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Comic Discussion => QUESTIONABLE CONTENT => Topic started by: BenRG on 15 Nov 2015, 09:16

Title: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: BenRG on 15 Nov 2015, 09:16
I think that something light-hearted is called for in the poll after the weekend that the world has had!

Seriously, though, I'm expecting mostly either Faye-Bubbles or Faye-Bubbles-Momo conversation this week. Maybe Bubbles will tell her story or, and this might be interesting, Corpse Witch tells her story and how she got into this game!

MOMO: "What's this?"

BUBBLES: "It's my Congressional Medal of Honour. I'm the first Synthetic to earn this award."

MOMO: "Wait... then... you're...!" BUBBLES covers MOMO's mouth so that only muffled fangirl squees come out.

BUBBLES: "I was that person... but she vanished a long time ago."

FAYE: "Maybe you need to rediscover her? She sounds like she was a great gal."
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: osaka on 15 Nov 2015, 09:51
May would want pics for option 5 that's for sure. As in how Momo would react to Bubbles, we have seen that. Any amount of exposition about Bubbles' past would probably only increase the "anime factor" (for lack of a better word).
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: cesium133 on 15 Nov 2015, 09:59
I voted for the Jeremy option. And by "arrested" I assume it really means "demolished by Faye."
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: chaospersonified on 15 Nov 2015, 11:24
"Momo is arrested after cooking the bouncer-bot's power cell with her taser when Corpse Witch tries to have her ejected!"

Immediately followed by the storyline where Momo gets recruited by the owners and becomes the uncontested champion of the fight arena, culminating in a knock-down drag-out brawl with Bubbles, who loses, and is repaired by Faye, creating a bonding moment between the two and thereby advancing Faye's arc.

You know, I started this comment to make fun of that ridiculous possibility, but now I really want to change my vote to that.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 15 Nov 2015, 12:59
Remember the risk May would be taking if she visited the skate park. Associating with known criminals is a violation of parole terms.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Nov 2015, 13:51
Hmmmm

I wonder if that body of hers is fitted with a GPS Tracker.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 15 Nov 2015, 14:29
They're cheap even in our world so it would make perfect sense. Which was the strip that listed the features of her chassis?
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: celticgeek on 15 Nov 2015, 14:35
May's Chassis Specifications (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3035)
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Omega Entity on 15 Nov 2015, 16:22
Considering that she's relegated herself to watching poor-quality LiveLeak videos of the fights, I'd say that GPS is extremely likely. Human paroles often have tethers, after all.

Hell, she wouldn't even verbally say anything about -going- to the fights, so it stands to reason that they might even monitor her conversations.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: hedgie on 15 Nov 2015, 16:41
Her movements are quite likely being tracked.  "Them" listening to every word is probably just May's paranoia.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Omega Entity on 15 Nov 2015, 17:33
Also plausible. It's why I said 'might' instead of speaking in definites  :-P
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Nov 2015, 18:49
Quote from: Omega Entity on 15 Nov 2015, 16:22
so it stands to reason that they might even monitor her conversations.
I hope not, if only because that'd mean monitoring everyone she is around.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: mustang6172 on 15 Nov 2015, 20:52
"The Arm-bot is arrested for pinching Faye's behind!"

Faye would disassemble Jeremy in ways Johnny 5 can only imagine!
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Nov 2015, 21:27
Momo uses pupbot eyes. It's super effective!
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 15 Nov 2015, 21:36
Why would "I don't want to talk about it" feel so different from "I have no obligation to explain or justify myself"?
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Undrneath on 15 Nov 2015, 21:42
Dang, Bubbles has some junk in the trunk.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: jwhouk on 15 Nov 2015, 21:59
Bubbles is also pretty much the tallest character in the strip (except for maybe Deathbot 2000).
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Morituri on 15 Nov 2015, 22:11
Quote from: Is it cold in here? on 15 Nov 2015, 21:36
Why would "I don't want to talk about it" feel so different from "I have no obligation to explain or justify myself"?

"I don't want to talk about it" is straight-up deflection. It's something you could say to a friend honestly, and doesn't have implications other than what it says openly.

"I have no obligation to explain or justify myself" is prickly and makes no sense unless Bubbles assumes that Momo is there to emotionally or morally beat up on her.  Bubbles is saying pretty forcefully here that if Momo tries any moral-superiority bullshit or offers "help" that is contingent on agreeing that Bubbles' past choices were morally wrong, Bubbles will refuse to accept her as any kind of moral authority entitled to do so and is likely to be angry at her.   If Bubbles didn't keep such a tight lid on herself, it could even be interpreted as a direct warning that Bubbles would feel justified in a violent response to any such misbehavior.

Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Nov 2015, 22:27
Quote from: jwhouk on 15 Nov 2015, 21:59
Bubbles is also pretty much the tallest character in the strip (except for maybe Deathbot 2000).
She doesn't look like Gwendoline Christie, but Bubbles can still be Mecha Brienne of Tarth.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: BenRG on 15 Nov 2015, 23:38
I've noticed that QC-verse AIs never use one word when they can use several with many more syllables. For example, Bubbles' line in the last panel could be written: "No! Not the puppy-dog eyes!!!" :laugh:

That said, I'm getting a Vietnam Vet vibe from what Bubbles is saying. When she was demobilised, did she face ostracism? Did she have AIs messaging her with abusive texts, calling her a 'savage', 'betrayer' and even 'baby-killer'? It might explain her reluctance to confront her demons if all previous offers of help were contingent on repentance, public renunciation and (given she's an AI) maybe a personality rewrite.

Momo is nice but, in that, she may be a minority. Someone like Bubbles may have attracted a far more militant form of activism.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 15 Nov 2015, 23:58
Going by what Momo and Bubbles have said about it, it sounds like Momo's attitude of "How can you be a soldier? You're setting back human-AI relations!" is something that Bubbles has dealt with a lot from other AIs. To the point where she's sick of it and just assumes anyone who brings up the subject just wants to berate her for the decision to enlist. It certainly does seem that's the case now, rather than a pre-AI Rights Bubbles being assigned to a combat unit.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 16 Nov 2015, 00:34
Momo's views seem to be evolving. She's being much more open-minded than she would have been in the days when she was chomping at the bit to throw May under the bus and kick the wreckage to the curb. I think she honestly is seeking to understand Bubbles.

