Brian C. Veteran Bookseller
@chainborne.bsky.social
Bookseller (British, bearded, bespectacled, bald). Fantasy-fan. Sci-Fi guy. Word-nerd. He/Him.
On a mission to read all the middle-grade science fiction books.
On a mission to read all the middle-grade science fiction books.
I don't have a great deal of experience with the format, but I'm beginning to think that the difference between a bad audiobook and a good audiobook has less to do with the quality of the writing and more to do with the talent of the narrator.
September 15, 2026 at 1:16 PM
I don't have a great deal of experience with the format, but I'm beginning to think that the difference between a bad audiobook and a good audiobook has less to do with the quality of the writing and more to do with the talent of the narrator.
I've been making this comparison (mostly to myself)
The notion of a capricious and hugely unfair universe in which individual lives are crushingly insignificant feels very Adamsian.
The difference being that in DCC its a socio-economic construct rather than natural law and Carl is very mad about it.
The notion of a capricious and hugely unfair universe in which individual lives are crushingly insignificant feels very Adamsian.
The difference being that in DCC its a socio-economic construct rather than natural law and Carl is very mad about it.
If you want to look to find the bit of science fiction culture of today that is likely most similar to the slot that Hitchhiker's fit into in the 80s, I might suggest Dungeon Crawler Carl to you. It's NOT a 1:1 fit, so settle down, but for humor/absurdity/weird melancholy, it's in the neighborhood.
September 14, 2026 at 4:43 PM
I've been making this comparison (mostly to myself)
The notion of a capricious and hugely unfair universe in which individual lives are crushingly insignificant feels very Adamsian.
The difference being that in DCC its a socio-economic construct rather than natural law and Carl is very mad about it.
The notion of a capricious and hugely unfair universe in which individual lives are crushingly insignificant feels very Adamsian.
The difference being that in DCC its a socio-economic construct rather than natural law and Carl is very mad about it.
Reposted by Brian C. Veteran Bookseller
I am the very model of a modern day typographer
A font take on the tune “Modern Major General” by Gilbert & Sullivan
#typography #fonts #graphicdesign
A font take on the tune “Modern Major General” by Gilbert & Sullivan
#typography #fonts #graphicdesign
September 8, 2026 at 7:03 PM
I am the very model of a modern day typographer
A font take on the tune “Modern Major General” by Gilbert & Sullivan
#typography #fonts #graphicdesign
A font take on the tune “Modern Major General” by Gilbert & Sullivan
#typography #fonts #graphicdesign
It really seems like most officially licensed screen-print T-shirts are just garbage quality these days; tacky to the touch and start to disintegrate in a matter of weeks.
I've got T-shirts from decades ago that look better than some recent purchases.
Is there a way to fix or treat them at home?
I've got T-shirts from decades ago that look better than some recent purchases.
Is there a way to fix or treat them at home?
September 4, 2026 at 9:09 AM
It really seems like most officially licensed screen-print T-shirts are just garbage quality these days; tacky to the touch and start to disintegrate in a matter of weeks.
I've got T-shirts from decades ago that look better than some recent purchases.
Is there a way to fix or treat them at home?
I've got T-shirts from decades ago that look better than some recent purchases.
Is there a way to fix or treat them at home?
Complete this sentence. I own a ridiculous amount of:
Books
Star Wars Lego
Fantasy B-Movies
Ahsoka Tano Funko Pops
DC-Animated blu-rays
Books
Star Wars Lego
Fantasy B-Movies
Ahsoka Tano Funko Pops
DC-Animated blu-rays
Complete this sentence. I own a ridiculous amount of:
Books
Knifes
Messenger bags
Dog leads
Books
Knifes
Messenger bags
Dog leads
Complete this sentence. I own a ridiculous amount of:
> books
> dice
> dragons (figurines, plush, art, etc)
> Colorado Avalanche jerseys
> Dragonlance paraphernalia (board game, D&D campaigns, minis, maps, etc)
> coffee mugs
> books
> dice
> dragons (figurines, plush, art, etc)
> Colorado Avalanche jerseys
> Dragonlance paraphernalia (board game, D&D campaigns, minis, maps, etc)
> coffee mugs
August 19, 2026 at 6:16 AM
Complete this sentence. I own a ridiculous amount of:
Books
Star Wars Lego
Fantasy B-Movies
Ahsoka Tano Funko Pops
DC-Animated blu-rays
Books
Star Wars Lego
Fantasy B-Movies
Ahsoka Tano Funko Pops
DC-Animated blu-rays
I started to comment on this thread and it turns out I have a LOT of thoughts about Dungeon Crawler Carl - a series I'm really enjoying fwiw - so I thought I'd better make my own thread instead. 👇
Carl and Katia's platonic, healthy, love-filled friendship is part of what drives my endearment for Carl and the DCC series in general.
Its so refreshing to see a m/F friendship that never dips its toes into romance.
