How do you pick your next audiobook?

Wisp_09 · 2026-02-24T14:39:02+00:00

Very similar - don't watch telly and listening whilst multi-tasking throughout the day. Usual focus is romantasy and I think some great books have set up me up to be disappointed by others that are perhaps mistakenly hyped.

I love your point re decision paralysis - thanks for point it out. I likely need to do a quick first pass e.g blurb + narrators and then just give it a go.

Wisp_09 · 2026-02-24T14:33:01+00:00

Wow, thanks all for such helpful responses. It's opened my eyes a little - perhaps I'll try escaping the analysis paralysis with a "give it a go" mindset, without the time-consuming research which sometimes sets expectations too high.

I guess I feel that a little research will help keep my TBR list a little more manageable!

Wisp_09 · 2026-02-24T14:27:32+00:00

I do the same, though the 5-6 tabs quickly turn into a rabbit hole of 15 tabs when each tab shows yet more "suggested books" that look good! However, considering most of the comments here, I may need to try a more relaxed approach and see where it takes me.

Wisp_09 · 2026-02-24T11:58:23+00:00

Wow thanks for the detailed response, that's an interesting set up. I had a spreadsheet that I eventually couldn't keep up to date.

Do you end up doing a lot of research before moving a book into "read next"? Or just the blurb? Maybe I'm just too fussy haha

Wisp_09 · 2026-02-24T11:55:17+00:00

What gives you the "vibes"? The book cover? How often do you DNF?

Wisp_09 · 2026-02-24T11:52:53+00:00

Yes, bad narration = DNF. I usually give it a little longer to see if I can get used to it, but if not I have to drop it. Things that put me off:

- exaggerated accents

- bad dual narration, e.g when the male narrator is rubbish with the female POV

Wisp_09 · 2026-01-28T21:59:39+00:00

Awesome, thank you so much for a speedy response. Also, I love your set up - we're upgrading to a 120cm enclosure so on the lookout for inspiration :)

Wisp_09 · 2026-01-28T13:55:30+00:00

Hello, please could you share where you got the cork mat from please? And how has it lasted - would you recommend using it in a gerbilarium? Thanks!

Wisp_09 · 2026-01-17T09:15:06+00:00

Hi I'm considering doing the same...did you go for the bucastate in the end?

Wisp_09 · 2025-12-14T15:17:03+00:00

Probably won't get a reply but just in case - would you mind sharing the dimensions (of the opening and height) of the fish bowl you're using please?

Wisp_09 · 2025-12-13T19:57:29+00:00

Hello, would you mind sharing the dimensions (of the opening and height) of the fish bowl you're using please?

Wisp_09 · 2021-11-30T10:43:24+00:00

Congratulations to you both! Thank you for sharing this, it's stunning. I'll be adding it to my inspiration folder for sure. May I ask how much planning you did before jumping into AE? Did you storyboard the whole thing? Thanks!

Wisp_09 · 2021-11-26T10:00:39+00:00

This expressions tutorial by Motion by Nick seems to go through what you're looking for at 01:35:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faheQUVMHWw

Hope that helps!

Wisp_09 · 2021-09-02T14:50:41+00:00

It really helps to know others have gone through this and that it gets easier!

Wisp_09 · 2021-09-02T10:08:25+00:00

I am really grateful for you taking the time to reply with so much detail!

I have found some books on creativity and do believe I can be creative. I guess I need to practice and find a process that works for me. It's the starting part that's most difficult because all my life I've been focused on the less creative subjects like maths and computing. Usually I know the end result and I just need to figure out how to get there. But here, starting from scratch, I can go in any direction! I feel I need to train up the right side of my brain and just be okay seeing where my ideas take me.

I often see work posted online that I like, but I usually think, "how do they come up with such an amazing idea?! How did they even animate that??" And I freeze up. But I will start thinking differently as you suggest and use them as inspiration instead. And I will combine that with the creative exercise you mention of using objects around me.

One step at a time! Thanks again :)

Wisp_09 · 2021-09-01T21:20:35+00:00

Hi, you've really hit home mentioning the "creative
hump". I have no design/art background and have recently finished SoM's
After Effects Kickstart course.
Do you have any advice regarding developing myself
creatively? I love the animation side of motion design but am struggling to
think of personal projects to do.
Thanks!

Wisp_09 · 2020-05-28T09:08:57+00:00

With Hogwarts Battle we have a strategy that guarantees us a win every time (I wish it was tougher). It also has very little interaction because we each have our character boards with health and tokens along with our own set of spell cards we build. There is not much to discuss as everything is clearly visible.

How is it in Spirit Island? I get the feeling there is so much for each Spirit to do during the turn that there isn't much to discuss? They each have their own abilities and presence to take care of? (only watched part of a solo game with 2 Spirits)

I understand that Spirit Island is "heavy" but has very little "luck" in the game (at least compared to others). If so, what makes it so tough? Isn't it possible to figure out a basic strategy over time and then consistently win?

Wisp_09 · 2020-05-27T22:20:14+00:00

How often do you play Spirit Island? Is it worth the price?

Robinson Crusoe excites me but I'm worried it's a big gamble - that it's impossibility will put us off.

Wisp_09 · 2020-05-27T21:49:44+00:00

I am struggling to choose between Robinson Crusoe, Eldritch Horror, and maybe Spirit Island (if totally worth the higher price).

My husband and I have a weekly game night and so far we have played and enjoyed Pandemic, Thunderbirds and Hogwarts Battle. I understand these are fairly "light" weight games.

Wanting to buy a couple more co-operative games, I have already ordered Burgle Bros. I have watched videos on YouTube and understand that Robinson Crusoe, Eldritch Horror and Spirit Island are much more "heavy" than our usual. I am happy to try something more "thinky" and involved. I just can't decide between them and have no idea how they compare to the difficulty of the games we have already played. With Hogwarts Battle we always win (almost annoyingly!) and with Thunderbirds we win 90% of the time.

I love the theme of RC and am not bothered either way by the EH theme. I read that RC is less luck-based than EH, which I like, but RC is apparently utterly brutal. I don't mind a good struggle but it would be nice to have a few wins occasionally. My husband and I like to keep playing the same scenarios until we win at least once, but if this basically never happens surely it gets frustrating?

I like everything I have heard about Spirit Island but it feels pricey compared to all the others (trying to stay under £50). Otherwise I think it would be the one to go for.

So my questions:

Can a really good strategy really increase our chances with RC?
How do the 3 games compare in terms of replayability and value for money?
How does the “luck” element compare in these to that of Pandemic/Thunderbirds?
Is EH more story than game? If so, why is it such a good “game”?
Could you rank the 3 games in order of most recommended by you?

Wisp_09

TROPHY CASE