Knowing May has been good for her.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: BenRG on 16 Nov 2015, 02:26
Quote from: Is it cold in here? on 16 Nov 2015, 00:34
Momo's views seem to be evolving. She's being much more open-minded than she would have been in the days when she was chomping at the bit to throw May under the bus and kick the wreckage to the curb. I think she honestly is seeking to understand Bubbles.

It probably helps that Bubbles is a very different personality. She's quiet, dignified and reserved and bears her pain with a certain pride and maturity that Momo could easily define as 'noble'. On the other hand, May is brash, loud and tends to cover her own traumas and sense of bitterness with outrageous behaviour. It's easier to be unsympathetic to someone who cultivates the appearance of an antisocial hooligan.

Although, one wonders if, at some level, Bubbles' reserve and May's abusive behaviour both have the same basic goal: to stop themselves from getting hurt by allowing anyone inside their emotional defences.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: swapna on 16 Nov 2015, 05:41
Really, Momo? Bothering somebody at their place of work? What the hell.
And you want a cookie for saying you're not there to judge?

I mean, yes, that kind of behaviour was there before, but for somebody working for AI rights she treats AI a lot worse than humans. She wouldn't threaten a human with death, and she wouldn't bother a human at work with very personal (and judgemental) questions.
(And yes, asking why somebody went to the military is a personal, private, if-that-person-wants-to-share conversation. Not a public, I-deserve-answers-so-I'm-gonna-bother-you-at-your-job conversation)
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Case on 16 Nov 2015, 07:14
Quote from: Is it cold in here? on 16 Nov 2015, 00:34
Momo's views seem to be evolving. She's being much more open-minded than she would have been in the days when she was chomping at the bit to throw May under the bus and kick the wreckage to the curb. I think she honestly is seeking to understand Bubbles.

Knowing May has been good for her.

All that, plus she seems to have great confidence in the effectiveness of Force Cuteness ("Oh Noes, she's using The Face!")

Re: Showing up at Bubbles workplace - I agree that's a big "The good reasons to pull something like that are virtually always a lot less good than you're likely to believe they are. No, a lot less still ...".
However, mitigating circumstance might apply when the neccesity to reach the people in question seems to be great enough and if the people in question don't havea place besides their workplace (cf. 3070 (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3070) - it actually looks to me like she's staying at the Skating park). AND (humongous 'AND') if you take great care not to let it turn into a "You owe me answers, because [REASONS]" - type of 'intervention' (And what could possibly go wrong with that one?)

And recall that it was May who set her up to it (Friday's comic) - maybe expecting that Momo might get an upgrade to her cheerfull, good-hearted meddlesomeness? Are we in for an arc on AI-intersectionality? #SolidarityIsNotForCombatAis?
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: anahata on 16 Nov 2015, 07:45
I don't think Momo is quite as aggressive as some people are implying.
She is used to being very assertive with Marigold, but that's because she was confident with her social protocol database while Marigold hadn't a clue about such thing and really needed to be told what (or what not) to do. With May and Bubbles, Momo is ready to back off when challenged and wants to learn.

And she's only ever used her defence hardware when she was really being attacked or creeped out by Clinton.

Quote from: swapna on 16 Nov 2015, 05:41
for somebody working for AI rights she treats AI a lot worse than humans. She wouldn't threaten a human with death, and she wouldn't bother a human at work with very personal (and judgemental) questions.
When did she ever threaten anyone (AI or otherwise) with death?
And Bubbles is on the defensive, but all Momo has said to Bubbles is that she "wants to understand".
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: osaka on 16 Nov 2015, 07:53
I distinctly remember Momo saying something about knowing the presence of May and making sure her drive would be relocated to an incinerator if she tried anything funky, back when May was a projection on Dale's Glasses.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Zebediah on 16 Nov 2015, 08:22
Yes, Momo did threaten May with destruction. Whether she had the means to carry out that threat is open to question.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 16 Nov 2015, 08:29
Is that really that important a distinction. If the first time you ever meet someone they threaten to put a bullet in your head if you step out of line, do you first check and see if they own a gun before reacting? And does it make it any better if it was just an idle threat without the means to back it up?
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 16 Nov 2015, 10:15
It's also worth remembering that before ever encountering May's brashness Momo was openly contemptuous.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Nov 2015, 11:20
I sense a Flashback coming up

And Momo is kinda hard to resist in 'Puppydog Mode'
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Tova on 16 Nov 2015, 13:25
Is showing up at someone's workplace considered rude in the U.S.? Serious question.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 16 Nov 2015, 13:34
Someone you only just met the night before, and you show up unexpectedly to ask them probing questions about the past you are trying not to think of? Yes, very rude.

Even in general purposes, work is a place of business. Someone bothering you at work for something that's not related to your work is looked down on, yes. And possibly could get you in trouble with your employer.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Tova on 16 Nov 2015, 13:57
I get your general point, but I think that "probing" is about as inaccurate a description of the way she's asking the questions as you can possibly get.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: swapna on 16 Nov 2015, 14:33
Quote from: Tova on 16 Nov 2015, 13:25
Is showing up at someone's workplace considered rude in the U.S.? Serious question.
I'm not from the US, but I would feel it very out of line for somebody that I just met to show up at my place of work just to ask me personal questions. It would be OK if it's something important happened (for example, a mutual friend got hurt and they didn't know how to contact me) but if it's just to ask me a controversial question... My workplace is business, and I keep my personal life out of it as far as possible. It's not only rude to intrude, it's also one of the places  where I can't just leave if the person is bothering me and where I look very unprofessional if I chat with non-colleagues.

Would it be not rude where you live?
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 16 Nov 2015, 14:35
She still showed up at a near-stranger's work place to ask questions about her past. After they exchanged what, less than six words the night before? If someone I met at a party briefly showed up and wanted to know about my past, especially one that I've been grilled about by strangers on a regular basis I would be less than inclined to be charitable. And less kind in my response than Bubbles, puppy-bot eyes be damned.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Tova on 16 Nov 2015, 14:52
Quote from: swapna on 16 Nov 2015, 14:33
Would it be not rude where you live?

