Comments on: Ida http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/ News from the Staff of Podiobooks.com Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:31:42 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3 By: Jeff http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-211820 Jeff Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:49:41 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-211820 Great story!!! I'll definitely read your other books, but I'm not likely to listen to them. The accent has a tendency to make me want to slap someone. ;) Great story!!! I’ll definitely read your other books, but I’m not likely to listen to them. The accent has a tendency to make me want to slap someone. ;)

]]> By: malcolm http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-167090 malcolm Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:26:53 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-167090 On chapter 14 and enjoying ever minute, Got to say it's one of the best so far. malcolm On chapter 14 and enjoying ever minute, Got to say it’s one of the best so far.
malcolm

]]> By: jim http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-157044 jim Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:09:31 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-157044 I liked this story, let me just say that before I throw in my 50pence worth of criticism. However, some parts of the story were so carelessly hinged on moments of stupidity by the characters, it almost seemed they were suffering from some kind of schizophrenic cretinism. Is Andrew a psychopath or a level headed leader with adolescent crush. The whole John is/isn't alive thing seemed like a cheap shot at getting the story to adhere to a plot already outlined by the author. John sending the email to the person he had just had fisticuffs with in the zero gee tennis court was real a cop out. It would have been much better if say... Andrew had intercepted the email during a routine scan or something. Also some of the characters seemed over complicated and cumbersome, others well thought out and plausible, while others seemed shallow and unbelievable. Thankfully the inconsistencies in behaviour seemed to diminish as the book progressed, which was indeed a godsend. All that said, and providing you are prepared to be a little forgiving in the first couple of chapters this doesn't really detract from the enjoyment of this story. Tim Callahan really does have a talent for telling stories and there is no denying it. He puts this one together quite well and it is actually relatively easy to overlook the few flaws because the story is really quite compelling. I listened to 'The Arwen' before this one without realising it was Tim Callahan and now I really appreciate how much this author has improved and how well his style is developing. I would definitely like to see a lot more from Tim Calahan in the future. I liked this story, let me just say that before I throw in my 50pence worth of criticism.

However, some parts of the story were so carelessly hinged on moments of stupidity by the characters, it almost seemed they were suffering from some kind of schizophrenic cretinism. Is Andrew a psychopath or a level headed leader with adolescent crush. The whole John is/isn’t alive thing seemed like a cheap shot at getting the story to adhere to a plot already outlined by the author. John sending the email to the person he had just had fisticuffs with in the zero gee tennis court was real a cop out. It would have been much better if say… Andrew had intercepted the email during a routine scan or something. Also some of the characters seemed over complicated and cumbersome, others well thought out and plausible, while others seemed shallow and unbelievable. Thankfully the inconsistencies in behaviour seemed to diminish as the book progressed, which was indeed a godsend.

All that said, and providing you are prepared to be a little forgiving in the first couple of chapters this doesn’t really detract from the enjoyment of this story. Tim Callahan really does have a talent for telling stories and there is no denying it. He puts this one together quite well and it is actually relatively easy to overlook the few flaws because the story is really quite compelling. I listened to ‘The Arwen’ before this one without realising it was Tim Callahan and now I really appreciate how much this author has improved and how well his style is developing. I would definitely like to see a lot more from Tim Calahan in the future.

]]> By: james http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-130870 james Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:54:48 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-130870 just finished listening to Ida again. i can't wait for the next one. just finished listening to Ida again. i can’t wait for the next one.

]]> By: Sarah Alawami http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-28142 Sarah Alawami Fri, 25 May 2007 20:44:42 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-28142 That was a good good book! I can't wait for the next one to come out. I also liked the interloods breaking each section. That was a good good book! I can’t wait for the next one to come out. I also liked the interloods breaking each section.

]]> By: Tim http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-18347 Tim Fri, 16 Feb 2007 04:55:14 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-18347 Thanks Procrastinatrix (Whoh! Glad I don't have to say that name, typing it out was hard enough!) I did as much research as I could on child development but yes, I agree, I could have done more. Not having any children myself I did a lot of reading and I kept getting different answers from different sources, including some mothers! *GRIN* I promise my next Podiobook will have no children in it at all!! I'm glad you're diggin' and lovin' the story and thanks for the comment! A new story from me is in the works and I hope to have it out soon. Enjoy the ending!! Thanks Procrastinatrix (Whoh! Glad I don’t have to say that name, typing it out was hard enough!)

