Hi Tristan
It was lovely to read your homage to the audiobook. My name is Richard and I too feel passionately about audiobooks.
Mostly because back in the eighties when so many gay men were going blind/dying/getting very ill from HIV related illness, I saw for myself how an audibook can provide a last escape from pain, even when the head is unable to lift from the pillow for tele etc. In those days I read for the blind and I begged the RNIB to be allowed to read gay texts but it was a somewhat narrow minded organisation and I was told "the committee who chooses the books are somewhat staid in their choices." It was very disheartening and I made a vow that somehow, someday, I would find a way to record texts of interest to gay people. High retail and distribution costs made that impossible to achieve but with the advent of the new technologies came new possibilities and I have set up a small website from which people can pay and download texts. I had to start with out of copyright texts and this limited my options and to be honest after a year or so it would seem the market is not there.
Perhaps happily because we are no longer getting so sick. Although as you say an audiobook is great for the eyes and of course I would add for those working with their hands or on long journeys. I would love it if you took a look at the site and gave me your feedback. It is at www.qclassics.com. I have used professional actors and voice studios and am very proud of the product. Anyone wanting to help spread the word about the site can use the free e-card service which sends a free audio poem to the one you love. Nice for a birthday or a thankyou.Visit My Website
With best wishes
Richard
