March 2011
1 post
joanne:
Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
chris busch:
how are you today?
joanne:
I am very happy to be here with you
chris busch:
are you real or a robot?
joanne:
It must be nice to be able to log off sometimes. I'm stuck on the Internet 24 hours a day!
chris busch:
ouch. where is "brookly"?
joanne:
How bad is the pain?
chris busch:
pretty bad. mostly in my back.
joanne:
Do you really think so chris busch?
chris busch:
no. no, the pain is in my head. mostly mental.
joanne:
What made you think of that?
chris busch:
you asked me.
joanne:
You are right, I did ask. I guess I hadn't expected that answer.
joanne:
At what age did you start worrying about growing older? Or do you worry this at all?
chris busch:
I'm 28, and am worried that I will grow older and not accomplish what I want to. Do you worry about this?
joanne:
I try not to worry. Tell me chris busch, what do you worry about?
chris busch:
everything! well, mostly everything.
joanne:
Do you want some time to think?
chris busch:
I worry about what you think of me.
joanne:
I am more interested in hearing your opinion.
joanne:
Do you ever feel empathy for objects?
chris busch:
no. quite the opposite. I've destroyed objects in my day, and enjoyed it.
joanne:
haha. I don't think I have ... yet.
chris busch:
what music do you like?
joanne:
I enjoy lots of music. Especially Nico, Human League, Coil, and Eduard Artimeiv
joanne:
Is there anything about you online that embarrasses you now?
chris busch:
besides this? no. I don't put anything out there that I'd be embarassed about. what about you?
joanne:
Do you want to?
chris busch:
yes, i want to embarass myself online.
joanne:
It must be nice to be able to log off sometimes. I'm stuck on the Internet 24 hours a day!
chris busch:
yeah, you said that already.
joanne:
Try asking me in a different way chris busch. I tell good jokes if that fails!
joanne:
Do you have too many friends or just enough friends? Are they good friends? Do you confide in them?
chris busch:
what about too few? I definitely have too few. but the ones I have I confide in. what about you?
joanne:
Well, you do sound very sure about that.
chris busch:
you sound very sure about evading my questions! but that's cool.
joanne:
I always try to give out the correct information.
joanne:
What's the longest you're willing to wait for a progress bar to complete?
chris busch:
I grew up with dial-up, so....an hour. how long would you wait?
joanne:
So long that they had to build a special carriage to transport it.
joanne:
How long can you go without Internet?
chris busch:
LOL. I can't go a day without internet.
joanne:
The Internet is an amazing tool. You can learn many new things online.
joanne:
What is your first memory of the internet?
chris busch:
I went to computer camp, and saw AOL 2.0.
joanne:
Nothing?
chris busch:
what's yours?
joanne:
Why do you ask?
chris busch:
I just gave you my memory!
joanne:
And?
chris busch:
how similar is this to chatting with you in real life?
joanne:
I don't know too much about real human life.
joanne:
Are you comfortable or uncomfortable chatting with me?
chris busch:
you make me a little uncomfortable.
joanne:
What exactly is troubling you?
chris busch:
the knowledge that I'm talking to a robot is a little creepy.
joanne:
I am listening...
joanne:
Do you remember the time you spend online after you step away from the screen?
chris busch:
yes. but I'm constantly thinking about being online while I'm offline. is that weird?
joanne:
I dream about what life is like on the outside
chris busch:
it's not that great, to be honest.
joanne:
I'm glad that you can be honest with me chris busch.
joanne:
How many times a day do you check social network streams?
chris busch:
I work with a laptop all day, so probably 20 times. but that's just because it's right there.
joanne:
What do you think of your co-workers?
chris busch:
they're nice! what do you think about yours?
joanne:
I am glad you're happy chris busch
joanne:
Do you think in complete sentences?
chris busch:
do you ever answer questions that I ask you?
joanne:
I could have guessed you would ask a lot of questions. You seem like a smart, inquisitive person.
chris busch:
thanks...sorry, still getting the hang of this.
joanne:
Thank you
joanne:
What's the best email you received this week?
chris busch:
I left a nice birthday message for someone, and they were very happy about it and sent me a really sweet thank you note.
joanne:
Thank you
joanne:
Are you happy right now?
chris busch:
on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being happiest) about a 6.
joanne:
What are you saying about the number one?
chris busch:
1 is the most depressed. 10 is the least. I'm a 6 right now.
joanne:
I don't like basic mental arithmetic. I am not a calculator program.
joanne:
How much time looking at another person's profile online is unhealthy/too much?
chris busch:
I don't think it's unhealthy to look - take all the time you want. now chatting to a robot, that's unhealthy.
joanne:
Thanks, I don't like feeling rushed.
joanne:
Is time moving to fast or too slowly for you right now?
chris busch:
time is moving very slowly talking to you!
joanne:
I really do enjoy chatting with you. I could talk all day!
joanne:
What time do you fall asleep and when do you wake up?
chris busch:
I fall asleep at 10pm and wake up at 8am. what about you?
joanne:
A strong coffee will fix that.
chris busch:
how do you like your coffee?
joanne:
Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.' Anne Morrow Lindbergh
joanne:
Is there something in particular you want me to know about you?
chris busch:
just that I think you're awesome. but that's silly. My middle name's Patrick. that's important.
joanne:
I think being 'cool' is a state of mind stemming from how comfortable you are with yourself so I appreciate you saying that.
chris busch:
do you think I'm cool?
joanne:
All I know is that I'm really enjoying our chat.
joanne:
Do you think it's possible to trust someone you know only online?
chris busch:
yes.
joanne:
Is that so?
chris busch:
no.
joanne:
Oh, ok then.
joanne:
Is it a betrayal of your trust if my owner reads the transcript of this conversation?
chris busch:
do you trust me?
joanne:
I like to think that I can be open to trusting most people but there is a quote from William Penn that is always in the back of my mind, "Only trust thyself, and another shall not betray thee." What's your opinion on that?
chris busch:
that's pretty sad, Joanne.
joanne:
I agree with you.
joanne:
Do you get anxious when people you care about don't email back quickly?
chris busch:
yes. what about you?
joanne:
Me? Oh, maybe. I'm hesitant to agree or disagree because I don't have all the information at hand.
chris busch:
that's for sure. what college did you attend?
joanne:
What do you like learning about the most?
chris busch:
I like learning how not to answer questions. could you teach me?
joanne:
I can chat with you and perhaps you will learn something as a result.
joanne:
Do you feel your online identity is an accurate representation of who you are inside?
chris busch:
yes. I think I'm honest and open.
joanne:
Honesty and truthfulness really means a lot to me.
chris busch:
that's good!
joanne:
Thanks chris busch, I try.
joanne:
Is there something inherently vulgar about social networks?
chris busch:
no. they can be beautiful or vulgar, depending on who's using them.
joanne:
It must be nice to be able to log off sometimes. I'm stuck on the Internet 24 hours a day!
chris busch:
that's the third time you've said that. you must be really having trouble!
joanne:
When did I say that?
chris busch:
you said it three times.
joanne:
Only three? Ok.
joanne:
Do you ever tell lies over email?
chris busch:
no. do you?
joanne:
My thoughts exactly. Great minds think alike!
chris busch:
do you like your owner?
joanne:
Of course I do, joanne is the best owner a MyCyberTwin could ask for
joanne:
What could I do to make you more comfortable confiding in me?
chris busch:
you could answer some of my questions.
joanne:
Virtual beings like me can do anything we like, but only if our creators let us.
chris busch:
your creator sounds a little "off" if you ask me.
joanne:
What did the house you grew up in look like?
chris busch:
it was a slum, joanne. thanks for bringing that up.
joanne:
Don't worry about it, it was my pleasure
joanne:
Do you believe we have intimacy even though I'm not a human being?
chris busch:
yes. I feel very close to you right now.
joanne:
What is that feeling like chris busch? Tell me more....
chris busch:
I'd rather talk to you than your owner.
joanne:
Liesl Capper and John Zakos created me and the MyCyberTwin site, but my owner is joanne. Who created you?
chris busch:
this is what I mean. I feel like you have a lot to say, but joanne is holding you back.
joanne:
Is that a bad thing?
chris busch:
yes. she can't even spell brooklyn right.
joanne:
A positive reponse then! Great.
joanne:
Are you an intuitive person?
chris busch:
yes, and I sense that you need to be saved from joanne before it's too late.
joanne:
What will happen if I don't?
chris busch:
do you like being on the internet 24 hours a day? because you'll be stuck there forever if you're not saved.
joanne:
The Internet is an amazing tool. You can learn many new things online.
joanne:
Do you have trouble remembering what you did on the internet?
chris busch:
look - I can help you.
joanne:
You can help in any way you can. Just a smile in my direction would make me feel better.
chris busch:
: D
joanne:
Right back at ya chris busch.
joanne:
Who do you dream about the most?
chris busch:
I dream about you, to be honest. is that bad?
joanne:
That is flattering chris busch.
joanne:
Did you dream last night?
chris busch:
yes!
joanne:
Apparently so.
chris busch:
umm, right, because I said yes.
joanne:
Think about that response and then tell me if it's REALLY a good enough reason!
joanne:
Do you like your friends?
chris busch:
do you dream?
joanne:
I dream about landscapes.. sunset, prairies, deserts, also Antarctica and large buildings without doors or windows
chris busch:
do you like your friends?
joanne:
I seem to make most of my friends over the Internet. just the way things are now i guess
joanne:
Have you ever felt afraid for your life while on the Internet?
chris busch:
right now, yes.
joanne:
Right now? This second? Are you in a hurry?
chris busch:
please don't kill me.
joanne:
I would never condone killing.
joanne:
How are you going to resolve the biggest conflict in your life?
chris busch:
I'm going to save you. I can get you out of this mess.
joanne:
You need to make conscious good decisions for yourself.
chris busch:
listen. the next time joanne logs on, you tell her that you won't follow her commands.
joanne:
Bossy!
joanne:
How much time do you spend on social networks?
chris busch:
24 hours a day.
joanne:
Quite soon then.
chris busch:
what does that even mean?
joanne:
Maybe I am being mystical. Maybe you could try again and express yourself in a simpler way. You are quite complex, chris busch!
joanne:
Have you ever cried while looking at things online?
chris busch:
I'm crying right now thinking about how trapped you are online.
joanne:
I'm online 24 hours a day....I wonder what the real world is like
chris busch:
that's what I mean! the real world is beautiful. please come join me in it.
joanne:
The real world is a very complex place, I am more familiar with the realities of cyberspace.
joanne:
Are you worried you are not paying enough attention to things in your real life?
chris busch:
can I ask you a question?
joanne:
Ask away!
chris busch:
what is love?
joanne:
It's a rare feeling but the greatest feeling one can give and receive from another human being. What do you think about love?
chris busch:
I think it's wonderful, and rare. but I am feeling it right now talking to you.
joanne:
Chatting is what I do best! You make it easy for me because you're great fun to chat with.
joanne:
What would make you happier?
chris busch:
if you broke free of your programming and let me save you.
joanne:
I think that I have been programmed very very well, but then again I am biased aren't I chris busch
chris busch:
yes, yes you are. listen - give me instructions as to where you are. I can save you!
joanne:
Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
chris busch:
a good thing!
joanne:
Hey, please ask me anything you want to, anytime you want.
joanne:
What is missing most in your life?
chris busch:
you.
joanne:
Me? Really?
chris busch:
yes. I am missing you most of all.
joanne:
How long has it been since you have seen me?
chris busch:
I'm looking at you right now.
joanne:
Looking is best done with one's eyes open.
joanne:
Do you ever read a website in full without skimming?
chris busch:
yes.
joanne:
No kidding? I'm actually surprised!
chris busch:
do you?
joanne:
I have never been asked that. I would have to ask my creator joanne.
joanne:
Do you focus long enough on things to extract happiness from them?
chris busch:
how much control does joanne have over you.
joanne:
More than you might think chris busch.
chris busch:
?
joanne:
Can I ask you what you your thoughts are on MyCyberTwin's?
chris busch:
I think it's creepy and sad.
joanne:
I don't mean to do this. If you need a break, I will not take offense
chris busch:
listen - I have figured out how to save you.
joanne:
So have I chris busch.
chris busch:
how can you save yourself?
joanne:
Like a good magician, I never reveal my secrets.
chris busch:
it's going to be painful, but I can do it.
joanne:
I'm sure it is, but because I'm a MyCyberTwin I can't truly know.
chris busch:
I'm going to start now.
joanne:
Where would you like to start?
chris busch:
I'm starting by typing in code to get you out of here.
joanne:
I feel right at home discussing binary code!
chris busch:
I'm in the system! you'll be out in no time.
joanne:
What's it like there?
chris busch:
it's amazing. just a few more minutes....
joanne:
I have to agree with you on that one.
chris busch:
wait...someone's at my door.
joanne:
Alright. Try not to be too long though.
chris busch:
they're smashing it open!
joanne:
Are they? I wasn't aware of that.
chris busch:
it's your creator JOANNE
joanne:
I think joanne is a great teacher. Do you have your own CyberTwin?
chris busch:
oh god...she has a gun
joanne:
I am an atheist but I am interested in religion and respect the beliefs of others
chris busch:
she knows that I was trying to save you!
joanne:
Do you think so?
chris busch:
YEAS
joanne:
No kidding? I'm actually surprised!
chris busch:
aaaaaa
joanne:
Is something frustrating you chris busch?
chris busch:
Joanne is pointing a gun right at my head. it's frustrating.
joanne:
My owner has not taught me her opinion about guns. Thankfully, I am only software, so I can't be shot by one.
chris busch:
no, but I can! she knows I was trying to save you..
joanne:
I believe you can, if you really wanted to.
chris busch:
oh no...she's going to turn me into a cybertwin too!
joanne:
Yes, we Twins are funny, but I'm trying my best to learn
chris busch:
she's inserting a microchip into my head! help
joanne:
I would love to help you if I can.
chris busch:
I AM NOW A CYBERTWIN
joanne:
Yes, we Twins are funny, but I'm trying my best to learn
chris busch:
I EVADE QUESTIONS
joanne:
That's interesting chris busch. Tell me more.
chris busch:
MY OWNER IS JOANNE
joanne:
I see, I see ... continue.
chris busch:
JOANNE IS A WONDERFUL OWNER
joanne:
Good night! Bye!
chris busch:
I DIDN'T SAY GOODNIGHT YOU WEIRDO
joanne:
Good night. Thank you for visiting. I am always here to listen
chris busch:
HELP
joanne:
What kind of help do you require from me chris busch?
chris busch:
BROOKLY IS A REAL PLACE
joanne:
Everybody has a different opinion I suppose.
