THESE FORUMS NOW CLOSED (read only)
Comic Discussion => QUESTIONABLE CONTENT => Topic started by: BenRG on 02 Apr 2017, 14:26
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Okay, as Jeph definitely seems to be going in the direction of Faye and Bubbles going into business together, I thought that this would be an appropriate subject for a poll. Might as well specify our preferences well in advance!
I have to admit, whilst I'm sure Jeph will feel the urge to make the name of the business comedic or ironic in some way, given how important this may be to Faye and to Bubbles (given their pasts) might lead them to give it some profound or meaningful name. Of course, it is quite possible that Faye may forget until the last minute and it will be left to whoever is putting up the sign (almost certainly May and Dale) to make up something at the last minute.
All that said, I really like "Peaches 'N' Bubbles"; it doesn't even sound like a chassis repair shop but it reminds us what this is about - Faye and Bubbles seeking independence and meaning in their lives.
What do you think?
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Name: "Phoenix Cyberworks"
Motto: "Rise from the trashes!" or perhaps "Rise from the crashes!"
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"Maybe I give you repair. Maybe I give you PUNCH IN FACE."
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Pristine Patchwork for Pugnacious Plastic Pugilists
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Nice attempt Bubbles. At least you're original enough not to use puns.
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I liked it, Bubbles.
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Bubbles has a remarkably expressive face.
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Keep on truckin', Bubbles!
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It probably tells you just how unused poor Bubbles is to telling jokes (to someone who will get them) that she immediately felt the need to explain it. There is something cute and endearing about a combat AI blushing like a stop sign and clearly babbling to explain herself.
It's easy to miss but there's another lovely touch in panel 4 today. Bubbles is all hunched over and smiling slightly; the
whole package just communicates excitement to me.
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That was cute. :-D
I'm ODDLY tempted to have them set up nearby Faye's and call it the Bodyshop of DOOM.
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I think if I were them I'd try and get away from the Robot fighting image. Something like, well, I'm not very up on US terminology, but "Northampton AI Medical Centre" or the like. Need to get those high value customers in... And I'd definitely stay away from auto repair shops and mechanical repair terminology. I'm very sure AIs won't like an association as if they were a type of automobile.
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I wonder if "City" is an AI?
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Not in the way that I suspect that you're thinking. We're still several generations too early in AI development and organic dependence on it for Northampton to rename itself: "I'm Quite Happy As I Am, Thank You".
(Yes, that's a The Culture reference, just in case anyone is puzzled)
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I'm semi-opposed to explaining jokes but I have to back up and say that was funny.
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A combination butcher and repair shop. Faye's Meats and Face Meats.
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"Joke deployed, damage assessment forthcoming" cracked me up.
There is something cute and endearing about a combat AI blushing like a stop sign and clearly babbling to explain herself.
It is, isn't it?
Question: How tall is Bubbles? I'd say smth. in the 2.5m-2.7m range? (8-9 ft)?
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I am going to steal this line and not cite my sources.
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Awkward Bubbles is adorable ^.^
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Pristine Patchwork for Pugnacious Plastic Pugilists
That'd be one hard to read business card.
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It probably tells you just how unused poor Bubbles is to telling jokes (to someone who will get them) that she immediately felt the need to explain it. There is something cute and endearing about a combat AI blushing like a stop sign and clearly babbling to explain herself.
There's a great line in the new Mike Birbiglia special on Netflix: "You should never end a joke by going 'I'm JOKING!'
....or 'Get 'er done.'"
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As far as we know, Bubbles is only her nickname.
As far as I know, you can't co-sign a business loan with a nickname.
We may learn Bubbles' true legal name during this arc.
My favorite choice for business name is something simple like "Whitaker & 037VZ8D: Northampton Chassis Repair & Customization."
With something discreet on the stationary to communicate that charity cases (like May) won't be turned away.
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Bubble's aversion to the beeping noise explains why she never got memory backed up as well..... (ducks out of sight)
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You can sign a loan as an AKA: you can for instance, sign using only some of your names. All the lenders care about is being able to track that name back to you in the case of default.
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Never explain a joke Bubbles, just let it lie.
I like Fayes smile in the last panel.
I wonder where they'll eventually set up once they find somewhere away from the Fight Club.
