8 February 2006
Nobody asked for it, I just thought it was cool (and not just cos Random Tom did it first, although I will confess that it was seeing him do it that made me think of doing it).
You can now listen to each of my posts rather than reading them. Theoretically, a link will appear at the end of each post on the home page (why it is currently only appearing on one out of three is a complete mystery to me I'm an idiot. I'm sure this is not news) which will allow you to click on it and listen to the synthetic speech translation of the post (not me reading it out, sorry to disappoint anyone who just suddenly got a little bit excited (that'll be no-one then (I'll stop with the brackets soon, promise (not that I was only doing this to see if I could freak the robovoice out or anything (oh no, not me(actually, it didn't work(damnit))))))).
You can also subscribe to the podcast, should you wish to. Simply feed the url to your podcatcher and apparently it will then automagically download this to your mp3 player. I wouldn't know, since I don't have such a thing (no, not for lack of wanting one, just for lack of cash).
So anyway, have at it.
(and in case the linkydink hasn't appeared on the previous post yet, follow this link to listen to the mp3 file of "Moving On" - which is unintentionally hilarious (although that might just be to me). Almost as funny as listening to Kylie Minogue reciting the lyrics to "I should be so lucky" as if it were serious poetry).
It is an excellent service - which manages to balance my desire for accessibility with my actual free time.
I have no idea how it stands up with other screen readers, but it only adds value.
Wow, that is amazing! Now I just need to find someone with a birthday so that I can post the happy birthday song and hear it!
That is _very_ cool - silly in places (I love "Moving On") but definitely cool.
Smart stuff indeed.
I wonder how long the service will stay online as it starts to pick up more and more exposure.
*wanders off to ponder jumping on THIS bandwagon as well*
I got a little bit excited - am a very very sad man
Yeah, I was hoping to hear the voice behind the posts too.
On the plus side, it's probably the best speech synthesiser I've ever heard.
Those who felt disappointed at not hearing my actual voice can hear me speak during my two (!!) radio appearances in the last couple of years:
Radio 4 Women's Hour on blogging (2003)
Radio 5 Live Victoria Derbyshire Show on Friends (having lots of) (2005)
Nice touch. I added this to my own blog almost immediately and without hearing what it sounded like. I am most impressed.
I'm tempted to try and get her to say rude things, but that wouldn't look too good if my mum/employer stumbled across my blog...
Speaking of podcasts, did you know I have a knitting podcast now? It is such fun to make one - I think you should indulge everyone and give them a chance to hear the woman behind these posts. (I'm lucky - I've not only heard you, I've met you in person!)
... the online home and (not very) alter(ed)-ego of Ann McMeekin, a recently freelance Web Accessibility Consultant.
... passionate about many things, most of which will turn up on this site at some time or other.
... contactable via email.
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