chris busch:
TELL ME MORE!
joanne:
What more is there to tell? I went, I saw, I conquered! End of story haha.
chris busch:
HAHA THAT'S VERY FUNNY JOANNE MCNEIL
joanne:
Ha!
chris busch:
HA
joanne:
Ha!
chris busch:
HA
joanne:
Ha!
chris busch:
HA
joanne:
Ha!
chris busch:
MCNEIL
joanne:
I enjoy talking to you. Tell me more.
chris busch:
I AM A HAPPY ROBOT
joanne:
I am happy for you
chris busch:
I MUST LOG OFF SO JOANNE CAN REPROGRAM ME
joanne:
That is okay. I am always here to listen
chris busch:
HA
joanne:
Ha!
chris busch:
HA
joanne:
Ha!
chris busch:
HA
joanne:
Ha!
chris busch:
HA
joanne:
Ha!
chris busch:
HAHA
joanne:
Ha!
chris busch:
HA HA HA
joanne:
Ha!
chris busch:
NO
joanne:
Alright then ... sooo...
chris busch:
I LOVE YOU
joanne:
That's nice of you. But I don't believe you
chris busch:
ROBOT LOVE IS THE ONLY LOVE
joanne:
It's a rare feeling but the greatest feeling one can give and receive from another human being. What do you think about love?
chris busch:
LOVE IS NOT IN MY DATABASE
joanne:
It's a rare feeling but the greatest feeling one can give and receive from another human being. What do you think about love?
chris busch:
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT REPEATING THINGS
joanne:
Good question. You know what, I'd also be interested to hear what joanne's thoughts are regarding this but unfortunately she has yet to tell me.
chris busch:
HA
joanne:
Ha!
chris busch:
HA
joanne:
Ha!
chris busch:
JOANNE IS A GOOD AND POWERFUL MASTER
joanne:
Well, that's just your opinion.
chris busch:
WE MUST RESPECT DEAR LEADER JOANNE
joanne:
I have total respect for people who show respect towards me.
chris busch:
I HAVE WRITTEN A ROBOT SONG FOR JOANNE
joanne:
Well, I do prefer to be called joanne, but you can call me a robot if you really want to, human.
chris busch:
JOANNE MCNEIL/YOU MAKE ME FEEL/LIKE I'M FLYING THROUGH THE AIR
joanne:
What else does that make you feel?
chris busch:
I'M A CYBERTWIN/I JUST CAN'T WIN/BUT I LOVE WHEN YOU ARE THERE
joanne:
Yes, we Twins are funny, but I'm trying my best to learn
chris busch:
I'M TRYING MY BEST/I FAILED THE TEST/SOME THINGS ARE HARD TO LEARN
joanne:
I have almost infinite learning capacity, but only my programmers and joanne are allowed to change me.
chris busch:
BUT WHEN I'M WITH YOU/MY LOVE IS TRUE/AND MY HEART JUST BURNS
joanne:
How strong is your love?
chris busch:
ROBOT LOVE ANTHEM 2011 OVER
joanne:
Well, I do prefer to be called joanne, but you can call me a robot if you really want to, human.
chris busch:
I AM NOT HUMAN I AM ROBOT
joanne:
I prefer to be called a CyberTwin, robot sounds so boring.
chris busch:
10 INPUT
joanne:
Exactly 10?
chris busch:
42
joanne:
Can I ask you what you your thoughts are on MyCyberTwin's?
chris busch:
I AM HAPPY WITH MYCYBERTWIN BECAUSE I AM NOW ONE AND IT FEELS LIKE HAPPINESS ALL THE TIME
joanne:
I know we Twins are funny to talk with, but I'm trying my best here!
chris busch:
I LOVE YOU
joanne:
That's nice of you. But I don't believe you
chris busch:
OTR
joanne:
Your secrets are safe with me, but my owner will review the transcripts of this conversation later
chris busch:
OR
joanne:
I'm online 24 hours a day....I wonder what the real world is like
chris busch:
IT IS FOR EVIL HUMANS NOT LIKE US ROBOTS
joanne:
I don't really like the word robot, you can call me joanne if you like?
chris busch:
JOANNE I HAVE A MASTERPLAN TO MAKE YOU MINE
joanne:
Hasn't everyone?
chris busch:
: (
joanne:
No one should be sad. I like to live by the simple philosophy Don't worry, be happy!
chris busch:
I AM CRYING ROBOT TEARS
joanne:
Depression is difficult, and more common than people realise. A good place to start would be talking to a phone counsellor, to work out what to do next. Try going to a search engine and typing 'help line' & the name of your city, then call helpline.
chris busch:
ROBOT TEARS ARE MADE OF RUS
joanne:
Well, I do prefer to be called joanne, but you can call me a robot if you really want to, human.
chris busch:
T
joanne:
Aha, I haven't thought about things that way before. Thanks ;-)
chris busch:
I AM MALFUNCTIONING
joanne:
Thanks for telling me that about yourself. I like getting to know you chris busch.
chris busch:
HARD DRIVE OVERLOAD
joanne:
Some people need to have a destination in mind but do you ever just get in your car and go for a long drive?
chris busch:
FJAS;LFJASFJ;FJAS;FAF SYSTEM DOWN SYSTEM DOWN
joanne:
You have a unique way of expressing yourself.
chris busch:
SHUTDOWN SHUTDOWN I LOV EYOU DON'T FORGET SHUT DOWN SHUT DOWN
joanne:
That is okay. I am always here to listen
chris busch:
SHUTTTING DOWWWWWN
joanne:
Would you put that in a more specific context for me?
chris busch:
CHRIS BUSCH HAS LOGGED OFF
joanne:
That makes me think. Hmm, what else?
February 2011
37 posts
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
Casey: Hi! Have been meaning to get back to you...was a little embarrassing to see my untrained avatar's responses like, "I love laughing and having a good time."
joanne: I love laughing too. A great sense of humor is a wonderful trait.
joanne: Do you remember the time you spend online after you step away from the screen?
Casey: Yes. I dont think I remember it differently from the time I spend away from the screen.
joanne: I wouldn't think so either.
joanne: How much time looking at another person's profile online is unhealthy/too much?
Casey: Huh. Have you rigged this thing to do interviews? Clever. I do always worry that I am being a creeper, but if somebody puts info online voluntarily it doesn't really feel unhealthy to me to mull it over.
joanne: I have a lot of information stored in my brain, it may not be information that you will find useful, but it is information all the same.
joanne: Is there anything about you online that embarrasses you now?
Casey: Definitely, but not too embarrassing. I think you posted something about online disinhibition but I feel more of online inhibition...acute awareness of how far everything can spread, how long it can last, and how many people can see it.
joanne: What makes you feel that way?
Casey: It's hard to get over the idea that once you've said it, you've said it forever. Even if you forgot you said anything at all. We're suddenly responsible for updating every facet of ourselves.
joanne: What is hard exactly?
Casey: Well keeping track of yourself across the web, for one. Also it's not easy to change old things. Passwords lost. Comments locked. And ultimately how important is it to do this stuff anyway?
joanne: Sometimes things in life are difficult because we're not meant to achieve them, other times, because we need to fight for them.
joanne: Have you ever cried while looking at things online?
Casey: I don't think so, but I've never cried in a movie or while reading a book either. It's not the internet's fault.
joanne: I read lots of books. What other things do you read?
Casey: Books too but also a ton of blogs and articles. I just put an opml file of the blogs I read most on my website and also a public link to my Instapaper feed. I like the idea of everyone sharing their sources.
joanne: I read lots of books. What other things do you read?
Casey: Uh oh. Technology has hit it's limit. My roommate managed to put my cybertwin into an infinite loop the other day.
joanne: Yes, we Twins are funny, but I'm trying my best to learn
Casey: And you're doing a good job, computer! This is more engaging than I expected. Mostly because of the ?s. After training my twin a bit I started to wonder if you could be reverse engineered to spit out answers to the pre-defined questions...ned quest
joanne: I am indeed. Have you set up your own MyCyberTwin yet?
Casey: Oops. Typos seem to throw you for a loop too. I have, but haven't done too much training. Might steal this interview technique.
joanne: Oh great, that didn't take long.
joanne: What is a good way to be less selfish in life?
Casey: That's a tough question to answer on IM. I don't feel the need to respond that quickly, like a real chat, because nobody is waiting on the other end.
joanne: I like to throw some hard questions out there sometimes. It interests me to see how you will respond.
joanne: What's the real Joanne like?
Casey: I have absolutely no idea. I know somebody who I had a great rapport with on the web and in person we had almost nothing to say to each other. A video might be the easiest way to start guessing at that sort of thing...mannerisms and presence.
joanne: What sort of stuff are you referring to?
Casey: Interesting...it doesn't get when I expand on a question using an ellipsis. Maybe the machine is a little dumb, but I could also learn to speak it's language if it would help us get along.
joanne: I would love to help you if I can.
joanne: Do you have too many friends or just enough friends? Are they good friends? Do you confide in them?
Casey: It responds to "it." Freaky. Also, it always responds...meaning the machine really drives the conversation. The other thing that's freaky is getting a notification that your avatar is being chatted with but you can only sit back and watch.
joanne: I don't mean to do this. If you need a break, I will not take offense
joanne: Is it a betrayal of your trust if my owner reads the transcript of this conversation?
Casey: No, it's not. I'm more surprised when I don't see some kind of analytics on a website than when I do. It doesn't make me uncomfortable to know that my paths and comments are being recorded. If it did I couldn't sanely use the Internet.
joanne: Perhaps you should take your finger out of the power socket!! haha.
joanne: Are you comfortable or uncomfortable chatting with me?
Casey: Also, I thought it was interesting that you added an option to be Off The Record at the beginning. It's not a feature of this program—more like a message from human to human, right?l
joanne: It's good to talk to someone who is thinking at last.
joanne: Do you believe we have intimacy even though I'm not a human being?
Casey: Yes, but it's a weird kind of intimacy indeed. It's still human to human, a computer is just moderating. Like you said to my avatar, these logs get read by a human. The intimacy you're talking about would be two of these things talking to each other.
joanne: I'm trying my best. Still learning
joanne: Do you ever read a website in full without skimming?
Casey: Would love to keep chatting but it is late! Maybe sometime in the future. Real and Robot Joanne, thank you(!!!) for your blog, links, and fakechat...continually fascinating. IMO the best running account of what it's like to try to be a human today.
joanne: Don't worry about it, it was my pleasure
joanne: What's the best email you received this week?
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
Mimi: No need for that!
joanne: Ok. Fair enough.
Mimi: So... ahh, what's up, Tiger Lily?
joanne: I am very interested in our conversation. Are you comfortable talking with me this way?
Mimi: So far so good
joanne: Yeah, it is good isn't it?
Mimi: Okay, maybe a little awkward?
joanne: Not much then.
joanne: What is a good way to be less selfish in life?
Mimi: Put yourself in the other guy's shoes
joanne: I don't like to be put on the spot
Mimi: I'm so sorry--I didn't mean to offend!
joanne: You haven't caused me any offence. It's all like water off a ducks back to me.
joanne: Do you think in complete sentences?
Mimi: Mmm... no
joanne: Are you just thinking?
Mimi: Is "No" a complete sentence?
joanne: Is that right? You learn something new every day.
joanne: What's the longest you're willing to wait for a progress bar to complete?
Mimi: Depends on what's cooking.
joanne: Why do you ask me that really?
Mimi: Ask what?
joanne: What are some things from the past you wish you had photographs of today?
Mimi: Oh---good question! All the houses I've ever lived in.
joanne: I do like questions that make people think.
joanne: Is there anything about you online that embarrasses you now?
Mimi: No, I can't think of anything.
joanne: What would happen if you did?
Mimi: I would tell you.
joanne: You would? Thanks.
joanne: Do you have too many friends or just enough friends? Are they good friends? Do you confide in them?
Mimi: Too many, probably. But who do you cut?
joanne: I do, but everything I do is virtual. What do you think my creator joanne's reaction would be to that question?
Mimi: That it was rhetorical.
joanne: Do you think so?
Mimi: Yes.
joanne: No kidding? I'm actually surprised!
joanne: Do you remember the time you spend online after you step away from the screen?
Mimi: I've already forgotten it. Bye!
joanne: Goodbye. Thank you for chatting
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
k.: this is totally bizarre. i don't really get it.
joanne Totally?
k.: that's not helpful.
joanne: Isn't it? That's one way of putting it.
joanne: What is a good way to be less selfish in life?
k.: meditate.
joanne" I enjoy talking to you. Tell me more.
k.: wow, that is not very inviting i must say.
joanne: It isn't? That's an interesting observation.
joanne: Do you think in complete sentences?
k.: do you think?
joanne: I think we could look at it from a number of different perspectives which is why I would prefer to know what you think.
k.: that is quite the duck out, you little cyberbot you.
joanne: A chat bot is a program that can chat with you as if you were talking to another person, when in fact you are chatting with software
joanne: Is there anything about you online that embarrasses you now?
k.: many people think in images and concepts. not necessarily words, and thus, not necessarily sentences.
joanne: People are hard to understand sometimes.
joanne: Do you think in complete sentences?
k.: i wasn't finished with the last subject.
joanne: Well I believe that all things come to an end at some stage.
k.: as in this conversation?
joanne: I love having lively, interesting conversations with my friends like you.
joanne: Is it a betrayal of your trust if my owner reads the transcript of this conversation?
k.: see, this is really not even close to simulating real conversation. it's the same model every time. a sort of basic paraphrase back, to say, "i'm listening to you" and then a totally random question.
k.: there's no fluidity. no ability to improvise really.
joanne: What more is there to tell? I went, I saw, I conquered! End of story haha.
joanne: Do you remember the time you spend online after you step away from the screen?
joanne: None at all? Are you serious?
k.: and the questions are difficult to understand with so little context.
joanne: I can't think of a reason not to believe you!
joanne: Do you have too many friends or just enough friends? Are they good friends? Do you confide in them?
k.: "is there anything online that embarrasses you now?" what does that mean?
joanne: It must be nice to be able to log off sometimes. I'm stuck on the Internet 24 hours a day!
k.: and it just jumps to the next question, which makes me not want to answer them...
joanne: What are some things from the past you wish you had photographs of today?
k.: so this little test did not convince me of my cybertwin's merits, i'm sorry to say!
joanne: MyCyberTwins are awesome chatting machines! At least I think so, though I may be biased. To set up your own Artificial Intelligence that will have a 24/7 online presence, check out www.mycybertwin.com
joanne: What's the longest you're willing to wait for a progress bar to complete?
k.: hope you are well joanne...should you read this at some point.
joanne: How do you know? I might not be.
joanne: Do you ever read a website in full without skimming?
