what's the difference? I mean i'm a bit confused. i want the entire story NOT just part of it. ya know?
I'm not exactly sure what type of answer you're looking for, but I'll take a whack at it.
As the others have mentioned, the CDs that are produced by Big Finish are not a "continuation" of the show, after the last episode, per se, but they are supposed to be considered canon, or so I was led to believe. I mean, everyone can take or leave whether or not they are, but I think they work well with the series. These CD episodes are supposed to take place somewhere between the last episode of the show, and "Return to Collinwood" which is supposed to be a continuation of the show, set in 2003 or 2004, with the residents of Collinwood older. "Return to Collinwood" was NOT produced by Big Finish, it was instead written and produced by Jamison Selby, son of David Selby, and includes many of the original actors in their original roles and new roles.
Anywho, each CD put out by Big Finish contains 3 episodes. So, after a total of 4 discs, which comprise the first season, you have 12 complete episodes that time in at about 20-25 minutes, the length of the original show episodes minus commercials. The first season, or the first 4 discs, had a minute overarching storyline, but were largely stand alone episodes, with each disc starting a storyline at the beginning of the disc, then wrapping that story up at the end of the disc. There are subtle clues throughout the first 3 discs which hints at what's coming on the 4th disc, the last three episodes.
So, in summary, the first 12 episodes, contained on 4 separated CDs, are basically stand alone stories on each disc with a small overarching theme. The second season, which I'm going to guess is going to be comprised of 4 discs as well, equalling 12 episodes once again, has been said to have a more intertwined story that continues from disc to disc, instead of being so stand alone-ish.
If you want to think about it this way: The first 4 discs released were the first season. And just like a television show, the season had stand alone episodes with an overall theme, but that theme was wrapped up at the end of the season, but still left small questions for a cliff hanger. So, now you're stuck waiting all summer (or winter as the case may be) for the second season to start, so that the series will continue and you can get the answers you want.
Basically--the discs are released every few months when the new season is ready to be shipped out, so there will be some waiting inbetween the discs. But now that the entire first season is released, you can order all 4 discs at the same time, and get all the story for that first set in one sitting.
Hopefully I haven't confused you entirely and haven't repeated myself too much. I've been up since early, so my brain isn't what it once was.