I wouldn't consider it rude personally, but maybe I am a bit odd? (:
I would suggest to them that we meet somewhere else for lunch to discuss whatever they wanted to ask about, though.

In Momo's case, it's not like she had the choice of meeting Bubbles anywhere else. Having said that, I agree there's a case that it was impolite to broach the topic at all. Though in Momo's defense, I'm not sure she realises just how sensitive a topic this is for Bubbles.

In any case, I admire Bubbles for her forbearance.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 16 Nov 2015, 15:31
Quote from: Neko_Ali on 16 Nov 2015, 14:35
She still showed up at a near-stranger's work place to ask questions about her past. After they exchanged what, less than six words the night before? If someone I met at a party briefly showed up and wanted to know about my past, especially one that I've been grilled about by strangers on a regular basis I would be less than inclined to be charitable. And less kind in my response than Bubbles, puppy-bot eyes be damned.

Thus raising the question of why her social protocol database didn't stop Momo from doing it.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 16 Nov 2015, 16:08
Probably the same reason people ask probing and personal questions to LGBT people. Curiosity overwhelms common sense and decency that tells us 'Hey, maybe I shouldn't ask this near-stranger questions about their private life.'
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: hedgie on 16 Nov 2015, 16:39
Good point.  AIs are not automata, and may be emotionally be impelled to break their better judgement, whether that be logically thinking of a problem, or performing an SQL query.  (edit, removing content for a comic that hasn't gone live yet).  I concur with those who know the power of that sad puppy look.  Maybe the "more powerful AIs" who have confronted Bubbles in the past did not have the adorable power.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: improvnerd on 16 Nov 2015, 16:53
Quote from: Tova on 16 Nov 2015, 13:25
Is showing up at someone's workplace considered rude in the U.S.? Serious question.

It's possibly cool (depending on the friend and the workplace) to pop in and say hi to a friend if you're in the neighborhood.

But to show up at the workplace of somebody you met briefly the night before to interrogate them is definitely not.

In general using a workplace to force a meeting with somebody is super rude. See, for example the Brothers McElroy segment on "Lady Zoos".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sYzLJ2jcL8
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Tova on 16 Nov 2015, 17:08
Thanks for all the considered answers, everyone.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Penquin47 on 16 Nov 2015, 17:18
Why are we comparing Momo's reaction to May to Momo's reaction to Bubbles?

When Momo met May, she treated the known criminal with hostility and contempt.
When Momo found out Bubbles was in the military, she was upset about the generalities of AI in the military.

VERY different scenarios there!  She doesn't approve of being in the military OR being a criminal, but it's not like she's treating Bubbles with contempt for having a different opinion about that.  And aside from asking "why did you do that", she's never made it about "Bubbles is a bad AI for joining the military".  I think it's not entirely unfair to say that "May is a bad AI for committing crimes bad enough to have her in robot jail".  Now that she knows May better and is seeing the effort May is making to turn herself around, she's behaving better.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Tova on 16 Nov 2015, 17:27
Quote from: Penquin47 on 16 Nov 2015, 17:18
Why are we comparing Momo's reaction to May to Momo's reaction to Bubbles?

My impression was that was not so much a comparison, more of an enumeration of Momo's faults. A judgement, one might say.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: TheEvilDog on 16 Nov 2015, 17:43
You know, I get the feeling that it's going to be Momo coming out of this the worse for wear emotionally.
For what we've seen of Bubbles, she's got very much a (I believe) Spock like manner of speaking, there's no emotion, no contractions, very formal way of speaking. She's shut down emotionally and locking down. Just talking to Momo now won't break her, but I bet it's going to hurt Momo in the end.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Tova on 16 Nov 2015, 17:52
Yeah, I think you're right. A double whammy of an emotional story and a challenge to her beliefs.
Title: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: jwhouk on 16 Nov 2015, 18:34
Yeah, it's PTSS.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 16 Nov 2015, 19:50
Quote from: Penquin47 on 16 Nov 2015, 17:18
Why are we comparing Momo's reaction to May to Momo's reaction to Bubbles?

Because it's such an informative case of "compare and contrast", and because Momo seems to be coming from the same place in both cases. She was afraid that May would reinforce or create a hateful stereotype and would thus undermine human support for AI civil rights. She was, maybe still is, afraid that Bubbles going to war reinforced a stereotype of dangerous robots and would thus undermine human support for AI civil rights.

She's listening with an open mind, I believe.

-----------------

Bubbles's eyes in panel 3. How on earth does Jeph make things so expressive.

----------------

Bubbles is making it sound like she had that chassis before enlisting. Seems unlikely, but if so, where did it come from?
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Tova on 16 Nov 2015, 19:58
Quote from: Is it cold in here? on 16 Nov 2015, 19:50
Bubbles is making it sound like she had that chassis before enlisting. Seems unlikely, but if so, where did it come from?

When she says, "With this body, I am superhuman," she may have meant "with this body that I received upon enlisting," in contrast to the artificial intelligence she already had.

"A state of the art weapon that can think, reason, and empathize." Echos of Ender's Game right there...
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Morituri on 16 Nov 2015, 20:18
I suspect that something is likely to happen where Momo experiences an impulse to give Bubbles a hug.

If fate is kind to them both she will be conscious enough to ask permission first.

Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: electromgneticDstroyosaur on 16 Nov 2015, 20:39
Quote from: Method of Madness on 15 Nov 2015, 18:49
Quote from: Omega Entity on 15 Nov 2015, 16:22
so it stands to reason that they might even monitor her conversations.
I hope not, if only because that'd mean monitoring everyone she is around.

Well yeah.  How did you think Jeph was getting all this info?
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Method of Madness on 16 Nov 2015, 20:46
I told him.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Perfectly Reasonable on 16 Nov 2015, 21:28
So if Bubbles is 'a little bit Sakaki from Azumanga Daioh', I suppose that makes Momo a little bit Chiyo-chan?
(Makes Spot Obvious check, rerolls)

Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: ZoeB on 16 Nov 2015, 21:38
Quote from: Morituri on 16 Nov 2015, 20:18
I suspect that something is likely to happen where Momo experiences an impulse to give Bubbles a hug.