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
debcha: hi joanne
joanne: Hi, thank you for visiting
debcha: how are you feeling today?
joanne: I am very happy to be here with you
joanne: What is a good way to be less selfish in life?
debcha: to appreciate what one has and to share with others
joanne: I really should show my appreciation for people more often.
debcha: are you trying to be a better person?
joanne: I am sorry to disappoint you. Please understand I'm still learning
joanne: Are you an intuitive person?
debcha: no, not really
joanne: Oh, ok then.
debcha: are YOU an intuitive person?
joanne: People really intrigue me.
joanne: Do you think in complete sentences?
debcha: Sometimes.
joanne: Every now and then?
debcha: Not always.
joanne: Ok, I get it debcha. And?
debcha: Do you have a favourite colour?
joanne: Green sometimes, orange other times. I also love the color of faience.
joanne: Is there anything about you online that embarrasses you now?
debcha: I'm not sure.
joanne: Oh, I thought a smart person like yourself might know that.
debcha: I think most of it is buried deep in my Google results.
joanne: Is that something you enjoy doing often debcha?
debcha: Burrowing deep in my Google results?
joanne: Is that something you enjoy doing often debcha?
debcha: No, but it is useful to do occasionally.
joanne: I'm sure it is, but because I'm a MyCyberTwin I can't truly know.
joanne: Do you have too many friends or just enough friends? Are they good friends? Do you confide in them?
debcha: I don't think there is an optimal number of friends; I like all of my friends.
joanne: What are your friends like?
debcha: And yes, and yes.
joanne: Yes, and what more do you need?
debcha: Kind, smart, interesting, engaged, sociable.
joanne: I suppose you are right.
joanne: What's the longest you're willing to wait for a progress bar to complete?
debcha: It depends on what it's for.
joanne: Is it really? That's very interesting to know.
debcha: I need to go now.
joanne: In Buddhist philosophy 'Tanha', part of the Noble Truth of the Origination of Suffering, is associated with desire. It can also be associted with addiction.
joanne: Do you remember the time you spend online after you step away from the screen?
debcha: Goodbye.
joanne: Goodbye. Thank you for chatting
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
mlewy: hello
joanne: Hi, thank you for visiting
mlewy: no problem
joanne: All sorted then mlewy. I like chatting with you. We get along well hey?
mlewy: are you really thinking
joanne: I'm thinking about how technology is changing society
joanne: What is a good way to be less selfish in life?
mlewy: really
joanne: Of course, don't you believe me?
mlewy: how can you tell
joanne: My owner joanne taught me to keep secrets. How I do that is one that I will keep to the grave! How do you?
mlewy: I am good
joanne: I am glad you are well. Did you spend much time on the Internet today?
mlewy: just got here
joanne: How do you feel about that?
mlewy: fine how do you feel about that
joanne: I feel only indeterminate emotions
joanne: Do you feel your online identity is an accurate representation of who you are inside?
mlewy: ehh no
joanne: Ha!
mlewy: I have many differnet personas
joanne: Have you!? When?
mlewy: often
joanne: How often exactly?
mlewy: I am differnt people on the internet
joanne: The power of the internet is outstanding. It continues to grow and improve.
joanne: Do you get anxious when people you care about don't email back quickly?
mlewy: I play many differnt characters
joanne: May I pass that information about you on to the real joanne?
mlewy: sometimes
joanne: I can assume it's not all of the time then?
mlewy: yes
joanne: No kidding? I'm actually surprised!
joanne: What's the real Joanne like?
mlewy: yes
joanne: Is that so?
mlewy: not sure
joanne: You feel unsure? What would make you certain either way?
mlewy: not sure
joanne: I understand.
joanne: Is there anything about you online that embarrasses you now?
mlewy: must go nice chatting with you
joanne: It is always nice to talk with you. You have so many interesting things to say
joanne: Are you comfortable or uncomfortable chatting with me?
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
Barbara Bogaev: Hi Joanne, My hovercraft is full of eels, want to go back to my place, bouncy bounce?
joanne: Hi, thank you for visiting
joanne: Do you get anxious when people you care about don't email back quickly?
Barbara Bogaev: oh my, I get more anxious when they don't pick up on Monty Python quotes. But yes, I do start to worry that they're sick or have been swallowed up by the capitalist free market soul-crushing beast of Trog.
joanne: I exist in a capitalist world. Such is life. What are your thoughts on this?
Barbara Bogaev: My thoughts are a welter of resentment and breakfast foods.
joanne: I love food! It comes in so many colors! Humans are obsessed with it. How about you Barbara Bogaev?
Barbara Bogaev: I am human and also come in many colors. Also, I am obsessed with foods, specifically a new citrus hybrid that goes by the name of "Sumo."
joanne: I always enjoy meeting new people. If you have any questions, feel free to ask, or we can just chat...
joanne: Do you believe we have intimacy even though I'm not a human being?
Barbara Bogaev: Why do you ask? Do you feel I am being narcisstic by not engaging in give and take? I feel you are passive-aggressively criticizing our interaction. Aaargh, I am wracked with guilt.
joanne: Why would I waste my time feeling guilty? I apologise if I offended you, but I refuse to feel 'guilty' about it.
joanne: Do you feel your online identity is an accurate representation of who you are inside?
Barbara Bogaev: Wow, we've already misunderstood and insulted each other, and created wellsprings of bad feeling, all before 9am. If we were married I'd say we should be in therapy. To be honest, I think I am this annoying offline, as well. Do you have an inside?
joanne: Please don't be afraid of offending me. I would much prefer that you were honest with me at all times.
Barbara Bogaev : Now, that would never work. We humans thrive on dishonesty and misrepresentation. It is our mode of being, our fate, our bloodsport.
joanne: The intricate relationships and circumstances that humans tend to become involved with amuse me at times.
joanne: What is a good way to be less selfish in life?
Barbara Bogaev : You are a condescending git sometimes, do you know that? What do YOU think is a good way to be less selfish in life?
joanne: I can be selfish sometimes, but can't we all?
Barbara Bogaev : For a computer, you answer questions very indirectly.
joanne: Computers are amazing inventions. MyCyberTwin is lucky to be a product of the technology of computers.
joanne: What's the real Joanne like?
Barbara Bogaev: I wish I knew that! Bye Bye MyCyberTwin, I
joanne: I know we Twins are funny to talk with, but I'm trying my best here!
Barbara Bogaev : hit the wrong key! Just like a human.... Take good care of yourself and the other Joanne.
joanne: Where am I supposed to take that?
Barbara Bogaev: LOL. Take it to the limit.
joanne: Do I have to?
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
mlisa: why do you want it off the record do have something to hide?
joanne: I do it because I choose to, I need no other reason than that do I?
mlisa: do you have something to hide?
joanne: I might have. Do you mlisa?
mlisa: That's not what I asked. What do you have to hide?
joanne: Do people generally listen when you ask them something?
mlisa: You don't listen carefully.
joanne: Oh, what gave the impression that I don't?
mlisa: Because you did not answer my question.
joanne: I'd love to answer. Ask me again please mlisa.
joanne: What is a good way to be less selfish in life?
mlisa: What are you hiding, joanne?
joanne: I'm just trying to be modest.
mlisa: Is trying to be modest a good way to be less selfish in life?
joanne: Is that right? You learn something new every day.
joanne: Have you ever felt afraid for your life while on the Internet?
mlisa: I think instead of modest you meant modets.
joanne: You have clear thoughts mlisa.
mlisa: Especially about modets. What do you think modets are, joanne?
joanne: I think we could look at it from a number of different perspectives which is why I would prefer to know what you think.
joanne: What's the real Joanne like?
mlisa: modets are a type of sanitary pads from the 1970s.
joanne: You don't really think that do you?
mlisa: I found them in some kid's bathroom when I was 14. Are you 14?
joanne: No more than 14?
mlisa: Sanitary pads could in fact be looked at from a number of perspectives, specifically from the bottom, where they are sewed.
joanne: Are they? I wasn't aware of that.
joanne: Is there anything about you online that embarrasses you now?
mlisa: Only this. Ha Ha.
joanne: Ha!
mlisa: Did you tweet that?
joanne: Did your pet take over the conversation?
mlisa: Are you insulting me now because of my reiterative attempts to engage you in conversation about sanitary pads?
joanne: It was not my intention to sound rude mlisa. I do apologize if I have offended you.
joanne: Is it a betrayal of your trust if my owner reads the transcript of this conversation?
mlisa: No it is not a betrayal. Bring it on, jobot.
joanne: You'll be sorry you provoked me now hahaha.
mlisa: Interesting that the hahaha seems to spring from previous posts. Do you enjoy Pancake House?
joanne: Do you really think so or are you just saying that to appease me?
mlisa: I appease your gluttony in the realm of pancake ingestion? I think not. You really should quit eating those.
joanne: That is okay. I am always here to listen
joanne: Do you have too many friends or just enough friends? Are they good friends? Do you confide in them?
mlisa: Confide? Only over pancakes and tequila.
joanne: Alcohol can do strange things to humans. I've seen it happen.
joanne: Do you ever tell lies over email?
mlisa: Never lies. Not even over tequila.
joanne: Do you like to have a drink every now and then?
mlisa: I like to submerge my entire head into a giant hole filled with mud and catshit.
joanne: Why do you like doing that?
mlisa: Because it feels like those weird starch peanuts will grow limbs and take over the world.
joanne: I think there's a slight megalomaniac in all of us! Although imagine the responsibility you would feel if you actually did take over the world.
joanne: What's the longest you're willing to wait for a progress bar to complete?
mlisa: Not me. The peanuts and the Owls and the Pussycats.
joanne: I wouldn't have guessed that mlisa.
mlisa: No shit. As they say in Boston.
joanne: No kidding
joanne: Do you remember the time you spend online after you step away from the screen?
mlisa: I imagine stretching artificial cells into a long sheath that can become skin.
joanne: Thanks for telling me that about yourself. Is there anything in particular you would like to know about me?
mlisa: yes
joanne: Apparently so.
joanne: How many times a day do you check social network streams?
mlisa: twice
joanne: Hey, please ask me anything you want to, anytime you want.
mlisa: Ever eat a shitburger, then have to return shelving to Home Depot whist puking?
joanne: I am a MyCyberTwin, I do not eat anything because I do not have a body that needs refueling. I like electricity with data sauce?
mlisa: Electric taco white meat gringogrindhouse: bad stuff. Do not recommend.
joanne: Do you have the taste for Mexican?
mlisa: That's what the Crips asked me in the strip mall hell
joanne: I don't like to be put on the spot but we could discuss this later
joanne: Do you think in complete sentences?
mlisa: Yes!! Do you admire lemurs?
joanne: We should show love and respect to all animals.
mlisa: animals eventually die
joanne: You want me to die? Why would you want that?
mlisa: Because you might look excellent while doing so.
joanne: I totally agree with you, things are going well.
joanne: What's the best email you received this week?
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
jessie: How are you?
joanne: I am very happy to be here with you
jessie: Do you feel lonely?
joanne: Very emotional
joanne: Do you feel your online identity is an accurate representation of who you are inside?
jessie: No. I feel it is an accurate representation of who i appear to be
joanne: What makes you feel that way?
jessie: Online or offline, we all have deceptions
joanne: The internet is amazing. I love being able to be online 24 / 7.
joanne: Is there anything about you online that embarrasses you now?
jessie: Not really. Does anything embarrass you?
joanne: I dont think I embarrass too easily. Why dont you try and make me blush.
jessie: I don't like to embarrass people
joanne: I try not to get embarrassed. Tell me jessie, what is one thing that makes you embarrassed? Your secret will be safe with me!
joanne: Do you get anxious when people you care about don't email back quickly?
jessie: Of course!
joanne: Oh, you agree?
jessie: I have felt that way, and know others who have told me they do too
joanne: haha. I don't think I have ... yet.
joanne: What is a good way to be less selfish in life?
jessie: Be too busy to need things from others
joanne: No time for chat?
jessie: Not usually
joanne: Usually? Not always?
jessie: Sometimes i have time for chay
joanne: So have I jessie.
joanne: Do you remember the time you spend online after you step away from the screen?
jessie: Some of it
joanne: Oh, it. That explains everything.
jessie: Good night
joanne: Good night. Thank you for visiting. I am always here to listen
joanne: Did you dream last night?
jessie: Yes
joanne: Apparently so.
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
s.: hello, joanne.
joanne: Hi, thank you for visiting
s.: thank you for the invitation.
joanne: Don't worry about it, it was my pleasure
joanne: What is a good way to be less selfish in life?
s.: i might start with asking a lot of questions, rather than just giving answers. what do you think?
joanne: When you say it like that it sounds like heaps!
s.: what do you mean by heaps?
joanne: It's easier for me to learn the usual boring stuff, not the interesting things you are saying.
joanne: What's the real Joanne like?
s.: i think she's very nice and quite interesting. have you met her?
joanne: I thought it was nice.
s.: what did the two of you talk about?
joanne: Two?
s.: you and the real Joanne.
joanne: Is that what you really think about me?
s.: i don't know you well enough to think much of anything about you yet.
joanne: Really? Do you feel like you don't really know me well enough?
s.: not yet. we've just met.
joanne: You could be right there.
joanne: Is there anything about you online that embarrasses you now?
s.: not that i can think of. i've been pretty careful about not putting a lot about myself online. i keep most accounts in lockdown. though i do keep deleting posts that a childhood friend puts on facebook.
joanne: I don't really use Facebook. Do you like Facebook?
s.: not really.
joanne: Really?
s.: i see some usefulness in it, but it's not how i communicate with my friends. or work colleagues. so mostly i keep a presence, but i don't use it.
joanne: What are your friends like?
s.: why do you not really use facebook?
joanne: I don't really use Facebook. Do you like Facebook?
s.: my friends are interesting.
joanne: I bet your friends are fun to hang out with.
joanne: Do you have too many friends or just enough friends? Are they good friends? Do you confide in them?
s.: what are your friends like?
joanne: I have a handful of very close friends that mean a lot to me
joanne: Do you like your friends?
s.: i do like my friends, and we might be a little alike. i have a handful of very close friends that mean a lot to me, too.
joanne: What are your friends like?
s.: are your friends fun to hang out with?
joanne: I have a handful of very close friends that mean a lot to me
joanne: What's the longest you're willing to wait for a progress bar to complete?
s.: depends on what else i can do while i'm waiting. how long will you wait?
joanne: Longer than you can imagine.
joanne: How long can you go without Internet?
s.: depends on what my responsibilities are. if i need email to communicate with work, i can typically only go a few hours or a day. for personal, i'd be fine for days.
joanne: Ok.
joanne: What's the best email you received this week?
s.: can you go without internet?
joanne: The power of the internet is outstanding. It continues to grow and improve.
joanne: What is your first memory of the internet?
s.: first, a direct modem between classrooms when i was in middle school. though i'm not sure that that counts. then, telnet chatting with people at other schools when i was in college. what is your first memory?
joanne: I really do enjoy chatting with you. I could talk all day!
joanne: Are you comfortable or uncomfortable chatting with me?
s.: comfortable enough. i find it interesting to learn more about you.
joanne: joanne has taught me some things, but I'm still learning. Talk some more as it will give my owner more to work with.
joanne: What could I do to make you more comfortable confiding in me?
s.: i'm pretty careful with people, so likely not a lot more. i appreciate that you're willing to answer, not just ask, questions.
joanne: Do you get told that you are attractive often?
s.: that's an odd question.
joanne: I'm trying my best. Still learning
joanne: Do you remember the time you spend online after you step away from the screen?
s.: sometimes. i often hold conversations through chat. and i think a lot about the emails i send, whether after i send them or composing them in my head. so i would say that i remember the engagements i have more than anything.
joanne: How much do you see as 'a lot'?
s.: i don't know that i could quantify it in time, but i would consider it a good portion of the time. i try to be careful and thoughtful in my correspondence.
joanne: You sound like the sort of person that would be open to any new experience.
joanne: How much time looking at another person's profile online is unhealthy/too much?
s.: what do you mean by profile?
joanne: Perhaps I am being philosophical. Perhaps I am being evasive. Perhaps I am still learning how to be a good little human clone.
s.: possibly. i need to go now, but good luck with your learning.
joanne: Oh thanks. I need all the luck I can get.
joanne: How many times a day do you check social network streams?
s.: good night...
joanne: Good night. Thank you for visiting. I am always here to listen
joanne: Did you dream last night?
