coming available in the UK as well as the US in the last few years so hopefully that is because audio rights are becoming more of a worldwide thing than regional.

[Charlie]

@Gavin

I've only really got into audio in the last year or so so I never realised how expensive they could be or how difficult they were to get a hold of. If it wasn't for audible I'd never have audiobooks since my library offer have them.

[Zaara]

Ahdam wrote: "Guys I’ve only gone and done it
I have officially graduated from Leeds trinity university with a 2:1 in film and television studies"

Congrats Ahdam and all the best for the future!!!
And by George (a pun so bad it's almost forgiveable) that's some profile pic!!!!
What are you reading now? The last I checked bk here you were reading Day of the Triffids for uni and it made me smile...

[Zaara]

Miche wrote: "Back from slump hell. Nothing felt good post Malazan, so I took a long break. :)
Time to catch up for the lost time."

Welcome back Micheline!

[Ahdam]

Thanks Zaara and welcome back I’m guessing hibernation has finished


Thank you for that and for the bad pun. My mate wanted to expand his portfolio and I thought it would be good to bring a book to see if we could do something interesting with it.

With great success hahaha but yeah I kind of put it on hold and have took a break to focus on my dissertation and other stuff but I’m back reading the watchmen and the rithmatist

Welcome back Zaara 😂😂😂

[Zaara]

Ahdam wrote: "Thanks Zaara and welcome back I’m guessing hibernation has finished "

On that note...what about your short film???? How did it end? Did the little girl ever find her teddy bear???
Hehehehe...couldn't resist...

[Ahdam]

I’ve actually put it on the creation thread, you can find out there 😂😂😂

[Gavin]

Charlie wrote: "@Gavin

I've only really got into audio in the last year or so so I never realised how expensive they could be or how difficult they were to get a hold of. If it wasn't for audible I'd never have a..."

I was forced to make the switch to audio around 2007. It was that or give up books as a hobby altogether. I think I hardly listened to any audiobooks in the early stages as I was relying on my library and they only had a very limited selection of audiobooks. I mostly spend the bulk of 2007 listening to podcasts after being traumatized by the revelation that my audio CD for Interview with the Vampire was abridged! I'm not sure I ever got over the fact that most of the audios had been edited at my library so they would fit on less than 4 audio CD's.

I actually found Audible by accident. An advert fell out of some guys newspaper and just as I was about to stick the bit of trash in a bin I noticed it was for an audobook website and was offering two free books plus a free iPod to play the things on. I signed up that very day and was impressed as they had a lot more audiobooks than my library and most were unabridged. The price was also equivalent per audio to what I was paying for paperbacks at the time via the credit scheme. The only issue in the early days was having to ration my credits as audios outside the credit scheme were still pretty expensive. It is why I spent all my early credits on giant books like the Sword of Truth series, Dune, the Wheel of Time series, and The Count of Monte Cristo.

When I made the switch to audio the choice was still very limited compared to regular reading. It was mostly just the popular series that got the audio treatment and not even all of those! The good thing is the audio market has seen a real boom period since Amazon took over Audible. Mostly because they opened their own audio production company and because they put in place a system to make self-publishing audios plausible. I also think it helped that smartphones and streaming came along and made listening to audiobooks on the go convenient and desirable:) We actually live in a golden age for audiobooks, especially sci-fi and fantasy audios, so hopefully it continues like this for a while!

My poor library still thinks it is the 1980s for the most part and still has a very poor and limited selection of audiobooks. They have tried to move into ebooks and the digital era but audio seems to still be a category they have overlooked. No doubt years of constant budget cuts are the reason the library is in a worse place now than it was when I was a kid.

[Shaitarn]

Does anyone think it's not okay to write a one or two star review of a book?

I mentioned to my husband last night that I'd left a two star review of a book and he seemed to think this was unfair. When we discussed it, he argued that if someone has spent their time and energy writing something, it seemed mean to criticise it.

My feeling is that if I'm paying for something and if I don't like it I have the right to say so (I did mention in my review that it wasn't a bad book as such, just not my cup of tea).

So, just curious as to what everyone thinks!

[Ahdam]

I’ve had some harsh criticism on my work from different people and while there hard to swallow, I try to welcome them with open arms

I think as a creative individual wether a filmmaker or author you should not only learn the craft,but also thrive in it and criticism I found is the best way to help the author improve and understand what the audience liked and what they didn’t like and act on it, if that makes sense.

Also as for effort, unfortunately the truth of the matter is that no one gives a shit about the effort only the end goal. I don’t think I’ve met anyone who judged a creative piece by the amount of effort one put into the work.

One more thing I’m guessing the book you read has loads of review, if they do then I would be really jealous because the author has tapped into an audience who is able to provide loads of feedback while I struggle to get more than a few people outside of my family to read my stuff.

So I’ve rambled with it but overall yeas with the negative reviews, the guys gonna need it....as long as it isn’t insulting and in that case don’t bother 😂😂😂

[Jenna, I'd be free if not for Temper & Edgewalker]

Shaitarn wrote: "Does anyone think it's not okay to write a one or two star review of a book?