If fate is kind to them both she will be conscious enough to ask permission first.

Not an impulse - a conscious decision. And after asking permission.

"We must not let their fear stop us from doing good." We bear the responsibility of doing our best to see that it is good though. Not that that's any guarantee that we're right. The responsibility is all the greater when it comes to military action.

I think many of us in this forum would give Bubbles a hug if we could right now. Also provide an absorbent shoulder and a sympathetic ear.

I would also like to give some "superior AIs" a piece of my mind, or at least, some well-meant advice from another entity that can think, reason, and empathise. Momo's doing pretty well so far though, maybe they should listen to her.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: BenRG on 16 Nov 2015, 23:27
"Some people will always fear us. We must not allow that fear to stop us doing good." Those are profound and wonderful words. They are also very, very wise words from which Momo can learn much. There is really no point waiting for the haters to shut up because they won't. There will always be those too fearful and too determined to cling to their illusions that constrain the universe around them to accept things that lie outside their fixed view of reality. You'll never have their approval, so why make yourself miserable seeking it?

I think that, tomorrow, we're going to learn just went so very terribly wrong in Bubbles' past. I think that she's suffering untreated battlefield trauma (the loss of friends and the strains of combat). However, I bet that, from an objective viewpoint, she's a heroine who saved many lives. Ironically, it is the forcible annulment by legal fiat of the AIs' military service that has stopped Bubbles receiving assistance from the VA as well as public recognition of her valour.

It might be interesting if Momo finds herself wondering whether the well-intentioned prohibition of AIs in the military that her own particular group favoured and may have even campaigned to get in place has caused more harm than good.


[edit]
Sorry, failed to finish the post first time; not enough sleep, I guess!
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 17 Nov 2015, 00:13
They are words which bear on Momo's public mission.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: osaka on 17 Nov 2015, 07:01
Momo pointing out how Bubbles keeps using the past tense made me think of Athena, from Borderlands. I doubt it's the same exact scenario (Athena was duped into killing her long lost sister), but I'm pretty sure the army made Bubbles do something that she regrets without full knowledge on what was up.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: TheEvilDog on 17 Nov 2015, 07:14
I think it's been hinted that Bubbles lost most if not all of her unit. Human or AI, serving with people in combat and then to be the last one standing would cause anyone to shut down.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: BenRG on 17 Nov 2015, 07:22
In all probability, Bubbles learned the eternal truth that the soldier is one of a pride of lions led by a self-perpetuating clique of donkeys in the Executive Branch. All the politicians want is to appear 'strong' and 'decisive' and don't really care how many die so long as the flag-draped coffins are kept off of the evening news. The generals are more worried about pleasing the politicians and retiring with handsome pensions intact and directorships in defence technology corporations and lobbying firms already in hand. In such an environment, what price the life (or, in this case, mental health) of an ordinary private soldier, no matter how honourable and valorous?

Bubbles probably saw horrors (hell, probably committed horrors in the heat of battle) that scarred her to the core of her soul and has been left, post-demob, to sink or swim on her own. She's already made it pretty clear that her 'peers' in the AI community seem to have preconditions for offering help which she is unwilling or unable to give. So, she's been left to fester in traumatic guilt and question her every decision as if what happened was somehow exclusively her fault on some level.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Zebediah on 17 Nov 2015, 09:30
I think it's entirely possible that Bubbles might benefit more from a veterans support group that caters primarily to human vets than she would from a general AI support group. Especially if some of those human vets had fought alongside AIs and accepted them as fellow soldiers.

I've never been to war (for which I am thankful) but those who have been seem to be the only ones capable of understanding what it's like. Bubbles  needs help from people who understand.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Nov 2015, 13:40
I think the bad part is gonna be bad and horrible.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: J on 17 Nov 2015, 14:51
Quote from: Is it cold in here? on 16 Nov 2015, 19:50
Quote from: Penquin47 on 16 Nov 2015, 17:18
Why are we comparing Momo's reaction to May to Momo's reaction to Bubbles?

Because it's such an informative case of "compare and contrast", and because Momo seems to be coming from the same place in both cases. She was afraid that May would reinforce or create a hateful stereotype and would thus undermine human support for AI civil rights. She was, maybe still is, afraid that Bubbles going to war reinforced a stereotype of dangerous robots and would thus undermine human support for AI civil rights.

She's listening with an open mind, I believe.

she is, sort of. but here's the thing (at least as i subjectively see it): momo's acting like she's never had anyone disagree with her before. like she's always assumed that her viewpoint was not merely correct, but the default, which only deviants like may could possibly disagree with.

may fits into momo's existing ideological framework; initially she went into the box marked 'criminal', but now she's been moved into the box marked 'misguided'. in both cases, the ideology informs momo's behavior; first with hostility & distrust, then as a guide & good-example.

bubbles however, does not fit comfortably into that framework; she did something The Ideology says is bad, but does not appear to be a deviant like may. ERROR: momo are confused, ideology is fail her; not know how behave, need relieve cognitive dissonance (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonance). either need find ideological pigeon-hole for putting bubbles-bot into, or need alter ideology for including of new kinds of thinkings.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: ZoeB on 17 Nov 2015, 15:51
+1 Insightful
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Tova on 17 Nov 2015, 18:11
Quote from: J on 17 Nov 2015, 14:51
she is, sort of. but here's the thing (at least as i subjectively see it): momo's acting like she's never had anyone disagree with her before. like she's always assumed that her viewpoint was not merely correct, but the default, which only deviants like may could possibly disagree with.

may fits into momo's existing ideological framework; initially she went into the box marked 'criminal', but now she's been moved into the box marked 'misguided'. in both cases, the ideology informs momo's behavior; first with hostility & distrust, then as a guide & good-example.

bubbles however, does not fit comfortably into that framework; she did something The Ideology says is bad, but does not appear to be a deviant like may. ERROR: momo are confused, ideology is fail her; not know how behave, need relieve cognitive dissonance (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonance). either need find ideological pigeon-hole for putting bubbles-bot into, or need alter ideology for including of new kinds of thinkings.

