Storytelling 2.0

[diamondlil]

I saw this over at Publisher's Weekly and thought that some here might find it interesting.

Dutton has laid out big money for what it's dubbing a "digi-novel" by the creator of the C.S.I. television franchise. The Penguin imprint paid millions for a multimedia three-book series from Anthony Zuiker that, at its centerpiece, features a mystery novel which will send readers to a Web site with companion footage relating to the plot.

Zuiker's chapters will close with codes that readers can use online to unlock "motion picture footage" that continues the storyline from the book.

You can read the full story here.

So what do you think? Is this the book of the future?

[Divia]

For some I think it will be great. For me I just want to read my novel. Then maybe I want to go to the author's website where they may have additional information such as books they used, photos of the famous people etc.

I think my students maybe interestedin this sort of thing though. Hmm Maybe its a generational gap.

[Margaret]

The whole idea makes me feel exhausted. I want the story and the characters to be interesting enough to carry the reading experience on their own, without my having to click on a bunch of distracting options. I can see how this might appeal to people who have grown up with computers and want a more interactive experience - but could it compete with the completely interactive experience of a video-game?

[Divia]

I think if students had a choice they would rather play video games than read a book.

However, I can see how this might appeal to readers, younger and male ones. Males are so visual anyway. They like to look at stuff and this may help bridge the gap and get people who wouldnt normally read to give it a go.

But I agree with you the thought itself is exhausting and something I really wouldnt want to do.