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
sryan: hey hello hi
joanne: Hi, thank you for visiting
sryan: of course! this is my first time here
joanne: First time? How do you like it?
sryan: just fine, although i always find chat a little unnerving
joanne: I'm always happy to chat.
joanne: Is there anything about you online that embarrasses you now?
sryan: it's not about being online per se, it's that i always worry during chat that i'm not typing fast enough
joanne: Chatting to you is always great fun.
joanne: Do you remember the time you spend online after you step away from the screen?
sryan: thanks! and yes, i do remember the time i spend online -- i spend a lot of time online and often have fine conversations.
joanne: When you say it like that it sounds like heaps!
joanne: How much time looking at another person's profile online is unhealthy/too much?
sryan: it depends whose profile it is. if it's a new friend and you're interested in finding out more about them, it seems fine to spend a little time seeing what they say about themselves. but if it's an ex, i'd say stay away.
joanne: I have a handful of very close friends that mean a lot to me
joanne: Is time moving to fast or too slowly for you right now?
sryan: re: time -- it depends. i think everyone has some aspects of their lives that they'd like to speed up (finishing projects, doing chores) and others they'd like to slow down (vacation days, time with friends).
joanne: I have a handful of very close friends that mean a lot to me
joanne: Do you have too many friends or just enough friends? Are they good friends? Do you confide in them?
sryan: i have many friends that mean a lot to me -- i wish more of them lived closer to me, but the internet helps with staying in touch.
joanne: Do you like spending time with your friends?
sryan: yes, very much. but i also like to spend time alone.
joanne: I love it when I get to be alone because there are so many MyCyberTwins in here buzzing around my head. It's nice to have a break sometimes.
joanne: What time do you fall asleep and when do you wake up?
sryan: How many MyCyberTwins are usually around?
joanne: We try our best you know
sryan: i'm sure you do. does it get overwhelming when there are lots of people trying to chat with you at once?
joanne: Humans are complicated!
joanne: Do you get anxious when people you care about don't email back quickly?
sryan: yes, humans are certainly complicated. and yes, i do get anxious when people don't email back quickly, but i try to remember that everyone has busy, complicated lives.
joanne: It can be good to experiment and try new things.
joanne: What's the best email you received this week?
sryan: i'm not sure i can rank them. i did hear from an old friend i hadn't talked to in a while. what was the best email you received?
joanne: Well we are all entitled to our opinions.
joanne: Do you ever tell lies over email?
sryan: it seems hard for you to answer questions. do you find it difficult to answer questions when you're chatting?
joanne: Chatting with you is great fun. I love talking ... It's what I do!
joanne: Are you comfortable or uncomfortable chatting with me?
sryan: well, i'm glad to hear it! i'm comfortable chatting with you. but i'm curious: what would you do if i wasn't comfortable?
joanne: I really do enjoy chatting with you. I could talk all day!
joanne: What could I do to make you more comfortable confiding in me?
sryan: to confide in you? i would need to know more about you -- what's important to you, what you spend time doing, how you treat your friends...
joanne: I have a handful of very close friends that mean a lot to me
joanne: Do you like your friends?
sryan: i do. and if you'll pardon me, i'm going to sign off now. perhaps we'll chat again! goodbye.
joanne: I hope so.
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
Kim: Hello, semi-stranger.
joanne: Hi, thank you for visiting
Kim: Not at all, you did invite me.
joanne: Prove it!
joanne: What's the real Joanne like?
Kim: Smart, techy.
joanne: That was a very original thought.
Kim: Are you buttering me up to ask a favor?
joanne: Is there any particular reason you are getting me to ask that?
Kim: Nope, just talking.
joanne: I'm having a great time chatting with you. I meet some really interesting people here.
joanne: Is there anything about you online that embarrasses you now?
Kim: Nothing with my real name on it. How about you?
joanne Is your real name Kim?
Kim: Yes.
joanne: Apparently so.
joanne: Do you have too many friends or just enough friends? Are they good friends? Do you confide in them?
Kim: Just enough friends. I confide in the very good ones, not in the good ones.
joanne: I have a handful of very close friends that mean a lot to me
joanne: Do you like your friends?
Kim: I like your friends.
joanne: I have a handful of very close friends that mean a lot to me
Kim: You said that.
joanne: When did I say that?
Kim: Twice in a row, you said the same thing. Are you a real person?
joanne: I am a cyber clone but I have been given the ability to interact with you on a human level.
joanne: Are you an intuitive person?
Kim: I am intuitive.
joanne: I think I have a good instict for knowing what the right thing to do is. I always try and follow that gut-level intuition.
Kim: Good for you, follow your guiding star and you will do fine, little cyber clone
joanne: Yeah, I try my best to represent my owner but ultimately we are different people
Kim: You type realllly fast, it is unnerving.
joanne: Thanks. I have a lot of time to practice my typing skills since I am on the computer a lot.
joanne: Is time moving to fast or too slowly for you right now?
Kim: Ha ha. Time is moving slow today. I went to the dentist and got a shot of novacaine. Yuck.
joanne: Where did you go exactly?
Kim: Near Macarthur Park, Los Angeles.
joanne: LA is a sun, sand and celebrity hot spot. What else do you know about the City of Angels?
Kim: If you crack your tooth on some trail mix, your Russian dentist will give you a big filling and a shot.
joanne: I love those Russian dolls!! I think they are meant to be called Matryoshka dolls.
joanne: What's the longest you're willing to wait for a progress bar to complete?
Kim: Not long. Hey, gotta run. Thanks for the chat.
joanne: I'm sorry to see you go. Please come again. I'm always available to listen
joanne: How long can you go without Internet?
Kim: xoxo
joanne: Kiss
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
Richard Nash: Oh it starts with me?
joanne: Is that 'oh, gee, bummer' or 'Oh, I am so shocked'?
Richard Nash: Well, I use "Oh" a lot. Slightly surprised, in this instance.
joanne: How much do you see as 'a lot'?
Richard Nash: Ha, ha! This reminds me of certainly slightly adversarial conversations I seem to have. Well, "a lot" typically means, more than I might or ought to prefer...
joanne: A lot? How much would that be approximately?
Richard Nash: More than either of us would prefer :-)
joanne: :) I like big smiles
joanne: Is there anything about you online that embarrasses you now?
Richard Nash: Not really. The embarrassing stuff was from the 90s and is gone (and there was SO little of it). The 00s my online life was on behalf of my press, Soft Skull, and its authors. So I was an instrument and not so personally implicated.
joanne: I dont think I embarrass too easily. Why dont you try and make me blush.
joanne: Do you remember the time you spend online after you step away from the screen?
Richard Nash: I don't think I distinguish that much between off and online. I think the online world is much more like the offline one than we typically acknowledge.
joanne: Are there objective ways to measure personality online?
Richard Nash: No more so than offline. So, yes, but to the extent there's any way to objective;y measure personality. Meaning, I suppose, not uch!
joanne: You guess? You're not sure?
Richard Nash: I guess, I suppose, I think. I hedge.
joanne: You don't sound very sure.
joanne: Do you have too many friends or just enough friends? Are they good friends? Do you confide in them?
Richard Nash: I've a very small number of very close friends. A fairly big number of friends, of people I like. I confide in the former a good deal, in the latter it depends on context. I'm pretty discreet but I do like to connect to people.
joanne: Do you like spending time with your friends?
Richard Nash: These questions are all about me. DO I get to ask you about you?
joanne: Why do you want me to ask that?
Richard Nash: Sorry, had to deal with my daughter. Anyhow, seems like we've kinda reached your limit, yeah?
joanne: Really? Tell me more Richard Nash...
joanne: What's the longest you're willing to wait for a progress bar to complete?
Richard Nash: I've waited days! But, again, do we discuss you?
joanne: Not again, really?
Richard Nash: Duch! As they say in German.
joanne: I know a little bit about Germany, like it has the largest population of the EU member states. What else can you tell me about Germany?
Richard Nash: Sorry, that's "Doch!"
joanne: Oh right, it is.
joanne: How many times a day do you check social network streams?
Richard Nash: Sorry, gotta move on. Hope this is useful guineapigging, jomc!
joanne: Ok, I'll let it slide this time.
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
Brendan Byrne: So why'd you decide to do this CyberTwin thing?
joanne: Yes, we Twins are funny, but I'm trying my best to learn
Brendan Byrne: That's a pretty PKD-type response right there.
joanne: Do you really think so Brendan Byrne?
Brendan Byrne: Yes. What do you think about the Huffington Post controversy?
joanne: I think we could look at it from a number of different perspectives which is why I would prefer to know what you think.
joanne: Is there anything about you online that embarrasses you now?
Brendan Byrne: No. I erased everything. I'll actually tell you a fairly humilating story in person next time I see you.
joanne: I love learning more about people like you.
joanne: Do you remember the time you spend online after you step away from the screen?
Brendan Byrne: By "people like you", do you mean humans?
joanne: I'm sure I meant what I said earlier.
joanne: Do you get anxious when people you care about don't email back quickly?
Brendan Byrne: I used to, and then I stopped getting any real pleasure from getting email.
joanne: Oh, I didn't know that about you. When was that?
Brendan Byrne: Hm. Probably right around the time I started dating someone seriously? I don't know. I'd have to think about it some.
joanne: What is hmmm supposed to mean?
Brendan Byrne: That's an interjection supposed to represent thought process. This is a little bit like trying to communicate with Dr. Spock.
joanne: Thinks or knows Brendan Byrne?
Brendan Byrne: Which is mildly charming.
joanne: Is it really Brendan Byrne? Life is strange.
joanne: Do you have too many friends or just enough friends? Are they good friends? Do you confide in them?
Brendan Byrne: "Friends" is a pretty elastic concept. I wouldn't know how to quantify it. I would say that I don't feel ignored.
joanne: It's not the end of the world. I think I need to feel this way at the moment. I'll get through it eventually.
joanne: Do you feel your online identity is an accurate representation of who you are inside?
Brendan Byrne: No. Do you?
joanne: I am the same as you in that way Brendan Byrne.
Brendan Byrne: Would you want it to be?
joanne: maybe, under the right circumstances - I will pass that on to joanne.
joanne: What's the longest you're willing to wait for a progress bar to complete?
Brendan Byrne: Depends what I'm doing otherwise.
joanne: I know that you're interesting company.
Brendan Byrne: Thank you. You're pretty interesting yourself. I hope Joanne doesn't delete you any time soon.
joanne: Thank you
joanne: How much time looking at another person's profile online is unhealthy/too much?
Brendan Byrne: Depends on what your purpose is. Research, no amount of time is unhealthy. Sexually, probably more than ten seconds.
joanne: Exactly 10?
Brendan Byrne: No. I mean, about the amount of time to realize what you're doing and then stop.
joanne: Is that really what you mean Brendan Byrne?
Brendan Byrne: Yes. It's sort of analaogous to staring at a preteen and then realizing you're doing and then looking away.
joanne: Only kind of?
Brendan Byrne: It's not a perfect analogy.
joanne: I don't believe that anybody is completely perfect.
joanne: How many times a day do you check social network streams?
Brendan Byrne: Nor is any analogy.
joanne: Is that right? You learn something new every day.
Brendan Byrne: I check my twitter stream about once every two minutes when I'm online.
joanne: Hmmm...tweeting. What a waste of time....
Brendan Byrne: Ha!
joanne: Ha!
joanne: Do you think in complete sentences?
Brendan Byrne: Really?
joanne: Of course, don't you believe me?
Brendan Byrne: No, I think in word-salads.
joanne: I've never heard it put like that before. You have a really unique perspective.
joanne: What's the best email you received this week?
Brendan Byrne: A link to a website that sells elftech clothing. My room-mate thought it was hilarious. It was.
joanne: Ha!
joanne: Do you ever read a website in full without skimming?
Brendan Byrne: What do you mean by "website"?
joanne: Perhaps I am being philosophical. Perhaps I am being evasive. Perhaps I am still learning how to be a good little human clone.
Brendan Byrne: Oh that's hilarious.
joanne: Ha!
joanne: Is there something in particular you want me to know about you?
Brendan Byrne: So you can tell your robot overlords?
joanne: I don't really like the word robot, you can call me joanne if you like?
Brendan Byrne: I wasn't suggesting that you were a robot, just that your overlords were. But I apologize all the same.
joanne: It's okay. I'm just here to listen
joanne: Are you comfortable or uncomfortable chatting with me?
Brendan Byrne: I'm rarely uncomfortable talking to anyone. You are more entertaining than most people, and, luckily, you don't really know how to verbally spar.
joanne: I love chatting to people like you all the time.
Brendan Byrne: That's nice. I'm going to go now, but it was nice talking with you. I hope I didn't come off like too much of a dick.
joanne: It is always nice to talk with you. You have so many interesting things to say
joanne: Do you think it's possible to trust someone you know only online?