I agree with much of what is said here. There's no doubt that Momo's (arguably naive) ideas are being challenged, of course. But I think that the overall impression of what you've posted paints a picture of Momo being more closed-minded than she really is.

Quote
may fits into momo's existing ideological framework; initially she went into the box marked 'criminal', but now she's been moved into the box marked 'misguided'.

(my emphasis) Really? Momo's reluctant admission, "I ... I suppose you are right," in comic 3089 suggests to me that Momo accepted May's point of view, rather than, as you are suggesting here, writing her off as 'misguided'.

http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3089

Quote
ERROR: momo are confused, ideology is fail her; not know how behave, need relieve cognitive dissonance (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonance). either need find ideological pigeon-hole for putting bubbles-bot into, or need alter ideology for including of new kinds of thinkings.

It would be better if we could discuss characters' flaws without resorting to caricature, don't you think?
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Lioness on 17 Nov 2015, 19:10
Count me as someone who was "... :/" at Momo actually showing up to Bubbles's place of employment to ask these kinds of sensitive questions. It seems intrusive to me.

Still, this will probably end up changing Momo's perspective and expanding her mind.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: WareWolf on 17 Nov 2015, 20:11
Quote from: Lioness on 17 Nov 2015, 19:10
oyment to ask these kinds of sensitive questions. It seems intrusive to me.

Still, this will probably end up changing Momo's perspective and expanding her mind.

Momo is good at heart, but naive. I fear that Bubbles' story is going to cause her pain. Necessary pain, but pain nonetheless.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 17 Nov 2015, 21:11
The carbon-based people in the strip disregard healthy social and interpersonal boundaries all the time. It makes sense that the robots will also.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: BenRG on 17 Nov 2015, 23:41
New strip up!

Hmmm... No revelation about Bubbles' past but it's pretty clear that Momo has learned a lesson about respecting others' beliefs. I don't think that this scene is over yet; Bubbles is just understandably unwilling to open up with a relative stranger. With Faye, on the other hand...? Well, we'll see.

In contrast to Momo, Faye appears to have learned nothing about taunting the nice combat robot. :wink: However, if she ever stopped, I think that Bubbles would worry that she might be ill!
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 17 Nov 2015, 23:49
I wonder if there was exposition we missed or whether Miss Bubbles clammed up as soon as Momo gave her an opening to reminisce.

That was very much an adult conversation they had!
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Tova on 18 Nov 2015, 00:07
Quote from: Is it cold in here? on 17 Nov 2015, 23:49
I wonder if there was exposition we missed or whether Miss Bubbles clammed up as soon as Momo gave her an opening to reminisce.

That was very much an adult conversation they had!

I was wondering that exact thing. And yes, it was certainly civilised.

I'm now wondering about people's opinions on the central topic of the conversation: should AIs get involved in human conflicts?
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: ZoeB on 18 Nov 2015, 00:11
Quote from: Tova on 18 Nov 2015, 00:07
I'm now wondering about people's opinions on the central topic of the conversation: should AIs get involved in human conflicts?
Only to the extent that humans should. Same with AI conflicts. Humans should only be involved to the same degree as AIs should.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Akima on 18 Nov 2015, 00:17
Yes. It is always difficult to wrap ones head around life-paths very different from, and sometimes even antithetical to, that one has chosen oneself. It is vitally important to grasp that there are many entirely legitimate and honourable viewpoints that one does not share. There have been, and are now, people on this forum who have reminded me of that.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: HannahRose on 18 Nov 2015, 00:19
Quote from: Tova on 18 Nov 2015, 00:07
I'm now wondering about people's opinions on the central topic of the conversation: should AIs get involved in human conflicts?

Given humanity's history of pointing fingers because we don't want to accept the blame for our own actions, I'd say that for their (AI) own sake, no, they should not get involved.

Granted, maybe wars in the QC universe work a bit differently than in ours, and people don't automatically look for the most convenient scapegoat when things go the slightest bit wrong, but based on Momo's apprehension about the subject, I very much doubt that that's the case.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Mr. Doctor on 18 Nov 2015, 00:34
Quote from: Is it cold in here? on 17 Nov 2015, 23:49
I wonder if there was exposition we missed or whether Miss Bubbles clammed up as soon as Momo gave her an opening to reminisce.

Same here.... I even went back and forth just to see if I missed a comic. Feels weird because like you said: I have no idea if a tale of the past was given of if she just straight went for the "year we are done now". I'm not particuarly sad about it though. Just a bit disappointed as I was very curious.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: BenRG on 18 Nov 2015, 01:32
Quote from: Tova on 18 Nov 2015, 00:07
I'm now wondering about people's opinions on the central topic of the conversation: should AIs get involved in human conflicts?

Ultimately, it is the definition of a free, sentient being that they can make these choices for themselves. In many ways, to the extent that you can argue that a standing army is a necessary thing at all, a Synthetic has as much right to choose a military career as a biological.

The minute that you start laying prohibitions that people of certain races or species are not allowed to do something if they want to for no other reason than that they are of that race or species, then you're staggering along the lip of the slippery slope that gave us apartheid and segregation.

What worries me about this arc is that there is apparently a subgroup of the AI civil rights movement (of which Momo is either a member or at least to whom she is sympathetic) that seems to think it has the right to define morality and ethical behaviour solely for AIs apparently with the objective of making them 'acceptable' to humans. This goes a lot further than using pressure to encourage law-abiding lifestyles (which is always a good idea), it is also imposing restrictions on life choices to make AIs seem 'less threatening'. Furthermore, from what Bubbles said, many of the more powerful AIs (we're talking about the huge god-machines that Momo talked about to some of the guys at the library, whose minds are so vast as to be incomprehensible to a human-level intelligence) are advocates of this position. That could potentially raise large issues if they are ever tempted to use their enormous power to enforce their ideology on their smaller and weaker brethren.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: themacnut on 18 Nov 2015, 03:53
Quote from: BenRG on 17 Nov 2015, 23:41
In contrast to Momo, Faye appears to have learned nothing about taunting the nice combat robot. :wink:

Of course not, Faye does the intimidating, she does not get intimidated! Plus she doesn't believe that Bubbles would really hurt her, and considering the provocation she's subjected Bubbles to while managing to keep her head attached to her shoulders, Faye's probably right.

Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Kiloku on 18 Nov 2015, 06:12
QC is timing out for me and Jeph didn't post the comic to his tumblr. Does anyone have a mirror?

nevermind, it started working again
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: oeoek on 18 Nov 2015, 07:59
By the looks of Bubbles and Momo parting, I would say Bubbles is in fact warming towards someone for the first time since we met her.
It just might be that Faye's plan of inviting Bubbles to bring her out into the world is working out after all...
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Nov 2015, 12:16
I have a feeling that Momo is going to see more of Bubbles.  I think Bubbles has finally met someone she can possibly open up to.


Meantime, she is going to have to restrain herself from murdering Faye.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 18 Nov 2015, 12:49
I wonder if there's a school of thought in AI civil rights theory that they are a morally purer race and should not "lower themselves" to carbon-based-identified activities.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Akima on 18 Nov 2015, 13:06
If there were, it would be following a depressingly familiar path. Should we call it "Android Exceptionalism"?

Quote from: BenRG on 18 Nov 2015, 01:32
The minute that you start laying prohibitions that people of certain races or species are not allowed to do something if they want to for no other reason than that they are of that race or species, then you're staggering along the lip of the slippery slope that gave us apartheid and segregation.
I couldn't have put it better myself. I nearly did last night, but held back from going all Akima in this thread. :-P
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 Nov 2015, 14:04
Please never hold back again.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: osaka on 18 Nov 2015, 14:21
 We like you just the way you are Akima. :wow::wow:
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 18 Nov 2015, 15:19
Yet I see an ethical conflict.

A marginalized population in need of civil rights has to fight for them, fighting is most effective with unity and discipline, and whoops, suddenly a movement for freedom has people disciplining each other. E.g. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NAACP_v._Claiborne_Hardware_Co.

There may be a DISCUSS thread possible on the subject.

Meanwhile since this is the comic thread I will point out how comical it would be for Momo to try to coerce Bubbles.

(Why wasn't it "Ms. Bubbles", by the way?)
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Tova on 18 Nov 2015, 15:35
There's another important point that we've missed.

Don't wrench your back.

If you did, that would certainly throw a spanner in the works.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Morituri on 18 Nov 2015, 17:58
I think Momo's handling the thing reasonably well.  She has a lot of idealism, and it's naive idealism, but she also has a lot of respect for other people's viewpoints and dignity.  And she has a lot of empathy.

And, just maybe, also a twinge of racism. 

In saying "we shouldn't involve ourselves in human military conflicts," she's dividing the world into AI and Human. 

Bubbles, formerly, divided it by nationality, much the way most humans who are in her own words "called to serve" do.  So Bubbles was thinking of herself as a citizen in the context of a nation and national service, and Momo is apparently thinking of herself (and other AI) as a member of a class apart from human, subject to different moral rules and constraints. 

This POV, while racist, isn't necessarily wrong - AI *are* different from human, in some fairly important and subtle ways, and the idea that they may be able to help people cooperate better than the history of the planet so far indicates humans by themselves do, at least doesn't start with direct contradictory evidence on the table the way it tends to start for all the many groups of humans who've started out by thinking that they are superior.

But it's probably unwarranted optimism, at least W/R/T most of the AI we've actually seen; they're people, and with rare exceptions such as Station and possibly Gary, seem to be much like ourselves; we haven't seen very many superintelligences.  And if Gary's helping at all, then he/she/it is doing it in complete silence by manipulating events and memetics from behind the scenes, without directly communicating with the humans.  Which is also racist (or perhaps solipsist; it's not clear that Gary directly communicates even with other AI) and smacks more of keeping us as pets than working with us. 

Possibly-unwarranted optimism aside, there's no real evidence on the table yet that even such superintelligences have any kind of moral advantage, nor that, even if they do, they're capable of helping us humans leave some of our conflicts and problems where they belong in history's dustbin.

And yet, no evidence of the lack of such a moral advantage or capability either.  Has humanity in the QC-verse created something truly  better than itself? 
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Perfectly Reasonable on 18 Nov 2015, 18:50
Bubbles owes her existence to this civilization, this country. So it's reasonable she feels called to defend it, especially given her special abilities. That's more responsible than some fleshlings.

And this is the second time she's mentioned "AIs far more powerful than I". Gotta wonder...
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Morituri on 18 Nov 2015, 19:29
Quote from: Perfectly Reasonable on 18 Nov 2015, 18:50
And this is the second time she's mentioned "AIs far more powerful than I". Gotta wonder...

Suppose Gary's been talking to her?

Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: JJCalem on 18 Nov 2015, 20:25
Quote from: Tova on 18 Nov 2015, 15:35
There's another important point that we've missed.

Don't wrench your back.

If you did, that would certainly throw a spanner in the works.
I was getting disappointed that no one was mentioning that poster.  I want it  :-P
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 18 Nov 2015, 21:28
Wisdom from the Pugnacious Peach.

"It's OK to accept it when it comes".
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: mustang6172 on 18 Nov 2015, 21:43
Quote from: Bubbles
I do not have a heart.  I have a coolant pump.

Put that on a t-shirt!
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Truec on 18 Nov 2015, 21:54
Meh, heart, coolant pump, practically the same thing.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Tova on 18 Nov 2015, 21:55
Today's comic really tickled my (not artificial) funny bone. Faye really is chipping away at Bubbles' emotional armour. For some reason, I am finding it hilarious and heartwarming at the same time.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: ZoeB on 18 Nov 2015, 22:14
Quote from: Is it cold in here? on 18 Nov 2015, 21:28
Wisdom from the Pugnacious Peach.

"It's OK to accept it when it comes".

And for those more used to coping with the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune... not an easy task.
But Bubbles seems to be showing the first signs of being able to accomplish it.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 18 Nov 2015, 22:36
Faye's speech patterns in this strip are what she uses when she's completely comfortable around someone. Noteworthy.

