Elwood Edwards, the voice of the iconic "You've got mail!" AOL notification, is offering personalized voice recordings through Cameo. He records greetings, announcements, and other custom messages, providing a nostalgic touch for fans of the classic internet sound. This allows individuals and businesses to incorporate the familiar and beloved voice into various projects or simply have a personalized message from a piece of internet history.
The blog post by Jonathan Corbet details the intriguing availability of personalized voice recordings from Elwood Edwards, the voice famously associated with the iconic "You've got mail!" notification from America Online (AOL) in the 1990s. Mr. Edwards, leveraging the contemporary gig economy facilitated by platforms like Cameo, is now offering bespoke voice recordings for a modest fee. This presents a unique opportunity for individuals to acquire custom messages delivered in the instantly recognizable timbre that once heralded the arrival of electronic mail for millions. The blog post highlights this nostalgic service, emphasizing the affordability and accessibility of obtaining a personalized greeting, announcement, or other short recording spoken by the very voice that defined a generation's online experience. Corbet notes the potential applications, ranging from whimsical novelty recordings to incorporating the iconic voice into professional projects, underscoring the versatility of this offering. Essentially, anyone now has the power to commandeer the voice that once signified digital connection for a personalized message, a testament to the democratizing influence of platforms like Cameo in connecting individuals with recognizable personalities and talents. This blog post serves as both an announcement of this service and a brief commentary on the changing landscape of media and celebrity accessibility in the digital age. It evokes a sense of nostalgia while simultaneously highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit of Mr. Edwards in adapting to the modern gig economy and engaging directly with his audience in a new and innovative way.
Summary of Comments ( 14 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42695005
HN commenters were generally impressed with the technical achievement of Elwood's personalized voice recordings using Edwards' voice. Several pointed out the potential for misuse, particularly in scams and phishing attempts, with some suggesting watermarking or other methods to verify authenticity. The legal and ethical implications of using someone's voice, even with their permission, were also raised, especially regarding future deepfakes and potential damage to reputation. Others discussed the nostalgia factor and potential applications like personalized audiobooks or interactive fiction. There was a small thread about the technical details of the voice cloning process and its limitations, and a few comments recalling Edwards' previous work. Some commenters were more skeptical, viewing it as a clever but ultimately limited gimmick.
The Hacker News post titled "Personalized voice recordings by Elwood 'You've got mail!' Edwards" has generated a moderate number of comments, mostly focusing on the nostalgia and novelty of the service offered.
Several commenters express their fondness for the iconic "You've got mail" phrase and its association with the early internet era. They share personal anecdotes about AOL and the excitement surrounding email notifications at the time. This nostalgic sentiment translates into an appreciation for Edwards's offering, with some expressing interest in purchasing personalized recordings.
Some users discuss the potential uses for such recordings, ranging from voicemail greetings to novelty gifts and even integration into smart home systems. One commenter suggests using the service for a wake-up alarm, while others brainstorm humorous and creative applications.
A few comments touch upon the technical aspects of voice cloning and AI-generated speech, contrasting Edwards's genuine recordings with the potential for future technology to replicate his voice. There's a sense of valuing the authenticity of a recording from the original voice actor.
One commenter questions the pricing strategy, suggesting a tiered model based on usage might be more appealing. This sparks a small discussion about the value proposition and target audience for the service.
A couple of comments also mention other famous voice actors and the potential for similar personalized recording services. This suggests a broader interest in nostalgic audio experiences and personalized messages from recognizable voices.
While the overall number of comments is not extensive, the discussion highlights the positive reception of Edwards's service, driven largely by nostalgia, the unique value proposition, and the creative potential for personalized voice recordings.