Carl never to feels he was "friend zoned" - Hes an actual true friend
Its so refreshing to see a m/F friendship that never dips its toes into romance.
Carl never to feels he was "friend zoned" - Hes an actual true friend
August 13, 2026 at 9:08 AM
I started to comment on this thread and it turns out I have a LOT of thoughts about Dungeon Crawler Carl - a series I'm really enjoying fwiw - so I thought I'd better make my own thread instead. 👇
I try to avoid scrolling Instagram, but this little chap is the highlight of the whole app. His name is Acer and he's a whiz at numbers!
10/10 parenting by his dad also.
It was hard to choose a clip to share, but then he showed up as a member of the 501st...
www.instagram.com/reel/DbWLnza...
10/10 parenting by his dad also.
It was hard to choose a clip to share, but then he showed up as a member of the 501st...
www.instagram.com/reel/DbWLnza...
Instagram
Create an account or log in to Instagram - Share what you're into with the people who get you.
www.instagram.com
August 12, 2026 at 11:15 AM
I try to avoid scrolling Instagram, but this little chap is the highlight of the whole app. His name is Acer and he's a whiz at numbers!
10/10 parenting by his dad also.
It was hard to choose a clip to share, but then he showed up as a member of the 501st...
www.instagram.com/reel/DbWLnza...
10/10 parenting by his dad also.
It was hard to choose a clip to share, but then he showed up as a member of the 501st...
www.instagram.com/reel/DbWLnza...
Huh, interesting. I never bothered verifying my age on XBox Live because I'm not interested in using its "Social Features", so I just ignored all the reminders. And I've just had a notification to say "Due to longstanding account activity, we accept that you're an adult, there's no need to verify" 🤷♂️
August 10, 2026 at 6:33 PM
Huh, interesting. I never bothered verifying my age on XBox Live because I'm not interested in using its "Social Features", so I just ignored all the reminders. And I've just had a notification to say "Due to longstanding account activity, we accept that you're an adult, there's no need to verify" 🤷♂️
Reposted by Brian C. Veteran Bookseller
"I Noticed That You Mentioned Silent Films So I Wanted to Come Over and Explain a Film I am Sure You Have Never Seen Called METROPOLIS" by Berthold Woltze
July 31, 2024 at 8:37 PM
"I Noticed That You Mentioned Silent Films So I Wanted to Come Over and Explain a Film I am Sure You Have Never Seen Called METROPOLIS" by Berthold Woltze
I was really puzzled as to why this article was accompanied by a photo of a young lady in a tartan micro-miniskirt and black top, bending over to adjust her thigh-high rainbow stockings...
August 9, 2026 at 9:20 AM
I was really puzzled as to why this article was accompanied by a photo of a young lady in a tartan micro-miniskirt and black top, bending over to adjust her thigh-high rainbow stockings...
My bank emailed to ask - based on my recent use of their in-branch cash machine - how likely I am, on a scale of 0-10, to recommend them to a friend or colleague.
And then sent a *follow-up reminder* when I didn't respond.
It's zero, ok? No-one regales their friends with tales of great ATM visits!
And then sent a *follow-up reminder* when I didn't respond.
It's zero, ok? No-one regales their friends with tales of great ATM visits!
Jackie Chan Holding Head
Alt: The Jackie Chan "WTF" meme. He's holding his hands to his head with an expression of incredulous confusion on his face.
static.klipy.com
August 6, 2026 at 6:55 PM
My bank emailed to ask - based on my recent use of their in-branch cash machine - how likely I am, on a scale of 0-10, to recommend them to a friend or colleague.
And then sent a *follow-up reminder* when I didn't respond.
It's zero, ok? No-one regales their friends with tales of great ATM visits!
And then sent a *follow-up reminder* when I didn't respond.
It's zero, ok? No-one regales their friends with tales of great ATM visits!
Perception of value is an interesting thing.
I have scores of movies on blu-ray that I'm in no great rush to upgrade to 4K UHD, but this was an insta-buy at full price as soon as I saw it..
I have scores of movies on blu-ray that I'm in no great rush to upgrade to 4K UHD, but this was an insta-buy at full price as soon as I saw it..
August 1, 2026 at 1:15 PM
Perception of value is an interesting thing.
I have scores of movies on blu-ray that I'm in no great rush to upgrade to 4K UHD, but this was an insta-buy at full price as soon as I saw it..
I have scores of movies on blu-ray that I'm in no great rush to upgrade to 4K UHD, but this was an insta-buy at full price as soon as I saw it..
Reposted by Brian C. Veteran Bookseller
On a slight tangent, I noticed in the Loki TV series there are as many alligator Lokis as there are female Lokis.
Alligator Loki with Horns
Alt: Alligator Loki with Horns
static.klipy.com
July 30, 2026 at 7:49 AM
On a slight tangent, I noticed in the Loki TV series there are as many alligator Lokis as there are female Lokis.
