Sales talk: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Sales talk: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
Sales talk is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Blomberg, Con.
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Sales Talk" by Con Blomberg is a science fiction short story written in the late 1950s. The narrative takes place in a futuristic society where "Electronic Living" (EL) allows individuals to experience the sensations and emotions of others through electronic means. The story delves into the implications of such technology on personal identity and the nature of reality, raising questions about the trade-offs between direct experience and synthetic fulfillment. The plot centers around a character named Mr. Gaines, who is visited by two salesmen from EL, Jake Long and Arnie Blik. Initially, they present EL as an exciting new way to live vicariously through the experiences of others, using a device that connects to the brain and projects simulated lives. As the conversation unfolds, Gaines questions the ethical and philosophical ramifications of abandoning genuine experiences for manufactured ones, ultimately rejecting the seductive allure of EL. The interaction culminates in Gaines triumphing over the salesmen, as he recognizes the dangers of becoming a mere consumer in a world that values production and creativity. Ultimately, the story uses the interaction as a critique of a society that prioritizes consumption over authentic living.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Sales talk
- Author credits: Blomberg, Con
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Science fiction
- Short stories
- Virtual reality -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Science-Fiction & Fantasy
- Category: Short Stories
- Science Fiction
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.
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