The Sword and Laser discussion

I was writing something earlier today while listening to some music that I thought fit the scene really well. This got me thinking, wouldn't it be interesting if in an E-book, there was a way to encode the ability to play music during certain parts?

For example, you reach an action scene in your book. Right near the page is a little button that if you press it, starts playing some sort of action-y type music to get you into the moment. Do you guys think that would help immerse you more into the story?

Sounds like a good idea. I always wanted to play one of those Zork games with sound effects. I think there was a Sherlock Holmes one.

Most of the Star Wars audiobooks do this. They even have sound effects. I think it would be great to do with e-books.

I've listened to parts of Laurell K. Hamilton audiobooks from the library, and all of the sudden there'll be a gunshot sound effect, and I'll jump in my seat.

The tech already exists; eBook providers just need to incorporate it. See digital versions of Wired and Rolling stone, which really take advantage of embedding and linking!

I think it would prove too distracting. Also, I don't want to be emotionaly manipulated by some schlokly music while I'm trying to enjoy a touching or emotionaly powerful scene.

I think it's nice as an optional feature. eBooks have a lot of potential...
Kevin Rose has some interesting thought: http://kevinrose.com/blogg/2010/6/13/...

One thing though: I like the idea of value-added eBooks, but only if the readers remain capable of displaying basic eBooks. There is a lot of value in the digital marketplace for independent authors and I'd hate to see it go away.