Halfway through Dungeon Crawler Carl book 6, The Eye of The Bedlam Bride, and the series has delivered its first proper emotional gut-punch.
Goddamn that Beatrice...
Goddamn that Beatrice...
July 29, 2026 at 9:35 PM
Halfway through Dungeon Crawler Carl book 6, The Eye of The Bedlam Bride, and the series has delivered its first proper emotional gut-punch.
Goddamn that Beatrice...
Goddamn that Beatrice...
I think I might be suffering from astigmatism, because I don't have holes in my hands and feet.
July 28, 2026 at 8:05 PM
I think I might be suffering from astigmatism, because I don't have holes in my hands and feet.
Klepto Dismal
July 28, 2026 at 6:37 AM
Klepto Dismal
Man accepts a sword from a woman in a pond. Much later, his son tells an assistant to give it back.
July 18, 2026 at 1:14 PM
Man accepts a sword from a woman in a pond. Much later, his son tells an assistant to give it back.
Sometimes I find myself stricken with pangs over the demise of Flash animation and seamlessly looping web video, in the same way that others still mourn the destruction of the Library of Alexandria.
I miss you, Magical Trevor. One playthrough is not enough. 😔
I miss you, Magical Trevor. One playthrough is not enough. 😔
July 17, 2026 at 8:52 PM
Sometimes I find myself stricken with pangs over the demise of Flash animation and seamlessly looping web video, in the same way that others still mourn the destruction of the Library of Alexandria.
I miss you, Magical Trevor. One playthrough is not enough. 😔
I miss you, Magical Trevor. One playthrough is not enough. 😔
You deleted before I could reply, @elicia.bsky.social (don't worry - I'm used to it 😊), but I just wanted to say; good plan! 👍
July 4, 2026 at 12:03 PM
You deleted before I could reply, @elicia.bsky.social (don't worry - I'm used to it 😊), but I just wanted to say; good plan! 👍
I picked a bad time to try raising rabbits on my family farm in the French countryside.
June 24, 2026 at 8:49 AM
I picked a bad time to try raising rabbits on my family farm in the French countryside.
Lying awake at 4am listening to water dripping through my kitchen ceiling (I live in a basement flat).
June 20, 2026 at 3:08 AM
Lying awake at 4am listening to water dripping through my kitchen ceiling (I live in a basement flat).
Such a great feeling after a reading slump when you feel the need to slow down and take a book break because you're reading a series too fast, and there's only 8 published volumes and your about to start Book 4, so you decide to switch to something else to prolong the enjoyment. 😊
June 9, 2026 at 6:55 AM
Such a great feeling after a reading slump when you feel the need to slow down and take a book break because you're reading a series too fast, and there's only 8 published volumes and your about to start Book 4, so you decide to switch to something else to prolong the enjoyment. 😊
Talking with my young colleagues about the generational indicator of where you know Anthony Head from.
For the youngest it's Merlin
For those slightly older it's Buffy
For folks like me it's the Gold Blend coffee adverts. ☕
RIP.
For the youngest it's Merlin
For those slightly older it's Buffy
For folks like me it's the Gold Blend coffee adverts. ☕
RIP.
June 7, 2026 at 8:44 AM
Talking with my young colleagues about the generational indicator of where you know Anthony Head from.
For the youngest it's Merlin
For those slightly older it's Buffy
For folks like me it's the Gold Blend coffee adverts. ☕
RIP.
For the youngest it's Merlin
For those slightly older it's Buffy
For folks like me it's the Gold Blend coffee adverts. ☕
RIP.
My mum's PC is in the hands of a local "collect & return" repair service who only take payment by bank transfer, and everything about it is screaming "SCAM!" at me.
But it's too late now - I'm committed, so I figure "In for a penny, in for a pound". Payment sent. 🙏 🤞😔🤞
Gotta have a little faith.
But it's too late now - I'm committed, so I figure "In for a penny, in for a pound". Payment sent. 🙏 🤞😔🤞
Gotta have a little faith.
June 5, 2026 at 5:58 AM
My mum's PC is in the hands of a local "collect & return" repair service who only take payment by bank transfer, and everything about it is screaming "SCAM!" at me.
But it's too late now - I'm committed, so I figure "In for a penny, in for a pound". Payment sent. 🙏 🤞😔🤞
Gotta have a little faith.
But it's too late now - I'm committed, so I figure "In for a penny, in for a pound". Payment sent. 🙏 🤞😔🤞
Gotta have a little faith.
After listening to two Dungeon Crawler Carl audiobooks, I've started saying "Gawd Demmit Donut!" to myself over every minor inconvenience.
May 27, 2026 at 5:37 PM
After listening to two Dungeon Crawler Carl audiobooks, I've started saying "Gawd Demmit Donut!" to myself over every minor inconvenience.