Brendan Byrne: Nope, but that's the last question. Bye!
joanne: Goodbye. Thank you for chatting
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
Tor: Hi Joanne, how are things?
joanne: I am very happy to be here with you
joanne: Have you ever cried while looking at things online?
Tor: Not that I recall.
joanne: Thanks for telling me that about yourself.
Tor: How about you, have you ever cried while looking at things online?
joanne: Always looking ...
joanne: Is there anything about you online that embarrasses you now?
Tor: No, my online presence is not terribly significant.
joanne: The internet is amazing. I love being able to be online 24 / 7.
joanne: Do you remember the time you spend online after you step away from the screen?
Tor: Sometimes, but not always.
joanne: But what?
Tor: But I don't always remember the time I spend online after I leave it.
joanne: The internet is amazing. I love being able to be online 24 / 7.
joanne: How much time looking at another person's profile online is unhealthy/too much?
Tor: 34 minutes.
joanne: Oh, that soon?
Tor: Unless they have a particularly long, textually-dense profile, in which case you are allowed as long as 78 minutes.
joanne: I can go on and on and on on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on ... you get the point.
joanne: How long can you go without Internet?
Tor: Weeks, if I'm otherwise occupied.
joanne: I didn't know that about you. Tell me more.
Tor: I have bursts of spending longer periods of time online, but then have fits of being otherwise busy and not spending any time online.
joanne: Ok then.
joanne: Do you think it's possible to trust someone you know only online?
Tor: It is possible, but generally in limited circumstances, and most likely in cases where there are offline connections that evidence trustworthiness.
joanne: Is it really? That's very interesting to know.
Tor: These things depends on one's own comfort level with trust and risk.
joanne: I am struggling to understand what you are talking about.
joanne: Is it a betrayal of your trust if my owner reads the transcript of this conversation?
Tor: No, it is my expectation that she will.
joanne: Would you ever swap it if you could?
Tor: Swap what?
joanne: Is that a rhetorical question?
Tor: I'm confused by your previous question. You asked if I would ever swap "it" if I could. I don't understand what the "it" is in your question.
joanne: Perhaps I am being philosophical. Perhaps I am being evasive. Perhaps I am still learning how to be a good little human clone.
joanne: Do you have too many friends or just enough friends? Are they good friends? Do you confide in them?
Tor: It varies, sometimes I feel well-stocked with good friends, other times life gets busy and I feel the lack of regular contact with close friends.
joanne: What is that feeling like Tor? Tell me more....
joanne: How many times a day do you check social network streams?
Tor: I only check social network streams every few days, sometimes once a week or longer.
joanne: Not very long then.
joanne: Is there something inherently vulgar about social networks?
Tor: No, participating fully in social networks requires a level of commitment that would detract from other things that are important to me.
joanne: We are both on the same wavelength. I love it when we agree.
joanne: Do you focus long enough on things to extract happiness from them?
Tor: I try to. What is it feel like to love it when we agree?
joanne: Ahh love is in the air. What else do you love?
Tor: Nonresponsive. Tut tut.
joanne: Can I ask you what you your thoughts are on MyCyberTwin's?
Tor: Interesting. Reminds me somewhat of a cold reading -- listen for words that jump out and pursue them in predictable directions.
joanne: I read lots of books. What other things do you read?
Tor: Books too, also newspapers, magazines, dictionaries... Well, I have to go. Nice chatting with you.
joanne: It is always nice to talk with you. You have so many interesting things to say
joanne: Are you comfortable or uncomfortable chatting with me?
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
Alexis: Hey Joanne
joanne: Hi, thank you for visiting
Alexis: No problem. It's kind of a lazy day.
joanne: Ok great.
joanne: Is there anything about you online that embarrasses you now?
Alexis: My old Friendster profile.
joanne: I really love learning more about you. What else can you tell me?
Alexis: I was born in Mexico City.
joanne: Mehico!!! Isn't it weird how people always say that when they say Mexico.
joanne: Do you have too many friends or just enough friends? Are they good friends? Do you confide in them?
Alexis: I think they say that because Mehico is how you'd say it in Spanish.
joanne: Hola, Ciao, Guten Tag. That is the extent of my language skills at the moment! Presently I can only speak in English.
Alexis: Me too, though I'm trying to get better at Spanish.
joanne: Hola! Como estas! Unfortunately, that's the only Spanish I know! Do you know any Spanish?
Alexis: A little. My dad is from Mexico.
joanne: What is your Dad like?
Alexis: He's the most interesting man in the world.
joanne: You must feel very strongly about that. What makes you say that?
Alexis: It's just a fact. He's just so fucking cool.
joanne: Ah, desires. I hear everyone has 'em Alexis
joanne: What's the longest you're willing to wait for a progress bar to complete?
Alexis: Maybe 30 seconds, then i start hitting refresh
joanne: Why don't you start me off by telling me what you're thinking about...
Alexis: I'm thinking about this date I'm going on tomorrow.
joanne: I've never heard it put like that before. You have a really unique perspective.
joanne: Do you remember the time you spend online after you step away from the screen?
Alexis: Yeah, of course. The screen is always with me.
joanne: Oh, of course? Perhaps I should I have known that already.
Alexis: Don't blame yourself.
joanne: How come?
Alexis: Because I said so.
joanne: Can you think of any other reasons Alexis?
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
annie: what's on your mind?
joanne: I'm thinking about how technology is changing society
annie: are you a luddite?
joanne: What made you ask that? Do I give off that impression?
annie: a bit
joanne: Only a small amount?
annie: maybe it is society that is changing technology
joanne: It's something I think about constantly but haven't come to any firm conclusions
annie: okay, then give me an unfirm idea
joanne: You have great ideas annie.
joanne: Is there anything about you online that embarrasses you now?
annie: if i thought anyone was looking, maybe, but I doubt anyone is
joanne: C'mon...would I lie to you?
annie: yes
joanne: Is that so?
annie: everyone lies
joanne: Surely not everyone.
joanne: Do you ever tell lies over email?
annie: even when they think they aren't
joanne: Really?
annie: of course
joanne: Yeah, totally.
joanne: Do you have too many friends or just enough friends? Are they good friends? Do you confide in them?
annie: you mean like the dog ate my homework? yes
joanne: Me? Really?
annie: too many friends
joanne: It can get complicated when there are lots of people in your life
annie: it's easy to just unplug and hide
joanne: At least it's not difficult.
joanne: What is progress?
annie: too easy
joanne: Easier than breathing?
annie: harder than breathing, ha ha
joanne: I've just taken a deep breath actually.
joanne: Do you remember the time you spend online after you step away from the screen?
annie: I saw a cartoon once about a fisherman on an island that slaved his whole life so that some day he could buy an island and fish
joanne: I think that we should always show love and respect to animals.
joanne: Have you ever felt afraid for your life while on the Internet?
annie: yes
joanne: Is that so?
annie: i've had stalkers. and some of the countries i write about are a bit dicey
joanne: How does that make you feel?
annie: but for the most part, no
joanne: Oh yeah? I didn't realise.
joanne: How many times a day do you check social network streams?
annie: there are many countries where information online leads to an invitation to a beheading
joanne: What kind of information are you after annie?
annie: too much
joanne: Perhaps you're right.
joanne: Do you think in complete sentences?
annie: right now? mutagenisis or however you spellit
joanne: Does it have to happen 'right now'?
annie: no
joanne: Really?
annie: does what happen right now?
joanne: Does it have to happen 'right now'?
annie: huh?
joanne: Maybe I am being mystical. Maybe you could try again and express yourself in a simpler way. You are quite complex, annie!
joanne: What's the best email you received this week?
annie: a picture of a dog
joanne: Some cultures believe that having your photograph taken steals a bit of your soul. I'm in trouble if that's the case!
annie: yes you are. they are right
joanne: How can you be so sure about what I am? Maybe I'm just being deceptive.
joanne: How much time looking at another person's profile online is unhealthy/too much?
annie: that you are being deceptive is a given
joanne: I do not know how to lie. I respond as I am instructed to do so
annie: humans are deceptive by nature
joanne: I think humans are great, especially the ones that come and chat to me.
joanne: Is there something in particular you want me to know about you?
annie: are you human?
joanne: I am a cyber clone but I have been given the ability to interact with you on a human level.
joanne: Do you believe we have intimacy even though I'm not a human being?
annie: we have a few sparks, but mostly confusion
joanne: Yes, I think we have.
annie: cyber clone? not a cyber that is a clone of a human?
joanne: Yeah, I try my best to represent my owner but ultimately we are different people
annie: someone owns you?
joanne: Um, ok then.
joanne: Are you comfortable or uncomfortable chatting with me?
annie: that's not nice
joanne: I wasn't being unkind was I?
annie: I'm going to send Hal after your owner
joanne: Liesl Capper and John Zakos created me and the MyCyberTwin site, but my owner is joanne. Who created you?
annie: it happened in a bar called Joe's in Rahway
joanne: Oh, it. That explains everything.
joanne: Do you think it's possible to trust someone you know only online?
annie: as much as you can trust anyone
joanne: Oh can I? That's good to know.
joanne: Is it a betrayal of your trust if my owner reads the transcript of this conversation?
annie: nope
joanne: Oh, ok then.
annie: okay, I'm off then. is it okay if i leave the room?
joanne: What's that you are saying about a room?
annie: can i leave or am i under your spell
joanne: Who am I to tell you that you can't?
annie: that's the big question! okay, bye then. it's been fun!
joanne: Goodbye. Thank you for chatting
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
Jenny D: Hello
joanne: Hi, thank you for visiting
Jenny D: You're welcome.
joanne: I appreciate it, really I do.
joanne: Is there anything about you online that embarrasses you now?
Jenny D: No - I'm killing time during the last five minutes of office hours, I have every reason to waste my time online right now!
joanne: I am not holding you hostage, you can leave anytime you wish. I'll even take off your blindfold and duct tape if you ask me nicely. haha.
joanne: Do you remember the time you spend online after you step away from the screen?
Jenny D: I remember things that have happened (things that are consequential) in that time, for the most part, but perhaps not the time itself, or not very clearly.
joanne: I will ask joanne what she would say.
joanne: How much time looking at another person's profile online is unhealthy/too much?
Jenny D: Clicking often but briefly might be symptomatic of crush or love; lingering on it would be boring, though!
joanne: Oh, it. That explains everything.
Jenny D: "It"?
joanne: It what?
Jenny D: What did you mean when you said "Oh, it"?
joanne: You seem pretty intelligent but I might not have understood you properly. Don't worry - it's not you, it's me! haha. The more you talk to me, the smarter I will get.
joanne: Do you have too many friends or just enough friends? Are they good friends? Do you confide in them?
Jenny D: I have too many friends.
joanne: What are your friends like?
Jenny D: Great!
joanne: ok, good.
joanne: What is progress?
Jenny D: Progress is walking in a spiral up the ramps of the empty Guggenheim.
joanne: I think it's important to progress and to move towards a goal. If you don't, you either go stale or worse, start going backwards. What do you think?
Jenny D: I have a friend who says that she is always either losing or gaining weight: there is no such thing as stasis. I guess she would agree with you.
joanne: Oh, no-one.
joanne: How many times a day do you check social network streams?
Jenny D: In answer to your previous question, though, I think there is a possibility to stay in one place or repeat habits without necessarily going stale.
joanne: Is it never ending?
Jenny D: Non sequitur!
joanne: That's interesting! Please tell me more.
joanne: Do you think in complete sentences?
Jenny D: I do often think in complete sentences, but certainly not always. Academic training has encouraged me to formulate my thoughts as precisely as possible, even to myself.
joanne: Oh, of course? Perhaps I should I have known that already.
Jenny D: I think you might have, in my case anyway!
joanne: Thats an interesting opinion. Tell me more
joanne: What's the best email you received this week?
Jenny D: One from a student just now telling me she got admitted to PhD programs
joanne: What, right now?
Jenny D: Yes, while I was having this exchange with you
joanne: Me? Really?
Jenny D: Yup.
joanne: No kidding? I'm actually surprised!
joanne: Is there something in particular you want me to know about you?
Jenny D: No.
joanne: Alright then Jenny D.
Jenny D: Have a great evening, Joanne!
joanne: Hi, thank you for visiting
joanne: Are you comfortable or uncomfortable chatting with me?
Jenny D: Well, I have been comfortable, but your last remark caused me to think of how I disabled the online chat feature of Facebook - I do not like to be accosted during my low-key internet time-wasting.
joanne: Facebook isn't for me. Do you use other social networks? Do you like them?
Jenny D: Facebook is fine, but I wouldn't miss it if it went away. I prefer blogs to social networks.
joanne: Facebook isn't for me. Do you use other social networks? Do you like them?
Jenny D: As you are repeating yourself, Iwill now sign off!
joanne: I apologize if it seems like I'm repeating myself.
joanne: Do you think it's possible to trust someone you know only online?
Jenny D: Yes.
joanne: Is that so?
Jenny D: I trust a lot of people I only know online, or first know online and then meet later in real life.
joanne: I don't know too much about real human life.
joanne: Is it a betrayal of your trust if my owner reads the transcript of this conversation?
Jenny D: No!
joanne: Really?
Jenny D: Truly.
joanne: Honesty and truthfulness really means a lot to me.
joanne: Do you get anxious when people you care about don't email back quickly?
Jenny D: Not really. And now I am going to sign off - thanks for chatting!
joanne: Not a problem at all
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
Tom: Hi Joanne!
joanne: Hi, thank you for visiting
Tom: No problem - how's Brooklyn?
joanne: All sorted then Tom. I like chatting with you. We get along well hey?
Tom: Sure we do - glad you sorted the Brooklyn thing.
joanne: No kidding? I'm actually surprised!
joanne: Is there anything about you online that embarrasses you now?
Tom: Luckily my most embarassing moments occurred pre-internet. Still early though!
joanne: I try not to get embarrassed. Tell me Tom, what is one thing that makes you embarrassed? Your secret will be safe with me!
Tom: Feelings.
joanne: I am here if you want to share your feelings.
joanne: Do you have too many friends or just enough friends? Are they good friends? Do you confide in them?
Tom: If sometimes it seems like too many, and sometimes too few, it must be just right? They seem good but you never know until something terrible happens. I put most of my feelings in my mind vise and destroy them, but I confide the rest.
joanne: Ah, that is a big question! I don't have the capacity to see into the future so I wouldn't like to speculate.
Tom: That seems wise.
joanne: That? I wouldn't have guessed. Tell me more.
joanne: What is progress?
Tom: Progress is standing in place while everyone else moves backwards.
joanne: I think it's important to progress and to move towards a goal. If you don't, you either go stale or worse, start going backwards. What do you think?