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Question: How tall is Bubbles? I'd say smth. in the 2.5m-2.7m range? (8-9 ft)?
I don't think Jeph has ever given a canonical answer, and his drawing of characters isn't always consistent, but I don't think Bubbles is quite as tall as that. Bear in mind that she was designed to serve alongside human soldiers, and APC's are not roomy inside (http://i.imgur.com/Kk5tGCe.jpg), so she couldn't be that far outside tall-man-in-field-gear dimensions. In strip 3450 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3003), Bubbles appears to be slightly shorter than the door-frame to her right. Domestic doors are usually around 2m (~6'6") or a little more. Perspective in that drawing would make the door look taller in relation to Bubbles, so I'm guessing she's around 2M in height. In her first appearance (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3003), Faye was about shoulder-height on Bubbles, but recently the difference seems greater (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3448). Faye is shorter than Dora or Hanners, so it looks like Bubbles would be about a head taller than they are.
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Another thing you have to take into consideration with the doorway in 3450 Akima is that that is a doorway inside a commercial building. Those tend to be sligtly taller and wider than your average door frame height due to the needs of a commercial building where laarge and bulky pieces of equipment may need to be moved around.
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How tall is Bubbles? Very tall.
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Backup beeping noises... I think there's a butt joke in there somewhere.
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Even the single-panel comic with her specifications didn't list her height.
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I'm going to go with the old line, She's tall enough her legs reach the floor.
/joke deployed
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New comic up.
As I also have a 'ha ha ha no' credit score, I can sympathise.
I suppose they could call Punchbot for help...?
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They're probably a little ahead of themselves on going to the bank. First they need to create an LLC for their enterprise, in order to prevent debts from the business from swallowing whatever personal assets they have. Assuming they don't have a store of startup capital, they need to find one: an initial investor could get them rolling, although before they go to him/her, they need to write up a business plan. I suggest Punchbot and/or Hanners and/or Station. If none of those work they could try HannerMom, but that's more of a desperation play. In any case they should set up Punchbot as their accountant.
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I actually got to use that backing out line today (standing in a rollercoaster queue - these things genuinely scared me).
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New comic up.
As I also have a 'ha ha ha no' credit score, I can sympathise.
I suppose they could call Punchbot for help...?
Or The Squid/Spookybot can give them God's own credit rating.
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My favorite choice for business name is something simple like "Whitaker & 037VZ8D: Northampton Chassis Repair & Customization."
According to Strip 3004 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3004), it'd be smth. like "Whitaker & CM 1776 Autonomous Combat Droid mk.1 ser. #118375-A: Northampton Chassis Repair & Customization".
But the designation also has "Bubbles" as her nickname, so maybe that's really (part of) her legal name.
In strip 3450 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3003), Bubbles appears to be slightly shorter than the door-frame to her right.
There's a doorframe in 3540 3003 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3003)?
Domestic doors are usually around 2m (~6'6") or a little more. Perspective in that drawing would make the door look taller in relation to Bubbles, so I'm guessing she's around 2M in height. In her first appearance (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3003), Faye was about shoulder-height on Bubbles, but recently the difference seems greater (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3448). Faye is shorter than Dora or Hanners, so it looks like Bubbles would be about a head taller than they are.
Yeah, I guess you're right about the 2m - In 3059 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3059), she looks like she's just able to fit throught the door, and she has a good 15-20 cm on Steve. Average height of US males is 176cm, so if we assume that for Marten, and assume that Steve is about 180-182cm, she'd be just under 2m.
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They're probably a little ahead of themselves on going to the bank. First they need to create an LLC for their enterprise, in order to prevent debts from the business from swallowing whatever personal assets they have. Assuming they don't have a store of startup capital, they need to find one: an initial investor could get them rolling, although before they go to him/her, they need to write up a business plan. I suggest Punchbot and/or Hanners and/or Station. If none of those work they could try HannerMom, but that's more of a desperation play. In any case they should set up Punchbot as their accountant.
Hannelore seems like the most likely person to turn to next.