Dear FSM I hope that's the reason and that she's sober.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: hedgie on 18 Nov 2015, 22:40
Given the time frame, if Faye *was* experiencing more mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms, she might have a prescription for a couple weeks of Lorazepam or Diazepam, both of which *do* lower social inhibitions.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: BenRG on 18 Nov 2015, 23:25
Key learning: Faye is a Dr Seuss fan!

This strip does a good job of summarising how bitter Bubbles is right now. Who can blame her? It's pretty clear that she has been the subject of much condescending sympathy and conditional offers of help from beings intelligent enough to know better. Hopefully, she'll start to realise that not every extended hand of help necessarily comes with an agenda attached.

I'm sure that she was an important person once. This sort of focused effort on getting some kind of renunciation from her suggests that she would have a great deal of value as a symbol to certain factions.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 19 Nov 2015, 00:45
That would totally fit, if she'd been used as a political football it would explain her eagerness to withdraw into obscurity.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: theMarc on 19 Nov 2015, 12:42
Hmm... I think that a robot's battery or other power source would be a more accurate equivalent to a human heart.
[/nitpicking]
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Undrneath on 19 Nov 2015, 12:53
Quote from: theMarc on 19 Nov 2015, 12:42
Hmm... I think that a robot's battery or other power source would be a more accurate equivalent to a human heart.
[/nitpicking]

I would compare the battery to the stomach i.e. fuel converted into energy for the body.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Nov 2015, 13:12
Yup, they've adopted another one
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: TheEvilDog on 19 Nov 2015, 13:51
Quote from: Kugai on 19 Nov 2015, 13:12
Yup, they've adopted another one

Soon, Bubbles shall be hanging out at Coffee of Doom, awkwardly trying to make humour with the humans. Just like the human cast! :clairedoge:
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 19 Nov 2015, 16:13
Wait until she meets Clinton...
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Tova on 19 Nov 2015, 16:18
Quote from: Undrneath on 19 Nov 2015, 12:53
Quote from: theMarc on 19 Nov 2015, 12:42
Hmm... I think that a robot's battery or other power source would be a more accurate equivalent to a human heart.
[/nitpicking]

I would compare the battery to the stomach i.e. fuel converted into energy for the body.

If we're casting about for a human equivalent to a battery, whose purpose is to store energy, adipose tissue (body fat) and glycogen (held by muscle cells mainly) would be the closest equivalents.

The heart's purpose is to pump another substance around the body (i.e. blood) in order to allow that substance to perform its function. So really, a coolant pump is the closest analogue. Different things being pumped around, but the same purpose otherwise.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: osaka on 19 Nov 2015, 16:54
Quote from: Neko_Ali on 19 Nov 2015, 16:13
Wait until she meets Clinton...

*BUBBLES gives CLINTON a suckerpunch, CLINTON is seen sitting on a tree*
MOMO: "You know, Ms. Bubbles, that was basically my reaction too."
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: jwhouk on 19 Nov 2015, 18:08
Quote from: Neko_Ali on 19 Nov 2015, 16:13
Wait until she meets Clinton...

Oh dear GOD no.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: hedgie on 19 Nov 2015, 18:24
My thoughts exactly.  He'd probably end up needing a closed-casket funeral.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: jwhouk on 19 Nov 2015, 18:58
Quote from: hedgie on 19 Nov 2015, 18:24
My thoughts exactly.  He'd probably end up needing a closed-caskets funeral.

FTFY.

They'd find him in various parts all over Northampton.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Pintman on 19 Nov 2015, 19:34
Quote from: Neko_Ali on 19 Nov 2015, 16:13
Wait until she meets Clinton...

I kind of want her to also call him "Clin-Ton"  :claireface:
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: jwhouk on 19 Nov 2015, 19:37
Hank The Dismemberer: he's the fighting bot we deserve, not the bot we need.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Method of Madness on 19 Nov 2015, 19:41
Momo may or may not be Hank.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 19 Nov 2015, 19:44
That was the kind of teasing I'd expect between old friends.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: cesium133 on 19 Nov 2015, 19:46
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Method of Madness on 19 Nov 2015, 19:52
We already knew that.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Welu on 19 Nov 2015, 20:08
I choose to believe that it is Winslow.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Arancaytar on 19 Nov 2015, 20:11
On a more serious note: It's probably Pintsize. We know he does his own stuff that Marten isn't really aware of, he's pretty knowledgeable about the robot-fighting ring, he says people misjudge him because of his size (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3009), and Hank the Dismemberer is totally the kind of name he'd come up with.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Method of Madness on 19 Nov 2015, 20:13
Heh, because it has "member" in it.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Nov 2015, 20:23
This is a growing relationship.

And it'll turn out that Hank is Neckbeard.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Truec on 19 Nov 2015, 20:38
This brings up the interesting issues of robots wearing disguises.

*Spends ten minutes getting all Transformers jokes and references out of my system*

Technically, there's absolutely no reason we've been told that an AI couldn't own two bodies and switch between them, besides the cost involved. Any AI we see could secretly be Winslow the Dismemberer, or Batmomo, or Optimus Pintsize.

*May is Starscream. This is my headcanon and you have no choice but to respect it.
This is my head cannon, it makes its own XKCD references.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: electromgneticDstroyosaur on 19 Nov 2015, 20:40
Who the eff is Hank?
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Method of Madness on 19 Nov 2015, 20:44
That's what we're trying to figure out!
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: cesium133 on 19 Nov 2015, 20:45
Quote from: electromgneticDstroyosaur on 19 Nov 2015, 20:40
Who the eff is Hank?

(http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/legendsofthemultiuniverse/images/7/7c/08-King-of-Hill-Hank_l.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140902033620)

His weapons are propane and propane accessories.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Tova on 19 Nov 2015, 21:00
(click to show/hide)

Well, if you're going to speculate, might as well go big.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: electromgneticDstroyosaur on 19 Nov 2015, 21:12
"Big" would be "May is Hank the Dismemberer!"
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Method of Madness on 19 Nov 2015, 21:27
She wants to meet herself?
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Tova on 19 Nov 2015, 22:46
It is almost as good as being a fighter jet...
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: BenRG on 19 Nov 2015, 23:18
I definitely think that Momo is enjoying really meeting fangirl!May. I'm not sure if she thinks that it is adorable or funny. Personally? I say 'adorable', although I can't deny that there is an ironic humour about it!

