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Originally Posted by colinsky
Surprised to see negative reactions here -- I have to speak in favor of the original sentiment. Let me give an example using a (disappointing) experience I had with an audiobook.
TA while ago I borrowed an following audiobook from an online library, Opera 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Opera. This book involves chapters which talk through various operas, pointing out specific aspects of the composition or performance along the way.
While the text matched that of the book exactly, I was actually surprised to hear (or, in fact, to NOT hear) samples of the features described inserted at the appropriate place. This would have been the obvious enhancement in converting the book to an audio release, and certainly more closely resemble music discussions that we have come to expect in other media, such as on the radio.
Yes, I realize that it would have taken some (or much) effort to obtain appropriate rights to use the music, and piece together out the appropriate sections. But somehow the entire experience came across as feeling rather lazy and unfulfilling.
There certainly IS great potential to convert books and target experience to various forms of delivery that add to the value or enjoyment of the experience. It simply takes some thought, and the right degree of creativity.
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I agree, that book would have been greatly enhanced by the music.
Most of us who dislike audio-visual intrusions intensely don't mind appropriate use of multi-media in nonfiction. It's great for giving examples and can work really well.
Fiction is another story, especially science fiction and fantasy, where as several of us have said, the human imagination far outstrips any special effects.