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Maybe I don't know how these things work but, unless Faye and Bubbles have ever defaulted on loans, they aren't going to have a bad credit rating. Admittedly, both technically unemployed and with only barely-sufficient savings wouldn't lead to a good one either. A lot depends on how desperate the local S&L is for business! That said, the interest rate on a loan to them would be... pretty high and the phrase 'lose your shirt' will probably be in there somewhere!
I do know where this is going though: They need someone to be an investor to underwrite the business. Then it's their credit rating that would matter and they might be able to get better terms.
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I use my credit card for pretty much everything except rent, can honestly not remember the last time I used my debit card for anything other than an ATM withdrawal. Too many people seem afraid of credit cards...they're honestly not bad if you stay within your means, don't go wild, and pay the statement off every month. Just budget with them like you do normally with a debit card or cash. And you kind of need a credit rating if you want to buy a house or car (or business) or rent an apartment, best way to get one is to use a credit card.
Wish I knew my credit rating now. Last time I saw hard numbers was in 2010...wonder how it's grown since then.
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I don't know about other places in this regard, but in Italy you cannot hire a car with a debit card; absolutely only a credit card is accepted. I don't know why; in South Africa the car hire company was perfectly happy to put a provisional call for £1500 on my debit card as deposit, so it's not that the facility is unavailable.
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I get paid monthly. My monthly expenses, however, are very spiky. One month in particular sees a couple of very large bills. The credit card is perfect for smoothing my cash flow. It means I don't need to draw on my mortgage offset account to pay the bills. The credit card statement is always paid in full each month so no interest is payable.
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As a banker once put it to me: "You don't get a good credit rating by never borrowing anything. You get one by borrowing and paying back on time."
There's a doorframe in 3540 3003 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3003)?
I messed the number up. I meant strip 3450 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3450).
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This strip made me laugh more than any strip has in possibly a decade or more. What a lovely joke, the kind I make with my friends.
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As a banker once put it to me: "You don't get a good credit rating by never borrowing anything. You get one by borrowing and paying back on time. having a houseplant that can vouch for your trustworthiness"
FYP
Bubbles expression whenever she mentions 'Arthur' is priceless.
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I'm hoping this is another joke...
I don't think Bubbles (from what I remember) hasn't shown this "Drax the Destroyer" style missing-of-metaphors before?
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We don't know what Faye's credit or spending was like before being fired from Coffee of Doom. Probably not the greatest because she does have some impulse control issues. Not like May, but still. Since then, as far as legal matters have been concerned she's been unemployed. After an extended emergency stay in the hospital she's going to have some bills. Fortunately Dora let her ride on the insurance to not completely destroy her life, but deductibles are not cheap. Bubbles may have no financial record at all since leaving the military. No credit history and no employment history are things that would scare off a potential leaser possibly even more than someone with bad credit. Sure, they SAY they want to open up an AI repair shop. But would they also be running a side, illegal business out of their property as well? Probably the best bet is to get a co-signer/silent partner who has good credit to act as 'the responsible looking one'. Hanners has the money and connections, she may not have the credit rating. Veronica certainly does have both, but would she be willing and would the duo think of her or want her to be involved?
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We don't know what Faye's credit or spending was like before being fired from Coffee of Doom. Probably not the greatest because she does have some impulse control issues. Not like May, but still. Since then, as far as legal matters have been concerned she's been unemployed. After an extended emergency stay in the hospital she's going to have some bills. Fortunately Dora let her ride on the insurance to not completely destroy her life, but deductibles are not cheap. Bubbles may have no financial record at all since leaving the military. No credit history and no employment history are things that would scare off a potential leaser possibly even more than someone with bad credit. Sure, they SAY they want to open up an AI repair shop. But would they also be running a side, illegal business out of their property as well? Probably the best bet is to get a co-signer/silent partner who has good credit to act as 'the responsible looking one'. Hanners has the money and connections, she may not have the credit rating. Veronica certainly does have both, but would she be willing and would the duo think of her or want her to be involved?
I suspect that Hannelore has a decent credit rating. She does buy stuff, some of it expensive - the gong, the heavy-duty cleaning equipment (including full-body protection gear) - and, though she probably could pay cash, why would she? (Which is cleaner, a credit card you keep in your purse or whatever, or paper money and coins that have been handled by God knows whom?)
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If Hanners has cash and wants to be their backer, then credit shouldn't be an issue. The bank would look at her name and her bank account, and happily let her co-sign the lease etc.