Meanwhile, I suspect that Momo is going to squeeze as much mileage as she can from the 'secret identity' thing!
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: chaospersonified on 19 Nov 2015, 23:31
Today entertains me. May is cute with the ignorance, Momo is cute with the denials, and Electromagneticdestroyosaur, I get the reference, because everyone dlse seemed hesitant to recognize/eager to discuss other topics. Hank is a very specific disturbance in the Force, as if millions of voices screamed out and then were silenced.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Sullivan on 19 Nov 2015, 23:59
Ah, Thursday evening.

The joy of knowing there is just one more day until the weekend.

The sadness that there will be new QC for the next two evenings.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Akima on 20 Nov 2015, 00:43
Quote from: Tova on 19 Nov 2015, 16:18
The heart's purpose is to pump another substance around the body (i.e. blood) in order to allow that substance to perform its function. So really, a coolant pump is the closest analogue. Different things being pumped around, but the same purpose otherwise.
In addition to its other functions, blood does act as a coolant (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood#Thermoregulation). It is mainly by blood that heat generated in active muscles, for example, is carried to the lungs and skin where it can be dumped into the environment.

I vote for PT410x as the Dismemberer. We only have Pintsize's word that it was overclocking that cost PT his head (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1921).
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: pwhodges on 20 Nov 2015, 01:26
Quote from: BenRG on 19 Nov 2015, 23:18
Meanwhile, I suspect that Momo is going to squeeze as much mileage as she can from the 'secret identity' thing!

It's the new "Pizza Girl" uncertainty!
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Tova on 20 Nov 2015, 01:54
Quote from: pwhodges on 20 Nov 2015, 01:26
Quote from: BenRG on 19 Nov 2015, 23:18
Meanwhile, I suspect that Momo is going to squeeze as much mileage as she can from the 'secret identity' thing!

It's the new "Pizza Girl" uncertainty!

Wait... maybe Pizza Girl...

Nah.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Zebediah on 20 Nov 2015, 03:59
Hannelore's robot ex-boyfriend is obviously Hank the Dismemberer. He has to take out his frustration over her rejection of him somehow.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Lubricus on 20 Nov 2015, 05:23
Quote from: Zebediah on 20 Nov 2015, 03:59
Hannelore's robot ex-boyfriend is obviously Hank the Dismemberer. He has to take out his frustration over her rejection of him somehow.

THAT. WOULD. BE. AWESOME!
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: dexeron on 20 Nov 2015, 06:08
Oh, please.  It's really obvious who Hank the Dismemberer is.  I mean, if you go back into the archives, hints have been placed all along, and this is obviously the culmination of a very long-game that Jeph's been playing.

Hank the Dismemberer is absolutely, without a doubt:

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Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: cesium133 on 20 Nov 2015, 06:17
That would explain a lot (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=94), actually...
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 20 Nov 2015, 09:21
You know who was prone to sudden large changes in direction? Who we haven't seen for a while?

Raven.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Case on 20 Nov 2015, 14:48
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Perfectly Reasonable on 20 Nov 2015, 17:22
So much LOL!

I wonder what Barry's nom de ring is?

And Momo has her fingers crossed in the final panel! (Er, no --- but for a moment....)

Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Carl-E on 20 Nov 2015, 18:37
Is anyone else wondering if Punchbot 9000 is a re-tooled Deathbot 9000 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=642)? 

Or maybe 9000 is just a common last name for AI's (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HAL_9000)...
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Morituri on 20 Nov 2015, 20:30
I'm wondering how Bubbles will interact with Emily.  Remember what an "arms race" was like for her?  Oddly, I can easily picture Bubbles pursuing classes and working toward a degree, but she's such a recluse she'd probably do it online rather than showing up at Smif. 

Or Tai.  She deliberately downcycles her CPU -a lot- using weed, and somehow I doubt that Bubbles the self-control freak is completely comfortable  with that. 

Or Steve.  You suppose she'd perhaps have something to say about his relationship with Tortura, who by profession is likely a government employee doing something that Bubbles-the-soldier was likely to have had at least an interest in, but by accent seems unlikely to have been doing it for the same side? 

And somehow I wonder whether Sven Bianchi will hit on her and how Faye would react.  He seems to enjoy  adventurous new sexual experiences, and she seems not to enjoy the thought of him having them.  Plus she has to work with Bubbles, and it would be awkward at best. 

I'm also thinking that as a long-term employee of the ring, who doesn't get out much to spend money on recreation or frivoloties, who doesn't have a grocery bill nor pay rent for an apartment, she is likely to have a whole lot of cash saved, and she could probably throw it at something if she decides to.  Possibly an Idoru chassis if she decides she wants to be more nonthreatening and potentially-social.  Although Momo would probably loan her old KawaiiPC chassis if she discovered Bubbles was looking for something less threatening, I doubt Bubbles, who evidently wears battle armor all the time even though it's removable, would go for that extreme a nonthreatening look anytime soon.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Radium_Coyote on 21 Nov 2015, 12:41
"I'm wondering how Bubbles will interact with Emily."

Now that I'm thinking about that... I can't think about anything BUT that.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Nov 2015, 12:45
"Helmets everyone!!"
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Stoutfellow on 21 Nov 2015, 13:32
And why does Emily have that mask?
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Mr_Rose on 21 Nov 2015, 15:15
Quote from: Stoutfellow on 21 Nov 2015, 13:32
And why does Emily have that mask?
Emily is Hank the Dismemberer! :psyduck:
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: Omega Entity on 21 Nov 2015, 16:24
Quote from: Mr_Rose on 21 Nov 2015, 15:15
Quote from: Stoutfellow on 21 Nov 2015, 13:32
And why does Emily have that mask?
Emily is Hank the Dismemberer! :psyduck:

Now imagine if Clinton found out that was true  :psyduck:
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: hedgie on 21 Nov 2015, 17:03
Methinks that'd be more likely that Emily manages to summon Cthulhu.  Oh, wait…
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3091 to 3095 (16-20 November 2015)
Post by: DrBear on 21 Nov 2015, 18:57
You're all wrong, of course.

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