Below are two “videos” we generated using Substack’s beta video creation tool for our poem Delicate.
The AI voice is certainly strong and clear. She just lacks. Expression. And cadence. And? Nuance. But perhaps you like her anyway? We’d love to hear what you think. Just tell us in the comment box.
The second voiceover was recorded straight through Substack and is more muddy. Perhaps too quiet. A little far away, if you will.
[QUICK ASIDE: Egads! What is that Pavlov’s bell at the end of the videos? Substack put the bell in, ostensibly thinking it was: a. nice to listen to, or b. addictive, but c. we are not inclined. What do you think? ]
Also, as far as we can tell when Substack creates the videos, a user can only choose the black background if they don’t use AI lady. But maybe you like the black background? You could let us know about that, too, in the comment box.
The third voiceover is from the lovely Laurie Klein, who shares Poems to Listen By as part of our patron-exclusive content. You can hear her read the whole poem (plus some other tidbits) in the video we created ourselves (scroll to the third in line, below).
Got a Favorite? Vote in the Poll
If you’ve got a favorite, let us know by voting in the poll. If you want to share more about why you voted the way you did, share in the comment box. We’d love to know.
Funky AI Lady
Our Lady
Laurie Klein of Poems to Listen By
Featured photo by L.L. Barkat. First two videos created by Substack’s beta video creation tool.
The AI voice is absolutely featureless and uninteresting. Laurie Klein's reading is so expressive I actually find it distracting. I prefer the second voice, and would've voted for it if it were easier to hear.
Either background is fine--I probably wouldn't be looking at it, because I try to limit visual distractions when I'm listening.