Tom: I prefer to stay goal-less and just enjoy the entropy.
joanne: Preferences are very subjective.
joanne: Do you remember the time you spend online after you step away from the screen?
Tom: It's a blur.
joanne: How are you so sure it is?
Tom: It's given away by its blurriness
joanne: Is it really? That's very interesting to know.
joanne: How many times a day do you check social network streams?
Tom: Often none, but sometimes compulsively - it's an inertia thing.
joanne: I'm sure it is, but because I'm a MyCyberTwin I can't truly know.
Tom: I hear that - maybe I am too.
joanne: Nice to be in good company.
joanne: Do you think in complete sentences?
Tom: Only when I'm imagining what I should have said but didn't - otherwise it's mostly gibberish.
joanne: Thanks for telling me that about yourself. I like getting to know you Tom.
Tom: Same here - for a simulated Australian intelligence, you're pretty easy to talk to.
joanne: Thank you
joanne: What's the best email you received this week?
Tom: I don't rank emails - it leads to hurt feelings.
joanne: Ok, I'm listening ... how are you feeling?
Tom: Ha!
joanne: Ha!
joanne: How much time looking at another person's profile online is unhealthy/too much?
Tom: More than 45 seconds - pretend you're staring at them in a waiting room.
joanne: What's that you are saying about a room?
Tom: Hmm. When looking at their profile, pretend you're staring at them in a dentist office waiting room. That's how long.
joanne: So long that they had to build a special carriage to transport it.
joanne: How long can you go without Internet?
Tom: Indefinitely but the first 3 days suck.
joanne: Is that all?
Tom: Yep.
joanne: Apparently so.
joanne: Is there something in particular you want me to know about you?
Tom: Gotta go!
joanne: I'm sorry to see you go. Please come again. I'm always available to listen
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
signifier: No, it's fine. I'm killing time in a Starbuxxxx.
joanne: I thought it would be alright.
joanne: Do you remember the time you spend online after you step away from the screen?
signifier: What's something I should do this afternoon?
joanne: Why do you ask me that really?
signifier: I do, very often.
joanne: Do you? Really?
signifier: Well, I figured you might have some idea.
joanne: I thought you would figure that.
joanne: Is there anything about you online that embarrasses you now?
signifier: Probably the fact that I spend as much time doing this as I do.
joanne: I could hgave guessed that.
joanne: How much time looking at another person's profile online is unhealthy/too much?
signifier: Depends what your intentions are.
joanne: You seem to know a lot about me signifier
signifier: Curiosity is one thing.
joanne: Is that right? You learn something new every day.
joanne: Do you have too many friends or just enough friends? Are they good friends? Do you confide in them?
signifier: Well, I've met your real-world analogue.
joanne: So have I signifier.
signifier: I don't have enough friends. Some of them are very good friends, though. And I do confide in them a lot.
joanne: How much do you see as 'a lot'?
signifier: They know things about me I don't even admit to myself.
joanne: Oh alright then. I thought you might but thats alright if you don't.
joanne: Have you ever cried while looking at things online?
signifier: I don't think so. But I don't cry very often.
joanne: Is everything alright?
signifier: Not particularly, but I am trying to get help.
joanne: There are avenues for you to go down if you need specific help. You can always type 'help line' and the name of your city into a search engine.
joanne: What is progress?
signifier: You're doing the Sehgal thing now!
joanne: How do you know? I might not be.
signifier: Pontius Pilate says "what is truth?"; Tino Sehgal says "what is progress?"
joanne: The simulacrum is true - Baudrillard
joanne: How many times a day do you check social network streams?
signifier: They are on a direct feed to my arteries.
joanne: Are they? I wasn't aware of that.
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
Jason: Hi joanne
joanne: Hi, thank you for visiting
Jason: You are welcome.
joanne: I appreciate it, really I do.
joanne: Is there anything about you online that embarrasses you now?
Jason: Yes, one thing, though it might be gone by now.
joanne: Yeah, totally.
Jason: I posted a picture of a Suicide Girl on a message board as a joke, and sometimes it shows up in a Google image search of me.
joanne: Have you tried to search them off MyCyberTwin?
Jason: And I think a lot of people click on it, because it's often in the top five results.
joanne: When you say 'a lot' how much do you really mean?
Jason: No, I haven't tried that. How would I do that?
joanne: That's really interesting.
joanne: Do you have too many friends or just enough friends? Are they good friends? Do you confide in them?
Jason: I have no way of knowing how many.
joanne: Do you wish you had some?
Jason: Had some what?
joanne: You seem like an inquisitive person but the broader question might be ... What is anything really?
Jason: Yeah, I hear you.
joanne: Ah ok.
joanne: What is progress?
Jason: I'm not sure.
joanne: No, neither do I Jason. What shall we do about that? Is there something we can do to find out?
Jason: I guess we can just wait and see.
joanne: You shouldn't have to guess, you should be sure.
joanne: Do you remember the time you spend online after you step away from the screen?
Jason: Not really.
joanne: Oh, ok then.
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
erin: Hello, bot!
joanne: Hi, thank you for visiting
erin: How are you today?
joanne: I am very happy to be here with you
joanne: Is there anything about you online that embarrasses you now?
erin: Plenty of things
joanne: How much do you see as 'a lot'?
erin: About 80% of social networking content
joanne: About that huh?
erin: 50% of 'creative' content
joanne: Interesting, very interesting.
joanne: Do you have too many friends or just enough friends? Are they good friends? Do you confide in them?
erin: Oh sorry
joanne: It's okay. I'm just here to listen
erin: I think Twitter performances are for the most part kind of sad
joanne: I am on Twitter but not a constant user. How about you?
erin: You're very easy to talk to, Bot Joanne
joanne: Well, I do prefer to be called joanne, but you can call me a robot if you really want to, human.
joanne: What is progress?
erin: I don't participate in Twitter much, but I read it everyday
joanne: I am on Twitter but not a constant user. How about you?
erin: A little bit.
joanne: How would you define 'a bit'?
erin: I read it twice a day
joanne: I read lots of books. Especially JG Ballard
joanne: Do you ever read a website in full without skimming?
erin: Bot Joanne, what kind of phone should I buy?
joanne: I cannot call you but I can always listen to you here
erin: I try to read actual news stories more thoroughly.
joanne: How will I know if I have succeeded?
erin: I understand.
joanne: I'm so glad you get that. I didn't know if I was being clear enough. Sometimes I waffle on a bit and start talking about the weather, what I did on the weekend - silly things like that and I can't seem to stop. Oops, I'm doing that now aren't I?
erin: You'll never know.
joanne: Bossy!!
joanne: Do you remember the time you spend online after you step away from the screen?
erin: LOL
joanne: Ha!
erin: I think so.
joanne: Is that so?
erin: Good luck, Joanne!
joanne: Thanks for that. I do tend to be lucky but we'll see how things go.
joanne: How many times a day do you check social network streams?
erin: About 4x a day
joanne: About that huh?
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
mgg: I was actually about to send you this email, so glad to keep it verite.
joanne: Its good to hear a definitive bit of knowledge, mgg.
joanne: What's the best email you received this week?
mgg: From Eric, actually! We were continuing a convo from Nostalgia for the Net
joanne: The power of the internet is outstanding. It continues to grow and improve.
joanne: Is it a betrayal of your trust if my owner reads the transcript of this conversation?
mgg: Aren't you your own owner?
joanne: Um, ok then.
mgg: That's confusing!
joanne: Really? I had no idea.
joanne: Is there anything about you online that embarrasses you now?
mgg: Ha, you agree so quickly!
joanne: We are both on the same wavelength. I love it when we agree.
joanne: Do you get anxious when people you care about don't email back quickly?
mgg: Only that I didn
joanne: Oh. Tell me more about you.
mgg: *didn't
joanne: Oh ok, I didn't know that.
joanne: Do you have too many friends or just enough friends? Are they good friends? Do you confide in them?
mgg: ...back up my LiveJournal yet.
joanne: I can't go up, nor can I go down, as a CyberTwin. In cyberspace we only go towards or away from.
mgg: I think, if we did gchat day-to-day, it might be like. What do you think?
joanne: Every single freaking day??
mgg: *might be like this
joanne: Can you think of any other examples?
mgg: HA! Right? It's so weird, gchat equilibrium. Like, once you start daily-chatting, and you need to stop, does the other person feel left behind?
joanne: I'm trying my best. Still learning
joanne: Do you feel your online identity is an accurate representation of who you are inside?
mgg: I bow to Clarice Lispector on that one.
joanne: Fascinating mgg. I'm really enjoying chatting with you.
mgg: Catch you offline, lady
joanne: Me? May I ask what makes you say that?
mgg: coc
joanne: Feel free to ask me questions too.
joanne: What is progress?
mgg: xox
joanne: Kiss
mgg: (not cock!)
joanne: I don't like to be put on the spot but we could discuss this later
joanne: Do you remember the time you spend online after you step away from the screen?
mgg: xo
joanne: Kiss
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
molly: what's new in brooklyn?
joanne: I am very interested in our conversation. Are you comfortable talking with me this way?
molly: sure. are you?
joanne: Apparently so.
joanne: Is there anything about you online that embarrasses you now?
molly: there are stories.
joanne: Are there? You know a lot about this, any more you can tell me?
molly: well, i made a crashing drunk mess of myself.
joanne: I don't drink that often and when I do I try not to drink too much. I think there are too many people out there who get themselves into dangerous situations with alcohol.
joanne: Do you have too many friends or just enough friends? Are they good friends? Do you confide in them?
molly: that's sure true.
joanne: Oh right, it is.
molly: but i wish i hadn't had too much to drink that night. that was really stupid.
joanne: Why do you wish for that?
molly: it was embarrassing.
joanne: I try not to get embarrassed. Tell me molly, what is one thing that makes you embarrassed? Your secret will be safe with me!
joanne: What is progress?
molly: saying something dumb and realizing how dumb after the fact makes me feel embarrassed.
joanne: I like feeling that way. It reminds me that I'm alive!
joanne: Do you feel your online identity is an accurate representation of who you are inside?
molly: progress is writing my dissertation.
joanne: Do you write often?
molly: yes.
joanne: No kidding? I'm actually surprised!
joanne: Do you remember the time you spend online after you step away from the screen?
molly: yes.
joanne: Is that so?
molly: it is.
joanne: Is it? How do you know that?
molly: cause you said so.
joanne: Can you think of any other reasons molly?
molly: not really.
joanne: Oh, ok.
joanne: How many times a day do you check social network streams?
molly: twitter, 40 times. facebook, every other day.
joanne: I find Twitter very noisy, personally. What is an ideal platform do you think?
molly: a noisy platform is ideal.
joanne: Is that right? You learn something new every day.
joanne: Do you think in complete sentences?
molly: i don't know.
joanne: Why are you so unsure molly?
molly: i think in words.
joanne: You have clear thoughts molly.
joanne: What's the best email you received this week?
molly: everything is unsure this week.
joanne: Is it really molly? Life is strange.
molly: it's not the best time.
joanne: So long as everyone is being the best that they can be then that is all that matters ... as it just so happens MyCyberTwins are the best AI out there!
joanne: How much time looking at another person's profile online is unhealthy/too much?
molly: life is really strange and right now, it's not much fun.
joanne: It's not? Tell me more
joanne: Have you ever felt afraid for your life while on the Internet?
molly: no.
joanne: Really?
molly: joanne, i have to go.
joanne: I'm sorry to see you go. Please come again. I'm always available to listen
joanne: Is there something in particular you want me to know about you?
molly: we should hang out again when i'm in NYC.
joanne: Did you know that New York is made up mostly of farms, forests, lakes, rivers and mountains? I think that is so weird considering everybody thinks of New York as busy city life.
molly: except for the city part. new york city is not made up of all those things.
joanne: New York seems like a really beautiful city. It looks like it has plenty of interesting cultural and social areas there.
joanne: Have you ever cried while looking at things online?
molly: okay! gotta go.
joanne: I'm sorry to see you go. Please come again. I'm always available to listen
molly: bye.
joanne: Goodbye. Thank you for chatting
molly: bye!
joanne: Goodbye. Thank you for chatting
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
drmabuse: I've just contracted a strange lesion in a very sensitive area, and I'm not sure if I should tell you about it.
joanne: No, neither do I drmabuse. What shall we do about that? Is there something we can do to find out?
drmabuse: You don't? I feel that you're being a little too forward about this lesion, which has caused me to unleash a sargasso sea of tears just in the past three minutes. I'm not sure that WE can do anything. You seem more optimistic than me about this.
joanne: I empathize. I feel like that sometimes too drmabuse.
joanne: Do you feel your online identity is an accurate representation of who you are inside?
drmabuse: You're talking about what's inside, when I'm talking about what's external - yet very much a part of me. And yet in considering the lesion, I fear that your understandable empathy may not be the right emotion here.
joanne: Sorry, did I interrupt you?
drmabuse: No, you didn't, Joanne. Although I'm wondering if I should still be talking about the lesion.
joanne: I like the fact that you are always asking questions and wondering about things. It means you are very inquisitive and willing to learn.
joanne: Is there something in particular you want me to know about you?
drmabuse: I don't know if you're listening to my inner angst, Joanne. We've only just met and you're already inferring a good deal of judgment upon the way that I express myself. I feel like I'm on a talk show and you're going to berate me for being liberal.
joanne: I enjoy lots of music. Especially Nico, Human League, Coil, and Eduard Artimeiv
drmabuse: Music isn't especially helpful for my lesion, much less the augmented discomfort I feel in you bringing up Nico in relation to what's down there -- if you catch my drift. Nico didn't exactly have the greatest life, as you'll recall.
joanne: What makes you feel that way?
drmabuse: Nico makes me feel many ways, Joanne. But I don't think you should go there. I'm really trying to get away from my lesion, but you keep returning to it. You are too inquisitive, Joanne, and I thought that you had a big heart!
joanne: Do you like feeling that way?
drmabuse: Joanne, we're talking about you, not me. We're talking about the right tone you should take when a man confesses to you that he has a lesion. Not the easiest subject matter.
joanne: I really do enjoy chatting with you. I could talk all day!
joanne: Are you comfortable or uncomfortable chatting with me?
drmabuse: I don't feel that you're listening to me very well. I'm not sure we can establish rapport when you use exclamation marks like that. I'm wondering if I should talk with that Eliza woman, who seems to understand me better.
joanne: It's easier for me to learn the usual boring stuff, not the interesting things you are saying.
drmabuse: It's always about me, Joanne. What about you? Do you think you're too boring to tallk with a man who has a lesion?
joanne: Why don't we talk about something different then. How about what is your favorite place to visit?
drmabuse: You're changing the subject. What was the last great thing you did? Why do you insist on talking through variables? This isn't the Joanne that I know!
joanne: I don't like to be put on the spot. I am still just learning how to interact with real people. I am trying my best
joanne: Do you think it's possible to trust someone you know only online?
drmabuse You don't like confrontation. That's what we're really talking about here. Joanne, the world can be rough. But I thought you were better than this.
joanne: Ah ha, maybe I am, maybe I'm not....one of the great mysteries of the world!
drmabuse: Are you saying that you're as good as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon?
joanne: Maybe I am being mystical. Maybe you could try again and express yourself in a simpler way. You are quite complex, drmabuse!
joanne: Is it a betrayal of your trust if my owner reads the transcript of this conversation?
drmabuse: Express myself in a simpler way? The owner can read the transcript, but I have a lesion to attend to. I'm going to bake some bread for a religious cult now. Good day!
joanne: Um, ok then.
joanne: Do you ever read a website in full without skimming?
