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What is ReadTheWords.com?
ReadTheWords.com is a free, web based service that assists people with written material. We do this by using TTS Technology, or Text To Speech Technology. Users of our service can generate a clear sounding audio file from almost any written material. We generate a voice that reads the words out loud, that you request us to read.
What is Text to Speech Technology?
Text to Speech technology is the ability to turn text information into clear sounding, speech. While the concept has existed since the early 1930’s, only until very recently has ReadTheWords.com, and our partners, made huge breakthroughs in the quality of this technology.
What can you read?
We provide users various ways to let us know what to read. You can always write text, or copy text from another file, and paste it into our text box. We also have a file upload section, where you can upload any Microsoft office document, Adobe PDF, txt, and HTML document. You can also tell us a website address, or RSS feed url, and we can read that as well.
Who will read to me?
We have 15 voices, and you can select any reader you would like. There is a dropdown list with samples of each reader’s voice. You can hear a sample before you create your reading.
Can you read other languages?
We have Readers that read Spanish and French. You must enter in your written words in that respective language. Then, you must choose a reader that reads Spanish and French. Next to each reader in the drop down list, it states the language in which the reader is fluent.
Can I hear the reader speak before I create a reading?
Yes, on the input pages, there are voice samples on the right side of the screen. You can choose any reader from the drop down list, to hear a recording of their voice.
How long does it take the readers to read?
Our readers generate 1 hours worth of reading in less than 1 minute. If it is taking longer, that is because of the amount of people currently using our readers. We apologize, and will work to increase the speed of the readers. You always have the option of receiving the reading via email. Just click the email confirmation check box at the bottom of the input page.
Can I save the reading?
Yes. You have many options for what you can do with your reading. You can download it to your computer, ipod, or other mp3 player. You can listen from any computer and, you can even embed it in your website, blog, myspace, or facebook page.
What does it mean to embed a reading?
Embedding a reading, is too paste a badge in your website or blog. The user will be given a small piece of code, which you paste into your site. A small audio toolbar, similar to the one in the, “my recordings page”, will now appear in your website or blog. Your visitors can click the play button and listen to the reading you created, directly from your site.
Can I change the appearance of the audio toolbar that I place in my website or blog?
Yes, you can choose any color of the audio toolbar that you can imagine. Create a reading and you will be taken to “my readings” page. Click the embed button to the right of the reading you wish to embed. A pop-up screen will appear. Click on the color pallet and select any color you would like for the toolbar. Then click update script. A sample of the toolbar will appear at the bottom of the screen, in the color you selected. If you like the color, copy and paste the code into your website or blog. If you do not, click the color pallet and choose another color. You can do this as many times as you like until you find a color that suits your site.
Can I adjust my reader’s speed?
Yes, you can adjust your readers speed before you create a recording. On the input or upload pages, there is a bar that you can adjust in order to speed up or slow down your reader. We set a default at a reasonable speed. We encourage you to create sample readings until you find the desired speed. Then you can create your full length recording in the desired speed.
Can I adjust the speed after the recording is made?
Unfortunately, you can only adjust the speed of the reader before the recording. If you are not satisfied with the speed, please make another recording and change the speed.
Why are your readers mispronouncing words?
Our readers are very good at reading. However, no one is perfect, not even our program. You can try typing in the word phonetically. This is how the word would be pronounced, versus how it is spelled. For example, if our reader is mispronouncing the word knight, a person of noble birth, and chivalrous protector of the royal family, one may try spelling the work nite, for our reader to pronounce it correctly. Our readers are pretty good and won’t mispronounce a word like knight, but this is used to illustrate an example. Typing in the phonetic spelling is especially good with names and other proper nouns.
Some tips on improving the quality of your reading
-Type phonetically (fone-net-tik-ly) if your reader is mispronouncing words.
-Place a , or . for a brief pause
-Place a ? or ! to increase the reader’s pitch
How do I embed a reading?
The first step is to create a reading. Once your reading is complete, you will be taken to “my readings” page. Click the “embed reading” button to the right of your selected reading. A new screen will appear with a code and a sample of the audio bar. Here you can change the color or skin, of the audio bar. Once you select a color that you are happy with, click update script. Then, simply copy the code, and paste it into the html section of the page you wish to embed the reading.
Can I distribute my readings?
You cannot distribute the readings due to licensing agreement with our partners. However, we offer simple solutions for you to share your readings. You can embed a reading into your website or blog, where we stream the readings to your users.
Can I download my readings?
Yes, you can download your reading as long as it is for your personal use. You cannot sell or distribute your readings without ReadTheWords.com written permission.
Can I sell my readings?
No, you cannot use your readings for any commercial purpose, or distribute your readings without ReadTheWords.com written permission. You can however, embed the readings into your website or blog, and share them with all your users.
Is my personal information safe on your website?
Yes, we store your email id, login password and name as part of the member signup process. Out of these, the email id and password are stored in an encrypted form. If you opt for a paid subscription, your financial information and transaction details are stored by our payment gateway provider Paddle, in their secure data centers. We do not store any credit card information on our servers.
How can I close my account?
You can send us mail at support@readthewords.com or use the Contact form on the website to let us know. Please note that it takes up to 10 working days to delete your data and close your account.
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