'CSI' Creator Releases Book-Video-Web-Site Mashup
When compared with music, television, and movies, books haven't really changed all that much over the years. But 'CSI' creator Anthony Zuiker is about to shake up the written word by rolling a novel, Web site, and video clips into an innovative experience for readers.
According to Reuters, Zuiker's first 'digi-novel,' dubbed 'Level 26,' will be released on Tuesday. It's a crime story, of course, but the format, not the plot, is where the innovation comes into play. After reading 20 pages of the actual text, you can enter a special code on the 'Level 26' Web site that accesses exclusive three-minute clips, which Zuiker wrote and directed, called 'cyber-bridges' that further develop the story. Zuiker says the 'digi-novel' is intended to give a breath of fresh air to traditional publishing, not replace it entirely.
He shouldn't worry, either. Because, if you ask us, there's no way this will catch on. No one wants to read 20 pages, put down the book, type in a URL, enter a code, watch a video clip, and start reading again. It's just not practical. On a positive note, at least this project can't be put into eternal syndication as Zuiker's TV show has been. The only place you'll see 'Level 26' years down the line is the bookstore bargain bin. [From: Reuters, via Silicon Alley Insider]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jaykikelt2 said 8:31AM on 9-07-2009
The idea of a wrtten page then video for effect won't last long. Why doesn't he put the story on DVD with the jumps to the video included? He could market the CD's same as the book and it would be more acceptable to the reader.
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Anthony Byrd said 10:45AM on 9-07-2009
He shouldn't worry, either. Because, if you ask us, there's no way this will catch on. No one wants to read 20 pages, put down the book, type in a URL, enter a code, watch a video clip, and start reading again. It's just not practical. On a positive note, at least this project can't be put into eternal syndication as Zuiker's TV show has been. The only place you'll see 'Level 26' years down the line is the bookstore bargain bin.
Hey did not some one say the airplane the telephone etc etc would
never catch on. Holy AOL ! The PC's were also something people do not beleave
in so a CSI inter net site will work for us that did not listen to the ones that got a
job saying the internet would not work....
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a-byrd said 10:50AM on 9-07-2009
He shouldn't worry, either. Because, if you ask us, there's no way this will catch on. No one wants to read 20 pages, put down the book, type in a URL, enter a code, watch a video clip, and start reading again. It's just not practical. On a positive note, at least this project can't be put into eternal syndication as Zuiker's TV show has been. The only place you'll see 'Level 26' years down the line is the bookstore bargain bin.
Hey if you had said this 20 years ago maybe you would not be working
for AOL something people also did not beleave in..
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J. D. said 12:07PM on 9-07-2009
Actually, I think it WILL work because there are people like me who read 2 chapters in a book, put it down, and don't pick it up again. I used to love to read but I read very little anymore and rarely finish a book. This will breath fresh air into a book and give me reason to pick it up again. I LOVE the idea! Anyone else out there have the same problems I do when it comes to reading? I'll be anxious to see what people think of it AFTER they try it.
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