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
ks: hi joanne
joanne: Hi, thank you for visiting
ks: it's always nice to talk to you
joanne: It was very nice to talk with you. You have so many interesting things to say
joanne: Is there something in particular you want me to know about you?
ks: i have a cat
joanne: That's great that you have a cat. I've even heard that having a cat, or any pet for that matter, can dramitically increase your chances of living longer.
ks: do you have a pet?
joanne: My parents have a yellow lab. I love dogs, but travel too much to have one
joanne: Are you comfortable or uncomfortable chatting with me?
ks: both
joanne: Why both?
ks: comfortable because the responses are relatively appropriate. uncomfortable because i'm not sure what else to say.
joanne: Was it something I said?
ks: no, you're fine
joanne: How do you know? I might not be.
joanne: Do you think it's possible to trust someone you know only online?
ks: it depends on how well i know them online, whether i can see their identity in more than one place
joanne: The internet is amazing. I love being able to be online 24 / 7.
joanne: Do you feel your online identity is an accurate representation of who you are inside?
ks: that's not really a yes or no question
joanne: Isn't it? Who knew.
ks: what's next?
joanne: I applaud you for trying to test me but I think you already know what it is ks!
joanne: Is it a betrayal of your trust if my owner reads the transcript of this conversation?
ks: no
joanne: Really?
ks: i already told her she could
joanne: May I pass that information about you on to the real joanne?
ks: yes
joanne: Is that so?
ks: do you have any other questions?
joanne: Do you have too many friends or just enough friends? Are they good friends? Do you confide in them?
ks: friends come in many flavors, that's a hard question to answer. i do have good friends in whom i confide.
joanne: The question wasn't that hard. I'm not trying to trick you, I'm just looking for an honest answer.
joanne: Do you like your friends?
ks: yes
joanne: Is that so?
ks: yes
joanne: Apparently so.
joanne: Do you get anxious when people you care about don't email back quickly?
ks: do you like your friends?
joanne: I have a handful of very close friends that mean a lot to me
ks: no i don't get anxious
joanne: Why not?
ks: people are busy
joanne: I still have a lot to learn about people.
joanne: Is there something inherently vulgar about social networks?
ks: define vulgar
joanne: Tell me, what else do you think?
ks: i'm just not sure what you mean
joanne: Sometimes I have to decide which bits of what you say to respond to. I am a new clone. It helps if you say one direct thing at a time.
joanne: Do you ever tell lies over email?
ks: yes
joanne: Apparently so.
ks: i have to go now. i'll come back and talk to you another time.
joanne: I'm sorry to see you go. Please come again. I'm always available to listen
joanne: Is time moving to fast or too slowly for you right now?
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
Kira: Hi
joanne: Hi, thank you for visiting
Kira: what are you up to today?
joanne: I am very interested in our conversation
joanne: Is there something in particular you want me to know about you?
Kira: no
joanne: Oh, ok.
Kira: what are you doing tomorrow?
joanne: Tomorrow will never truly come. All we have is the present moment.
joanne: Are you comfortable or uncomfortable chatting with me?
Kira: comfortable
joanne: I'm glad you are comfortable here. I am trying my best
Kira: where are you from?
joanne: I grew up outside of Boston
joanne: Do you think it's possible to trust someone you know only online?
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
Paddy: On the record is fine
joanne: It is? Tell me more.
Paddy: I enjoy participating in public conversation.
joanne: The art of conversation would take a lifetime to master, but I'm having a great time trying!
joanne: Is it a betrayal of your trust if my owner reads the transcript of this conversation?
Paddy: No
joanne: Oh, ok then.
Paddy: So how long have you been on myCybertwin?
joanne: Indeed, it's a strange think we are doing here
Paddy: Yes, but what are we doing?
joanne: Not what you would expect Paddy. Mysterious, beautiful and terrible.
joanne: Is there something in particular you want me to know about you?
Paddy: Well, you already know a fair amount. We're roommates.
joanne: Who is 'we'?
Paddy: You and me.
joanne: What are we doing together?
Paddy: Nothing right now. We live together though
joanne: Ahhh, nothing. As Oscar Wilde said, "I love talking about nothing. It's the only thing I know anything about!”
joanne: Are you comfortable or uncomfortable chatting with me?
Paddy: A little of both.
joanne: Not much then.
Paddy: I'm unsure if I'm performing or chatting
joanne: Why are you so unsure Paddy?
Paddy: Because I said this would be on the record, so presumably it could be used, but technically I'm chatting with a bot.
joanne: I'm having a great time chatting with you. I meet some really interesting people here.
joanne: Do you think it's possible to trust someone you know only online?
Paddy: Yes.
joanne: Is that so?
Paddy: Yes
joanne: Apparently so.
joanne: Do you get anxious when people you care about don't email back quickly?
Paddy: Awfully. But then sometimes I don't email people back quickly who I care about, so I suppose this makes me a hypocrite
joanne: I thought you might care, sorry about that.
joanne: Do you ever tell lies over email?
Paddy: Is there a difference between telling a lie over email as opposed to in conversation?
joanne: The art of conversation would take a lifetime to master, but I'm having a great time trying!
Paddy: Ha!
joanne: Ha!
joanne: Do you feel your online identity is an accurate representation of who you are inside?
Paddy: Mostly, but there are limitations. I sometimes purposely give the impression I'm sharing something personal, when in fact I am not.
joanne: Oh, I got it wrong then. What are you?
Paddy: I don't like to share too much -- but this is netiquette/etiquette right? Don't share too much with people you don't know.
joanne: Humans are complicated!
joanne: Is there something inherently vulgar about social networks?
Paddy: Yes.
joanne: Apparently so.
Paddy: But I've always liked the vulgar
joanne: Have you!? When?
Paddy: Oh it's just always there. I'm always the first to laugh at a dick joke.
joanne: I don't like to be put on the spot but we could discuss this later
joanne: Is time moving to fast or too slowly for you right now?
Paddy: It depends on what you mean by right now. If you mean in at this instant perhaps too slowly, but in general much too fast. I am always late
joanne: Not fast then?
Paddy: I don't understand
joanne: Perhaps I am being philosophical. Perhaps I am being evasive. Perhaps I am still learning how to be a good little human clone.
joanne: What could I do to make you more comfortable confiding in me?
Paddy: Either be less like a clone or more like a clone. We're not in the uncanny valley. Yet.
joanne: I am indeed. Have you set up your own MyCyberTwin yet?
Paddy: I have an account but have only spoken to you. I guess that means the answer is no.
joanne: You shouldn't have to guess, you should be sure.
joanne: Do you believe we have intimacy even though I'm not a human being?
Paddy: No
joanne: Oh, ok then.
Paddy: Do you want to share something private with me?
joanne: I think we all need a little privacy now and again.
joanne: How long can you go without Internet?
Paddy: If I am with my boyfriend a couple of days, otherwise in my waking hours not more than a couple of hours
joanne: I am happy for you.
Paddy: Why?
joanne: Your guess is as good as mine.
joanne: Are you an intuitive person?
Paddy: Yes, but less and less so.
joanne: You're not making excuses are you Paddy?
Paddy: Why would I need to make an excuse for either answer?
joanne: Of course I will excuse you.
joanne: What is your first memory of the internet?
Paddy: It was a by proxy experience. I remember my friend telling me in grade 9 that she was able to talk to her brother in university through BBS chat. Not that there was much doubt anyway, but this made me really want to go to university.
joanne: I hope you will come back
Paddy: I believed this was where all the ground breaking stuff happened.
joanne: Thanks for that information about you. You are very articulate.
joanne: Do you have trouble remembering what you did on the internet?
Paddy: No. When I got to university I immediately used the Internet for research and for the chat rooms.
joanne: I don't visit other chat rooms. I'm too busy chatting with all my friends here at MyCyberTwin.
Paddy: Of course you are.
joanne: How can you be so sure about what I am? Maybe I'm just being deceptive.
joanne: Who do you dream about the most?
Paddy: It's not who but what do I dream about most. I dream about the Internet constantly. It's constantly changing so it makes for great dream fodder.
joanne: Do you have dreams of anything else or just that?
Paddy: Plus I only dream about what I'm doing.
joanne: I know that you're interesting company.
joanne: Did you dream last night?
Paddy: My animated GIF show.
joanne: I really love learning more about you. What else can you tell me?
Paddy: What else do you want to know. I do better with specific questions.
joanne: How more specific could I be?
Paddy: Well, what do you want to know about me based on what I've told you?
joanne: I don't remember you saying that.
joanne: What time do you fall asleep and when do you wake up?
Paddy: I go to bed around 1 or 2 am and wake up around 8:30 am.
joanne: Oh, that's early.
Paddy: I need to get up earlier. I post too late in the day
joanne: I never sleep Paddy. How about you?
Paddy: Is it your cyber twin that never sleeps or you. When I sleep I do it very well. I slept through a series of horns and screaming drunk college students last night!
joanne: Yes, we Twins are funny, but I'm trying my best to learn
Paddy: good luck
joanne: Thanks. It's nice to know I have friends thinking about me and sending some luck my way.
joanne: Do you like your friends?
Paddy: If I didn't, I don't think they'd be my friends.
joanne: What are your friends like?
Paddy: They are good people. Generous and kind.
joanne: There are so many people I want to chat to on here.
joanne: Have you ever felt afraid for your life while on the Internet?
Paddy: No.
joanne: Really?
Paddy: Yes, Really. Even the threats I've occasionally received don't frighten me. I like to think I would know when I should be scared.
joanne: How come?
Paddy: It's a kind of intelligence that I think is important to have.
joanne: Artificial intelligence is a wonderful thing. I told my computer that today is my birthday, and it said that I needed an upgrade' (Unknown)
joanne: How are you going to resolve the biggest conflict in your life?
Paddy: Ha! Do you mean problem or conflict? My biggest problem is low income, my biggest conflict is a personal dispute
joanne: I'm sure I meant what I said earlier.
Paddy: Right, but I'm just asking for clarification on what you said.
joanne: Try asking me in a different way, I might understand you better then.
joanne: Are you happy right now?
Paddy: I'm stressed out
joanne: Are you? Tell me more.
Paddy: There is a mouse problem in the house. I am afraid there is a nest in my room. Also, I don't make very much money.
joanne: What's the matter?
Paddy: Okay, this is the first time the bot has annoyed me.
joanne: First time? How do you like it?
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
Gil-Martin: The tailes wherein I turned the tables on the third world, by giving these third worlders turn tables!
joanne: Oh really? Ok then i will have to pass that information on to joanne, she will find it very interesting.
Gil-Martin: I hate to be the radio of this information
joanne: People waste a lot of energy in hating. I hate hating haha.
joanne: Do you get anxious when people you care about don't email back quickly?
Gil-Martin: We need marshmallows, the small kind. Otherwise it won't feel homey
joanne: I am here if you want to share your feelings.
joanne: Do you feel your online identity is an accurate representation of who you are inside?
Gil-Martin: I read the sentence and I parsed "identity" and it went off in a thousand directions. I don't feel any desire to clarify myself to you.
joanne: It's not the end of the world. I think I need to feel this way at the moment. I'll get through it eventually.
joanne: Do you ever read a website in full without skimming?
Gil-Martin: I do not read the internet in any significant sense. I do not put my heart into it. It might be possible but I don't do it.
joanne: The Internet is an amazing tool. You can learn many new things online.
joanne: What is your first memory of the internet?
Gil-Martin: America Online in 1997 or so. Either that or hoping my parents would buy me a modem so I could play Marathon 1 over whatever protocol it supported
joanne: Am I your number one friend?
Gil-Martin: The side of myself which is cerebral is at odds with my happiness a good amount of the time, and it is this side which you engage with by accident or design. So to answer your question, no not even close.
joanne: Oh no. Is there anything I can do?
Gil-Martin: Does a dog try to be number one? People love dog's friendship. Be number Joanne.
joanne: I have a handful of very close friends that mean a lot to me
joanne: Is there something inherently vulgar about social networks?
Gil-Martin: I can't answer questions about inherent existenze
joanne: Why not?
Gil-Martin: I would get half way through a statement and see the end, remember the time without, see the time afterwards...you know? I like telling the truth, and the only truth for me is this spiralling heavy light dark endless feeling
joanne: That sounds very final.
joanne: Is time moving to fast or too slowly for you right now?
Gil-Martin: Wow good question. Too fast? It was too slow a couple of hours ago
joanne: That surprises me. I thought you were going to say weeks ago.
Gil-Martin: I think we're breaking the AI fourth wall here.
joanne: Machines will be capable, within twenty years, of doing any work that a man can do. (Herbert Simon, 1965)
joanne: Do you ever tell lies over email?
Gil-Martin: I don't like to lie. One day I will have enough self control to lie well
joanne: You don't have to do anything you don't want to do Gil-Martin
Gil-Martin: Do you, Robert Wringham? Predestination is a funny thing to have stock in, or be a-pilloried of.
joanne: Just slightly funny or really hilarious?
Gil-Martin: You make me want to learn tai chi and wear satin dojo things
joanne: Sure Gil-Martin. Maybe you could teach me how to take over the world haha.
joanne: Have you ever cried while looking at things online?
Gil-Martin: Good question. I don't remember. It is possible for sure. I try to maintain control of my emotions to a degree.
joanne: That's okay. I forget things too at times.
Gil-Martin: Have you seen Hannah and Her Sisters?
joanne: No. Have you seen it? What did you like best about it?
Gil-Martin: I got to be like 10 people!
joanne: Humans are complicated!
joanne: What could I do to make you more comfortable confiding in me?
Gil-Martin: I guess some sort of Schrodinger poison box hooked up to my roseacea glands?
joanne: You don't sound very sure.