I did as much research as I could on child development but yes, I agree, I could have done more. Not having any children myself I did a lot of reading and I kept getting different answers from different sources, including some mothers! *GRIN* I promise my next Podiobook will have no children in it at all!!

I’m glad you’re diggin’ and lovin’ the story and thanks for the comment! A new story from me is in the works and I hope to have it out soon. Enjoy the ending!!

]]> By: the Procrastinatrix http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-18311 the Procrastinatrix Thu, 15 Feb 2007 18:15:19 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-18311 I'm totally diggin' Ida. I'm on chapter 27 and cruising toward the end. The accent doesn't bother me at all, but I did have to recheck the name of the book. When Tim says it is sounds like Oida. :) One nitpick. You might want to read up on child development a bit. *smiling* Unless Ida babies are super advanced, at 6 months old the most babies can do is sit upright without rolling over. And their finger coordination is not very developed. And they don't play interactively with other children til around the age of 2. So Steven wouldn't be able to run across the room and grab the girl's hair, nor would he be motivated to. Like I said, a nitpick. But I bet any mom's listening just laughed about the super baby abilities. :) All that said, I'm lovin' Ida. Can't wait to see what else you put out! I’m totally diggin’ Ida. I’m on chapter 27 and cruising toward the end. The accent doesn’t bother me at all, but I did have to recheck the name of the book. When Tim says it is sounds like Oida. :)

One nitpick. You might want to read up on child development a bit. *smiling* Unless Ida babies are super advanced, at 6 months old the most babies can do is sit upright without rolling over. And their finger coordination is not very developed. And they don’t play interactively with other children til around the age of 2. So Steven wouldn’t be able to run across the room and grab the girl’s hair, nor would he be motivated to. Like I said, a nitpick. But I bet any mom’s listening just laughed about the super baby abilities. :)

All that said, I’m lovin’ Ida. Can’t wait to see what else you put out!

]]> By: Tim http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-12879 Tim Wed, 27 Dec 2006 02:02:39 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-12879 Thank you Suzanne, I'm glad you stuck with it past the rough start. Before the story really kicked into high gear I felt I needed to establish who these people where and what thier relationships were going to be, I know it might not be the best way to start a story, but for Ida I felt it was neccessary, even though I knew some people wouldn't like the slow approach, so thank you. I comment about my accent made me laugh, not much I can do about it but I did try to control it more in later chapters. *GRIN* Thank you Suzanne, I’m glad you stuck with it past the rough start. Before the story really kicked into high gear I felt I needed to establish who these people where and what thier relationships were going to be, I know it might not be the best way to start a story, but for Ida I felt it was neccessary, even though I knew some people wouldn’t like the slow approach, so thank you.

I comment about my accent made me laugh, not much I can do about it but I did try to control it more in later chapters. *GRIN*

]]> By: suzanne http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-12847 suzanne Tue, 26 Dec 2006 21:34:33 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-12847 I'm on Chapter 16 and really enjoying it now. I must admit I had a very hard time getting into it in the beginning because 1) I disliked John and Jennifer, 2) your accent grated on my nerves (no offense meant), and 3) I didn't like the focus on a silly affair that seemed to be purely about sex. However, you did a great job of developing the characters, and of course now I can admire John and tolerate Jennifer-- maybe once motherhood was introduced I had a little more sympathy for her. And Andrew the psychopath, well, his actions speak for his likeability or lack thereof. I even like Craig now that he's become a better leader. I appreciate that you've shortened or eliminated the intros and outros, too. Obviously I don't know where the story goes from here but I wanted to give you encouragement and thanks. I’m on Chapter 16 and really enjoying it now. I must admit I had a very hard time getting into it in the beginning because 1) I disliked John and Jennifer, 2) your accent grated on my nerves (no offense meant), and 3) I didn’t like the focus on a silly affair that seemed to be purely about sex. However, you did a great job of developing the characters, and of course now I can admire John and tolerate Jennifer– maybe once motherhood was introduced I had a little more sympathy for her. And Andrew the psychopath, well, his actions speak for his likeability or lack thereof. I even like Craig now that he’s become a better leader. I appreciate that you’ve shortened or eliminated the intros and outros, too. Obviously I don’t know where the story goes from here but I wanted to give you encouragement and thanks.