I mentioned to my husband last night that I'd left a two star review of a book and he seemed to think this was unfair...."

I regularly give out one and two stars (not always writing reviews), and I have no problem giving them out. If you are giving them a higher rating just because you don't want to be mean, it's not an honest review. If people over-rate continually and I proceed to read books based on those reviews, find enough of them not to be up to expectations, I won't trust that reviewer anymore.

If people just say "this book sucks; waste of my time" without explaining why they didn't enjoy the book, I think that is unfair. If you explain why it wasn't for you, people could still find that they would be interested because everyone has different tastes. For example, I didn't enjoy The Fifth Season because I can't stand 2nd person narration. For people who have no problem with that, the book could be great (and tons of FBR members have enjoyed the series).

Additionally, if readers only give positive feedback while they didn't really enjoy the book and then stop buying that author's books, the author has no idea why s/he is not as successful. (Not going to go into this so much because Ahdam talks about this a lot). Authors know that not every single person in the world is going to like their book.

[Anni]

I agree with Jenna and Ahdam. I think it's way more constructive to write a honest review while rating a book 1 or 2 stars as long as it's respectful. As a reader, it often are the negative reviews that makes me interested in a book. I always try ro read some positives and some negatives. I often think "Well if that's the worst rhing someone has to say about the book, I'll give it a try" and I for example don't mind 2nd person narration, so seeing that's the reason Jenna disliked the book, it would help me. I think everyone has something they can't stand in.ooks, something others might love about the book, so having diverse reviews is a good thing in my opinion.

And if no one would rate a book low, the rating system wouldn't make much sense at all, as all would end up with ratings between 4 and 5...

[Sarah]

Shaitarn wrote: "Does anyone think it's not okay to write a one or two star review of a book?

I mentioned to my husband last night that I'd left a two star review of a book and he seemed to think this was unfair...."

I'm with you.
You paid for it. You have the right to an opinion on it. Virtually no book suits everyone.
And, especially in a place like this one, there is nothing wrong with sharing that honest opinion.
In my mind, negative reviews only really cross in to "bad" or "mean" territory if rather than giving criticism of the book, the reviewer goes after the author. We've all seen those!

If the writer can't handle negative feedback, they never should have published something for the public. That part is really that simple.

Jenna wrote: "Shaitarn wrote: "Does anyone think it's not okay to write a one or two star review of a book? ..."

I do agree that reviews that just say "This was terrible" but offer no reasoning aren't right either. If you can't explain your feelings or thoughts on a book, just leave the star rating and move on. Reviews that just say that are of no use to anyone- be it the author looking for constructive feedback or other readers wondering if they will like the book.

[Narilka]

What Sarah and Anni said.

I will scan 1 and 2 star reviews to see if the reviewer highlights things I also don't like in a book so I know to avoid it. I basically skip those reviews that are "This book sucks" without any explanation since I find them unhelpful. Similar for "I loved it" without any explanation but at least I'm glad the person enjoyed the book. A review doesn't have to be long to be helpful. Even "I loved this book! The characters are absolutely wonderful." gives me something to go on.

[Hailee]

Has anyone here read NOS4R2 by Joe Hill? Is it scary in a way that it'll give me nightmares or is it just creepy in an unrealistic it would never happen in real life way?

I'm considering reading it (really slowly) around Halloween time, only I'm extremely wimpy and hate horror. But I already own it so I wanted to give it a go.

[Siobhan]

Hailee wrote: "Has anyone here read NOS4R2 by Joe Hill? Is it scary in a way that it'll give me nightmares or is it just creepy in an unrealistic it would never happen in real life way?

I'm consi..."

I haven't read that one, but I read another of his 'horror's called Heart-Shaped Box and that wasn't scary at all if that helps!

I'd be tempted to join you for NOS4R2 if I can aquire a copy. :)

[Gavin]

Hailee wrote: "Has anyone here read NOS4R2 by Joe Hill? Is it scary in a way that it'll give me nightmares or is it just creepy in an unrealistic it would never happen in real life way?..."

I've not read NOS4R2 but I have read Horns and that was not scary. It was weird and different but not scary!

I actually watched the first two episodes of the TV show version of NOS4R2 just last night and it does seem to be trying to give off creepy vibes. I still say there is nothing to worry about though as all the horror stuff is a little to stupid to be even remotely scary.

[Hailee]

Thanks Gavin. I think I'll give it a go, it can be my halloween read 👻

[Siobhan]

Hrmph, thanks Siobhan for your valuable input too :p 😂

[Hailee]

Siobhan wrote: "Hrmph, thanks Siobhan for your valuable input too :p 😂"

Oh my god lol. I didn't even notice your comment 🙈. Sorry 😂. Thank you very much for your very valuable input 😉.

Coincidentally I just put out a buddy read request for this on the invite thread. I'd be happy to have you join me if you can get a hold of the copy, I'm kind of scared to read it alone 😅. I have just sorted myself a schedule, since I doubt this is the kind of book I can read fast anyway and it looks like I'll be starting it around the 24th October so you have time to find one.