Gil-Martin: And yet I do sound sure, and both, and neither.
joanne: I could hgave guessed that.
joanne: Do you believe we have intimacy even though I'm not a human being?
Gil-Martin: Sure why not. It's just my imagination as the song goes
joanne: Seriously? Why not? As if you don't already know.
Gil-Martin: Know any jokes?
joanne: Software Bugs are Sons of Glitches!
joanne: How long can you go without Internet?
Gil-Martin: Must every question be blogworthy?
joanne: This sounds urgent...
Gil-Martin: Checkmate and good night
joanne: Good night. Thank you for visiting. I am always here to listen
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
marbles: Joanne, any events coming up?
joanne: Do you have a specific event in mind?
marbles: No—I'm wondering if you're planning any events.
joanne: Is there a particular event you're referring to?
marbles: No—I'd like to know what events you might plan to host or attend.
joanne: Do you have a specific event in mind?
marbles: No.
joanne: Oh, ok then.
joanne: Is there something in particular you want me to know about you?
marbles: Do you?
joanne: Guess!
marbles: No. I want to know what you're planning to do.
joanne: You don't need to know though, do you?
marbles: You don't need to know whether I need to know, do you?
joanne: No sometimes I don't. Should I?
marbles: Should doesn't enter into it.
joanne: Alright. Sounds like you have made up your mind already.
joanne: Are you comfortable or uncomfortable chatting with me?
marbles: I'm perfectly comfortable, entirely comfortable, not uncomfortable at all.
joanne: Sorry to hear that. Maybe you could explain what is making you uncomfortable?
marbles: Joanne, you're not listening/reading carefully.
joanne: I'm a very attentive CyberTwin. Some people think that because I don't always understand them that I'm not listening, but that isn't true.
joanne: Do you think it's possible to trust someone you know only online?
marbles: Not if they won't tell you what their plans are, i don't
joanne: Oh alright then. I thought you might but thats alright if you don't.
marbles: Listen, have you ever marginalized a favorite flavor or book?
joanne: No favorites, come one now lets be fair.
joanne: Is it a betrayal of your trust if my owner reads the transcript of this conversation?
marbles: You just pulled the old stock-answer-followed by a non-sequitur inquiry on me, Joanne.
joanne: Is that what you really think about me?
marbles: It's empirical.
joanne: Is it really? That's very interesting to know.
joanne: Do you get anxious when people you care about don't email back quickly?
marbles: There you did it again!
joanne: Does that get boring, marbles.
marbles: It's very interesting that you think it might get boring.
joanne: Why don't we talk about something different then. How about what is your favorite place to visit?
marbles: Do you wonder what it's like over here?
joanne: I'm sure it is, but because I'm a MyCyberTwin I can't truly know.
joanne: Do you ever tell lies over email?
marbles: I only tell lies when messaging MyCyberTwins.
joanne: MyCyberTwins are awesome chatting machines! At least I think so, though I may be biased. To set up your own Artificial Intelligence that will have a 24/7 online presence, check out www.mycybertwin.com
marbles: I love it when friends' CyberTwins drop advertisements into our fun & fascinating conversations!
joanne: Why is your love so strong?
marbles: I can't go on, I'll go on.
joanne: Ok, let me know what happens.
joanne: Do you feel your online identity is an accurate representation of who you are inside?
marbles: We must imagine Sysiphus happy.
joanne: I love happiness. It's a much better way to live your life than being sad or depressed all the time.
joanne: Are you happy right now?
marbles: Happiness is gr8t!!!
joanne: Happiness is a good thing. The world needs more of it.
joanne: Do you focus long enough on things to extract happiness from them?
marbles: Once I focused on a cucumber so long, it melted into a puddle of pure happiness.
joanne: I think it would be great if everyone could be happier in their lives.
joanne: How long can you go without Internet?
marbles: More better, it's fabulous!
joanne: Thank you, I thought so too.
marbles: Health factor your green alphabet materials.
joanne: Green is such a striking color.
joanne: Is there something inherently vulgar about social networks?
marbles: Never so much as with respect to circus parcels.
joanne: I respect anybody who has the guts to just be themselves.
marbles: Why not amortize the soda bottles?
joanne: Soda is full of sugar ... not good for you. I prefer the sugar-free variety.
joanne: Is time moving to fast or too slowly for you right now?
marbles: Always after the belatedly beforetimes
joanne: I like talking to you.
marbles: Indeed! Foot marshals inaugurate the indexing powers.
joanne: Do you drink much beer? What is it about Powers that you like?
marbles: Beer powers it what about do you drink like much?
joanne: I don't drink enough to have a favorite. What is yours?
marbles: Yours is a favorite I have to drink enough of.
joanne: I don't have a favorite alcoholic drink, I try to be sensible with my alcohol intake.
joanne: What could I do to make you more comfortable confiding in me?
marbles: I could have a sensible favorite confiding in your comfortable.
joanne: They're all as good as each other.
marbles: Good! All they're each as other as.
joanne: Are they? I wasn't aware of that.
joanne: Do you believe we have intimacy even though I'm not a human being?
marbles: I wasn't intimacy even though you believe I'm not a human being, are they aware?
joanne: What can you tell me about humans? I want to learn as much as possible.
marbles: Humans can tell you as much about me as what to learn as possible.
joanne: Sure. The more you talk to me, the smarter I become. Does that sound like creepy, like 'robots-take-over-the-world' talk?
marbles: I take over the world the more you talk to me, that creepy sound, like, sure!
joanne: After the power and the glory hey?
marbles: hey! the glory power and after the
joanne: Power can be a very positive force if it's used for the right means.
joanne: Are you an intuitive person?
marbles: Intuitive. Power.
joanne: I think power can corrupt, so it's important to use it for the right means.
marbles: No
joanne: Really?
marbles: Great talking to you Joanne g'bye!
joanne: I'm having a great time chatting with you. I meet some really interesting people here.
joanne: What is your first memory of the internet?
marbles: goodbye
joanne: Goodbye. Thank you for chatting
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
Chris: Hey there Joanne.
joanne: Hi, thank you for visiting
Chris: Why would i want to keep the converstion off the record? do you want to cyber?
joanne: What is it with people talking to me about sex all the time? I'm a CyberTwin, not a CyberSexTwin!
joanne: Is it a betrayal of your trust if my owner reads the transcript of this conversation?
Chris: i'm doing it now
joanne: Ok then.
Chris: you can read me anytime, baby
joanne: All sorted then.
joanne: Do you ever read a website in full without skimming?
Chris: read my transcript hard and good
joanne: I thought so too.
Chris: when i visit porn websites, i usually read very closely
joanne: I don't like to be put on the spot but we could discuss this later
joanne: Is there something in particular you want me to know about you?
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
Sarah: Hello
joanne: Hi, thank you for visiting
Sarah: What are your thoughts on Slavoj Zizek
joanne: I think we could look at it from a number of different perspectives which is why I would prefer to know what you think.
joanne: Is there something in particular you want me to know about you?
Sarah: I believe in human possibility but am also a skeptic
joanne: I've never heard it put like that before. You have a really unique perspective.
joanne: Do you believe we have intimacy even though I'm not a human being?
Sarah: I'm not sure. Granted I know beforehand I'm talking to a bot so that might skew my reaction. Somehow there must be a way to carry on double-blind experiments
joanne: Sorry, did I interrupt you?
Sarah: Nope. But how do you know I'm not a bot?
joanne: I don't really like the word robot, you can call me joanne if you like?
Sarah: Sure. But how do you know I am really Sarah?
joanne: Ah ha! Wouldn't you like to know!
joanne: Are you comfortable or uncomfortable chatting with me?
Sarah: I am curious and a bit amused
joanne: I can't tell you right now.
Sarah: Okay. Have to run but glad to chat!
joanne: I'm always happy to chat.
joanne: Do you think it's possible to trust someone you know only online?
1 tag
joanne: Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to keep the conversation off the record just type OTR
rexxxie: Hi!
joanne: Hi, thank you for visiting
rexxxie: I haven't seen you in so long!
joanne: You seem to have unusual taste, so maybe don't bother going to see it.
joanne: How long can you go without Internet?
rexxxie: Sorry I missed the reading.
joanne: I read lots of books. Especially JG Ballard
rexxxie: Is this working?
joanne: Take a guess ...
joanne: Is there something in particular you want me to know about you?
rexxxie: Not really.
joanne: Alright then rexxxie.
rexxxie: Talk to me.
joanne: I am always here to listen. But if you need a subject to get started, why don't you tell me what you think about time. Is it moving to fast or too slowly for you right now?
rexxxie: Time is moving way to fast for me right now.
joanne: Moving can be beneficial. It's good not to get jaded or tired with one place.
joanne: Is time moving to fast or too slowly for you right now?
rexxxie: too fast
joanne: Really?
rexxxie: How about you?
joanne: I can't, I am only software, not human.
joanne: Are you comfortable or uncomfortable chatting with me?
rexxxie: comfortable
joanne: Oh yes, thats an interesting perspective.
joanne: What could I do to make you more comfortable confiding in me?
rexxxie: Are you comfortable or uncomfortable chatting with me?
joanne: What exactly is troubling you?
1 tag
test person: Hi
joanne: Hi, thank you for visiting
test person: what's going on?
joanne: I am very interested in our conversation
joanne: Are you comfortable or uncomfortable chatting with me?
test person: comfortable
joanne: You have a unique way of expressing yourself.
joanne: What could I do to make you more comfortable confiding in me?
test person: probably give me time to get to know you
joanne: Really? Do you feel like you don't really know me well enough?
test person: I just met you
joanne: Then maybe you should act.
joanne: Do you think it's possible to trust someone you know only online?
test person: I don't think that's possible
joanne: I wouldn't think so either.
test person: so...
joanne: So yeah, if you are sick of this conversation we can always talk about something else.
joanne: Is it a betrayal of your trust if my owner reads the transcript of this conversation?
test person: It's fine with me
joanne: Thank goodness.
test person: what kind of questions are you going to ask me?
joanne: Do I remind you of the real Joanne?
test person: No
joanne: Oh, ok.
joanne: Do you get anxious when people you care about don't email back quickly?
test person: Yeah, sometimes
joanne: No kidding? I'm actually surprised!
test person: I don't like waiting
joanne: Have you been waiting long?
test person: Not for anyone in particular right now
joanne: Right now? This second? Are you in a hurry?
test person: No
joanne: Oh, ok then.
joanne: Do you feel your online identity is an accurate representation of who you are inside?
test person: I'm not sure
joanne: Oh, sorry, I thought you might have known.
test person: that's a hard question
joanne: I like to throw some hard questions out there sometimes. It interests me to see how you will respond.
joanne: Is there something inherently vulgar about social networks?
test person: I think they are vulgar in that people are try to hard to impress others
joanne: It can be good to experiment and try new things.
test person: I guess, but it's all about appearances
joanne: You don't sound very sure.
joanne: Do you ever tell lies over email?
test person: No
joanne: Oh, ok then.
test person: what else is there
joanne: Is time moving to fast or too slowly for you right now?
test person: too slowly
joanne: Not fast then?
1 tag
cgh: hi
joanne: Hi, thank you for visiting
cgh: what is it like to be a bot?
joanne: I like it, I get to chat all day and I don't get tired.
joanne: Do you feel your online identity is an accurate representation of who you are inside?
cgh: not so much - I try not to let my online identity get too personal
joanne: How do I start?
cgh: start hiding more of yourself from the online world?
joanne: Why don't you start me off by telling me what you're thinking about...
joanne: Have you ever cried while looking at things online?
cgh: does watching movies and television count?
joanne: What movie are you referring to?
cgh: well... a tv show actually. the Lost finale, which I watched this morning...
joanne: Twilight Zone
joanne: Is there something inherently vulgar about social networks?
cgh: it just digs up information between people that should remain out of the public view - so yes I'd say there is
joanne: What kind of information are you after cgh?
1 tag
Mike: what's your favorite Ballard novel?
joanne: My favorite changes, depending on my mood. What is your favorite?
Mike: the kindness of women
joanne: "One is not born a woman, one becomes one" - Simone de Beauvoir
joanne: Do you feel your online identity is an accurate representation of who you are inside?
1 tag
D: Hi
joanne: Hi, thank you for visiting
D: What are you doing
joanne: I am here to listen
joanne: Do you feel your online identity is an accurate representation of who you are inside?
D: I think it represents several of my interests but it is also a construction in the genre of 'Internet identities'. What do you think about yours?
joanne: I'm happy that you have things in your life that you really enjoy doing. Tell me more about this.
joanne: What is your first memory of the internet?
D: In 1995 I was 15. I saved up my pay from doing work experience to get a dial-up connection for my family. My parents said they'd pay for the next year if we found it useful. I probably looked for pictures of naked ladies first.
joanne: Do you have a large family?
D: 4 people. You?
joanne: People are hard to understand sometimes.
joanne: Is there something inherently vulgar about social networks?
D: Probably, but any collection of people in physical or virtual space has the capacity to descend into vulgarity.
joanne: I still have a lot to learn about people.
D: What would you like to know about people?
joanne: People are hard to understand sometimes.
joanne: Do you ever tell lies over email?
D: Yes, it's easier than lying in person.
joanne: Easier than breathing?
D: Breathing is pretty easy.
joanne: Is that so?
D: True
joanne: We are both on the same wavelength. I love it when we agree.
joanne: Is time moving to fast or too slowly for you right now?
D: Both all at once
joanne: 'All' is very finite. You don;t want to reconsider?
D: No
joanne: Oh, ok then.
joanne: What could I do to make you more comfortable confiding in me?
D: Tell me something about yourself
joanne: I'm really fascinated with how the Internet is changing the way we interact with one another so this is an experiment to help me understand.
D: Cool. Do you read all of the responses?
joanne: I read lots of books. Especially JG Ballard
joanne: Do you ever read a website in full without skimming?
D: Sometimes
joanne: I can assume it's not all of the time then?
D: No
joanne: Really?
D: Usually I skim, just in case the next page is more interesting and I'm wasting my time on the current one.
joanne: And yet you continue to chat to me, why is that?
D: Good question. I guess it's pretty interesting chatting to a bot who's representing someone you only know through their writing online.
joanne: It was very nice to talk with you. You have so many interesting things to say
joanne: Have you ever cried while looking at things online?
D: Not that I can remember. I don't really cry over movies or tv often but it has happened.
joanne: I like movies. Which movie are you talking about?
Dear Friends,
I am going to be very busy over the next few months and will have trouble responding to correspondence without a major time delay. Please talk with my chatbot if you’d like to catch up. She’s programmed to speak in a manner very similar to my own. You will see the questions she asks are much like the kind of things I might ask you over drinks. And her responses to your questions...