]]> By: Alan http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-11115 Alan Fri, 01 Dec 2006 16:04:31 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-11115 I've read a lot of sci-fi over the years and have really enjoyed this book so far, (I'm on chapter 29 and can't wait to hear the climax!). At first, I didn't really find any likeable characters, and was waiting for a plot. However, after the stage was set the plot moved forward naturally, and I began to care about the characters - even the ones I hadn't liked. I love stories about normal people thrown into turmoil and forced to become heroes. The story is reminiscent of Heinlein's early work like The Moon is a Harsh Mistress or Farmer in the Sky. If this is Tim's first, I look forward to much more. By the way; Ida is a real astroid and it really has a small moon. After hearing this story, I felt compelled to know more. http://www.solarviews.com/eng/ida.htm had some cool pictures. I’ve read a lot of sci-fi over the years and have really enjoyed this book so far, (I’m on chapter 29 and can’t wait to hear the climax!). At first, I didn’t really find any likeable characters, and was waiting for a plot. However, after the stage was set the plot moved forward naturally, and I began to care about the characters - even the ones I hadn’t liked. I love stories about normal people thrown into turmoil and forced to become heroes. The story is reminiscent of Heinlein’s early work like The Moon is a Harsh Mistress or Farmer in the Sky. If this is Tim’s first, I look forward to much more. By the way; Ida is a real astroid and it really has a small moon. After hearing this story, I felt compelled to know more. http://www.solarviews.com/eng/ida.htm had some cool pictures.

]]> By: Sueper http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-9980 Sueper Sat, 18 Nov 2006 17:59:35 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-9980 I havent had chance to listen yet but Im having real problems getting chapter 29. Im using itunes and it just wont keep connected and download. I have the same problem with a chapter of sonic fiction too. Is it my computer? I havent had chance to listen yet but Im having real problems getting chapter 29. Im using itunes and it just wont keep connected and download. I have the same problem with a chapter of sonic fiction too. Is it my computer?

]]> By: Joan http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-9432 Joan Tue, 14 Nov 2006 17:01:43 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-9432 I've just finished Chapter 31 and I'm not really ready for Ida to finish! I want to know what happens next. Tim, I hope you will rethink your decision not to write any more about Ida, it's a wonderful story and you have written well rounded characters. I look forward to hearing "Balance" and will look forward to your upcoming story in the new year. I liked Ida from the first installment, I liked your accent and the recording quality wasn't an issue for me - I just wanted to hear the ongoing story. Good job! I’ve just finished Chapter 31 and I’m not really ready for Ida to finish! I want to know what happens next. Tim, I hope you will rethink your decision not to write any more about Ida, it’s a wonderful story and you have written well rounded characters. I look forward to hearing “Balance” and will look forward to your upcoming story in the new year. I liked Ida from the first installment, I liked your accent and the recording quality wasn’t an issue for me - I just wanted to hear the ongoing story. Good job!

]]> By: Terence http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-9382 Terence Tue, 14 Nov 2006 09:06:01 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-9382 I really like this book. It had a few twists and turns and even if you don't like SF novels the story is still worth to listen. Tim Callahan has written a novel that will appeal to a large audience. -Terence I really like this book. It had a few twists and turns and even if you don’t like SF novels the story is still worth to listen. Tim Callahan has written a novel that will appeal to a large audience.

-Terence

]]> By: Tim http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-8553 Tim Thu, 09 Nov 2006 02:32:34 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-8553 Thanks for the nice comment Tokey! Not sure what chapter you're on but at Chapter 13 I got a new microphone which I think helped a lot. Before that I was using one of those headphone microphones, which wasn't very good. Thanks for the nice comment Tokey! Not sure what chapter you’re on but at Chapter 13 I got a new microphone which I think helped a lot. Before that I was using one of those headphone microphones, which wasn’t very good.