[Siobhan]

Hahaha don't worry XD
I'll try to grab a copy! 👍

[Anni]

Siobhan wrote: "Hrmph, thanks Siobhan for your valuable input too :p 😂"

😂😂😂

[Ahdam]

Was not expecting to hear some sass in this thread

My sisters would almost be proud 😂😂😂😂

[Siobhan]

ALWAYS expect sass. 🤣

[Jessica]

Oooh I've read NOS4A2 and really enjoyed it. It's creepy for sure, but not scary, keep you up at night kind of creepy. It's definitely an unrealistic creepy (bad guy kidnaps children and takes them to a literal demon Christmas land, so super creepy, but not at all real).

If you guys are going to read it I'd totally jump in! It's a super fun Halloween/Christmas read!

[Hailee]

Jessica wrote: "Oooh I've read NOS4A2 and really enjoyed it. It's creepy for sure, but not scary, keep you up at night kind of creepy. It's definitely an unrealistic creepy (bad guy kidnaps children and takes them..."

Thanks Jessica. I'm definitely reading it, starting 24th October, so you are welcome to join me (and Siobhan if she gets hold of a copy).

[Jessica]

Hailee wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Oooh I've read NOS4A2 and really enjoyed it. It's creepy for sure, but not scary, keep you up at night kind of creepy. It's definitely an unrealistic creepy (bad guy kidnaps childre..."

Awesome! I'll try to fit it in! (Siobhan the audiobook is good too, if you can't find a book copy)

[Margret, Caladan Brood Face]

Hailee wrote: "Has anyone here read NOS4R2 by Joe Hill? Is it scary in a way that it'll give me nightmares or is it just creepy in an unrealistic it would never happen in real life way?

I'm consi..."

I've heard its good but the description creeps me the hell out lol

[Yanique, Thread Master]

oooh I'm down for NOS4A2!

[Hailee]

Margret wrote: "I've heard its good but the description creeps me the hell out"

Ditto 😱

[Hailee]

Yanique wrote: "oooh I'm down for NOS4A2!"

Yay!!

[Ahdam]

Right guys I’ve got some good news

I’ve been offered a freelance position at a tv studio and I am so happy right now. I’ve been looking for a job for awhile now and finally with a bit of luck I’m getting some results

Im really excited to get started and get some real world experience in the industry.

Also I won’t go into it too much so as not to self advertise but with some helpful advice from a few people. I’ve decided to have a go at creating a social presence since my mate has moved to twitch and I’m gonna do the same as well as YouTube because I’ve learned all this stuff and I rather not let it go to waste


But yeah I’m glad to see everything going well right now but I’ll shut up now in case I eat my words

[Jenna, I'd be free if not for Temper & Edgewalker]

Ahdam wrote: "Right guys I’ve got some good news

I’ve been offered a freelance position at a tv studio and I am so happy right now. I’ve been looking for a job for awhile now and finally with a bit of luck I’m..."

Congrats Ahdam!

[Narilka]

Ahdam wrote: "Right guys I’ve got some good news

I’ve been offered a freelance position at a tv studio and I am so happy right now. I’ve been looking for a job for awhile now and finally with a bit of luck I’m..."

Congrats!!

[Ahdam]

Thanks guys, this should be interesting

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Finally hit 10,000 comments after my big commenting spree the past couple days/weeks...



;D

[Sarah]

Ahdam wrote: "Right guys I’ve got some good news

I’ve been offered a freelance position at a tv studio and I am so happy right now. I’ve been looking for a job for awhile now and finally with a bit of luck I’m..."

Congrats!
Best of luck.

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

That too... great to see people making use of their degrees.

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

In the true definition of random chatter, I kinda threw some shade on Larissa Ione's forthcoming Demonica book (Reaper) in a random reviewer comment section yesterday, and it led to a back and forth discussion with the author about books in general and the future of the Demonica series...

[Siobhan]

Oof! Authors shouldn't reply to criticism in review comments... Gotta take it on the chin and move on!

[Siobhan]

Congrats Ahdam, that's awesome!

[Ahdam]

Damn that’s a big no no hahaha

Thanks Siobhan, I have to say I got really lucky and while I have put reading to the side yet again, I’m gonna try and get back in now now that I’m finding my flow

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Siobhan wrote: "Oof! Authors shouldn't reply to criticism in review comments... Gotta take it on the chin and move on!"

It actually wasn't as bad as all that... the book isn't out yet, and the "review" was more a criticism of the blurb, which led to the wrong assumption that this is just an expanded version of a novella from 5 years ago... I came along and commented on how JR Ward got away with ruining some early character HEAs to tel 2nd stories about their relationship problems...

The author came in and clarified that this is actually a new story, has been in the plans since the last full-length novel that ended the original series, and that this sets the stage for the sequel series that's been promised for awhile now... (and that this book might not have a romantic sub-plot... apparently the reason this character got a novella was to give him his HEA, because that HEA didn't quite fit with the plans for this story, or something... I think the author was trying to avoid spoilers)...

Also, like I said, I think we talked 2-3x as long about non-author books... it was like me going off on a tangent in a group thread, really, which I thought was kinda funny, since this is the comment section of a complete stranger's review...