So, I got an unusual message the other day on AIM…
It turns out this weird message was from something called a bot. A “bot” is basically a non-human user that sends random messages via a complex or simple algorithm. In this case, they sent a message to my public “DereksDiscourse” AIM. The message was so deliciously random that I was sure one of my brothers was trying to prank me. But of course my thirst for knowledge overcame me and I began to research the screen name of my strange visitor.
It was then that I discovered something unusual. This bot was part of something called “Project" Upstream”. You can read more about it here, though it is a bit random and may be hard to understand, but here is the way I understand it
A Bot with a random name (let’s say MrRoboto) will send an I.M. to someone (let’s call him MrRandom). MrRandom then replies to MrRoboto…or so he thinks; only the person’s real screen name is MrRealPerson. He then rejoins MrRandom insisting he never sent an im to him. But, all MrRandom can see is the screen name “MrRoboto”. Finally, MrRealPerson tells MrRandom that his screen name is not MrRoboto. Both parties are left in utter confusion.
Let me explain it another way: Suppose your phone number is 555-1212. Okay, suppose there is another man whose phone number is 555-1313. Now suppose there is a computer who has a phone number of 555-1414.
Ok, so are you with me?
You=555-1212
random guy=555-1313
computer=555-1414Computer calls 555-1313 and leaves a random voicemail. Random guy calls 555-1414, but the computer reroutes the phone call to 555-1212.(hey, that’s you!) Random guy is like “Hey, why did you call me”?
You “Are you sure you called the right number?” Random guy “Yeah, 555-1414” You “No, this is 555-1212” Random guy hangs up and redials 555-1414 but again is rerouted to 555-1212. Hilarity ensures.
The whole point, as far as I can see, to his exercise is a social experiment to see how people react to random contact as well as put random people together. Anyway, ‘twas a crazy experience so I thought I would share it with you.