]]> By: Evo http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-8529 Evo Thu, 09 Nov 2006 00:26:18 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-8529 Hi Tokey - File size (at least in our case) has little to do with audio quality. It's more a function of the microphone, setting and recording techniques. We have some specific technical requirements for file types and sizes, and all of them should allow for quite decent, if not great, audio quality. Hi Tokey - File size (at least in our case) has little to do with audio quality. It’s more a function of the microphone, setting and recording techniques. We have some specific technical requirements for file types and sizes, and all of them should allow for quite decent, if not great, audio quality.

]]> By: Tokeyflo http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-8528 Tokeyflo Thu, 09 Nov 2006 00:20:02 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-8528 This is a great story- I agree with Haakon about it not being as much science as fiction, but that's fine. I'm about halfway through, and I'll definitely finish this one. One thing I would suggest for the next podiobook though- work on the audio quality. If it means bigger file sizes, so be it. It would be wll worth it. -Tokey This is a great story- I agree with Haakon about it not being as much science as fiction, but that’s fine. I’m about halfway through, and I’ll definitely finish this one.

One thing I would suggest for the next podiobook though- work on the audio quality. If it means bigger file sizes, so be it. It would be wll worth it.

-Tokey

]]> By: Meldrak http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-6011 Meldrak Wed, 11 Oct 2006 20:47:16 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-6011 I must take back the part about the dates, they were just the posting dates, my podcatcher software also had the wrong dates for awhile but they are fixed now too. =) I must take back the part about the dates, they were just the posting dates, my podcatcher software also had the wrong dates for awhile but they are fixed now too.
=)

]]> By: Meldrak http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-6009 Meldrak Wed, 11 Oct 2006 20:35:37 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-6009 Hey everyone. This is a great story that takes a few episodes to get the feel for and to develop the basis but then it takes off and leaves you wanting for the next episode. It is not a romantic story as the first guy's comment states. It is a sci-fi story that examines a problem that the human race could face. This is reminiscent of the old school Science Fiction like The Andromeda Strain, or the newer movie Gattaca. Tim takes a very human problem and the emotional responses that come along with that problem and puts it in a very non human setting. The narration has come a long way and I have been pleased with the way the story is laid out. My only real problem is waiting for the next episode. Tech note, the dates on podiobooks.com when chapters are released are wrong, maybe that can be fixed. Great job Tim. Keep up the hard work. Meldrak Texas Hey everyone.
This is a great story that takes a few episodes to get the feel for and to develop the basis but then it takes off and leaves you wanting for the next episode.
It is not a romantic story as the first guy’s comment states. It is a sci-fi story that examines a problem that the human race could face. This is reminiscent of the old school Science Fiction like The Andromeda Strain, or the newer movie Gattaca. Tim takes a very human problem and the emotional responses that come along with that problem and puts it in a very non human setting.
The narration has come a long way and I have been pleased with the way the story is laid out. My only real problem is waiting for the next episode.
Tech note, the dates on podiobooks.com when chapters are released are wrong, maybe that can be fixed.
Great job Tim. Keep up the hard work.
Meldrak
Texas

]]> By: Tim http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-5661 Tim Sat, 07 Oct 2006 02:14:52 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-5661 Thanks all! I'm on a quick vacation now so hopefully I'll have Chapter 21 out by October 10th or 11th. Sorry to leave you guys on such a tough cliffhanger at the end of chapter 20, I'm mean that way! Thanks all! I’m on a quick vacation now so hopefully I’ll have Chapter 21 out by October 10th or 11th. Sorry to leave you guys on such a tough cliffhanger at the end of chapter 20, I’m mean that way!

]]> By: Jarrod Lewis http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-5641 Jarrod Lewis Fri, 06 Oct 2006 17:06:41 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/08/08/ida/#comment-5641 I have listened to this story from the beginning and all I can say is "WHERE IS THE NEXT CHAPTER" I'm completely enthralled. Tim has put so much thought into each of the main characters that I feel like I literally know them. As for the "insecure 14 yr old" comment From Haakon Nilsen you should try being in such close proxinity to the opposite sex in such situations and I guarantee you will act the same. I have listened to this story from the beginning and all I can say is “WHERE IS THE NEXT CHAPTER” I’m completely enthralled. Tim has put so much thought into each of the main characters that I feel like I literally know them. As for the “insecure 14 yr old” comment From Haakon Nilsen you should try being in such close proxinity to the opposite sex in such situations and I guarantee you will act the same.

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