the book has been the mainstay of western learning ever since the printed press first began operation more than 500 years ago. It has been cherished, worshiped, slaved-over, and passed from hand to hand. The Book is in the DNA of our history. So where to now?
in an internet age, what role does the printed book play? a site like amazon continues to push out content to readers around the world; best-sellers still sell in the millions. Dan Brown and J.K. Rowling have certainly made their fortunes via the printed word. So the economics seem sound … at least for now.
what is more at stake is the place and reputation of the book. Libraries once were the sole repositories of a cities’ information; today, all you need is a laptop and a wi-fi connection to plug into Knowledge. The bookshelf used to be the pride and centerpiece of any cultured home; now we have throwaway, biodegradable paperbacks. The glamor of the Book has most certainly declined.
This podcast, Beyond the Book, aims to investigate these pressing issues re the Book and it’s meaning. Hosted by Chris Kenneally, it is a weekly show that has a rotating suite of topics. Issues such as copyright, Google Books, and digital sales feature prominently. Expert voices are interviewed to give you the straight up analysis. Check out this recent show on the Frankfurt Book Fair.
the show has been running since Sep 2006, and one applauds the commitment and energy on the part of Chris and his team. The information is presented dispassionately, and full archives are available at the website. Much like a well-bound book, this podcast is neatly packaged, well edited, and earnestly valuable. A quality production.
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itunes link (most recent 20 shows)
website (get full archives)
this is one of my favourite podcasts – look forward to it each week. Basically, it is a horror fiction anthology – each week is a new story, read by a new voice. The quality of the writing is outstanding, as is the audio dramatisation – totally professional in every way.
the web has made many print ventures redundant and outdated – but it has enabled a new breed of self sufficient authors and writers to flourish. Pseudopod is one prominent outlet for such voices.
also visit the sister sites: Escape Pod (science fiction stories) and PodCastle (fantasy writing).
horror has a deep way of speaking to our inner selves – unlocking that which has been hidden and buried for so long. Awaken the inner darkness through these probing stories.
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I have to say up-front that Sci-Fi Talk is an amazing enterprise. Began at the beginning of the year, there is now an archive of 100 Interviews with the Actors and Creators of SCI-FI. Actually, the mandate extends further than that; it covers the associated realms of Fantasy and Horror, in both tv and movie formats. The host, Tony Tellado, has invested an enormous amount of WILL into this venture; and one can only marvel at the final result.
There is insight and perspective; straight from the originators’ mouths. Before, such access would have only been granted to the media elite, but in today’s decentralised, information-free times, everyone can become a conduit of truth and story. And that is what Tony does. Let those who animate our tv screens and imaginations speak their answers about what it was like to participate in these Sci-Fi ventures. Amazing.
the interviews are a tight 20 minutes in length, although they do stray above this occasionally. There is no fluff or time-wasting, it’s straight into the interview itself. Audio quality is only so-so, as the main means of conveyance is by phone line, which can be patchy at best.
Science Fiction has a way of presaging the future by only 10 or 15 years; and in that respect it is somewhat frightening. What *exactly* are these writers and creators tapping into when they set their minds free?
subscribe – enjoy – and be astonished. 5 Stars.
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September 14th, 2009
admin
are you a member of a book club? if you are, it is most likely that you are of the female persuasion; not that guys DON’T read books, but rather they are less social about their activities. Book Club Girl is a podcast that is devoted to the interview; bringing the author into your earspace.
the whole enterprise is run by Jennifer Hart; an avid book club member hoping to share her love. Each interview features a prominent author; spotlighting a recent work that has ‘book club’ potential. Shows run for about 45 minutes, and go into meaty depth about how the book was conceived, plotted, and executed. A true stepping stone into the author’s mind.
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home (blogtalk radio)