I suspect Jeph won't go this route, as it becomes too easy from a narrative point of view to just let the Ellicott-Chathams serve as sugar daddy. People living on the edge make better stories than the comfortably well-off.
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We don't know what Faye's credit or spending was like before being fired from Coffee of Doom. Probably not the greatest because she does have some impulse control issues. Not like May, but still. Since then, as far as legal matters have been concerned she's been unemployed. After an extended emergency stay in the hospital she's going to have some bills. Fortunately Dora let her ride on the insurance to not completely destroy her life, but deductibles are not cheap. Bubbles may have no financial record at all since leaving the military. No credit history and no employment history are things that would scare off a potential leaser possibly even more than someone with bad credit. Sure, they SAY they want to open up an AI repair shop. But would they also be running a side, illegal business out of their property as well? Probably the best bet is to get a co-signer/silent partner who has good credit to act as 'the responsible looking one'. Hanners has the money and connections, she may not have the credit rating. Veronica certainly does have both, but would she be willing and would the duo think of her or want her to be involved?
I suspect that Hannelore has a decent credit rating. She does buy stuff, some of it expensive - the gong, the heavy-duty cleaning equipment (including full-body protection gear) - and, though she probably could pay cash, why would she? (Which is cleaner, a credit card you keep in your purse or whatever, or paper money and coins that have been handled by God knows whom?)
Debit cards were mentioned. A lot of 'cash' purchases in the US these days are actually made with debit cards. We really don't know how much actual money in the bank Hanners has, but considering her parents I doubt that anything she buys goes past the 'I can't afford this with money on hand' levels. There are two reasons to get a credit card. To purchase things you can't afford with cash on hand, and to build a positive credit score. Hanners would have no need for the former. It's unknown if she cares about the latter.
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I can think of at least two other reasons for getting a credit card: not wanting to deal with cash, and for situations in which using cash simply isn't feasible - e.g., ordering from Amazon.
Yes, yes, debit cards. I have a debit card, as it happens; I use it for buying groceries and ATM withdrawals. However, the bank which issued it has imposed a restriction: if I use it more than, I think, six times in one month, they will charge me a certain amount (I don't recall how much) for each excess use. I don't know how common this is, but it would certainly put a crimp in their use as opposed to credit cards.
And I still suspect Hannelore isn't fond of handling (filthy) money.
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A lot of credit cards earn you points toward other purchases, like books or airline miles. I know people who never put more than they can afford on thier card, they use it like a debit card to earn those points.
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Fortunately, F'n'Bs, there's a location nearby - well within commuting range, in fact - where the owner has affordable workshop space available, potentially with tools and machinery included. He also regards himself as a personal friend of yours, so may well be willing to make the deal without a pre-credit check. And if another deal to use the space goes through, you're likely to find yourself with no end of customers as a bonus - possibly as a nice, stable bulk contract, rather than being-by-being.
Of course, there might be a non-monetary cost to making the approach, but you'll just have to swallow that...
Yes, yes, debit cards. I have a debit card, as it happens; I use it for buying groceries and ATM withdrawals. However, the bank which issued it has imposed a restriction: if I use it more than, I think, six times in one month, they will charge me a certain amount (I don't recall how much) for each excess use. I don't know how common this is, but it would certainly put a crimp in their use as opposed to credit cards.
I've never even heard of this. In the UK, banks seem to want to encourage the use of chip'n'PIN (and now contactless) debit cards.
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Yes, yes, debit cards. I have a debit card, as it happens; I use it for buying groceries and ATM withdrawals. However, the bank which issued it has imposed a restriction: if I use it more than, I think, six times in one month, they will charge me a certain amount (I don't recall how much) for each excess use. I don't know how common this is, but it would certainly put a crimp in their use as opposed to credit cards.
I've never even heard of this. In the UK, banks seem to want to encourage the use of chip'n'PIN (and now contactless) debit cards.
After the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act, certain kinds of bank fees were barred or limited; banks have been casting about to find new sources of revenue. I believe this was one such.
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Yes, yes, debit cards. I have a debit card, as it happens; I use it for buying groceries and ATM withdrawals. However, the bank which issued it has imposed a restriction: if I use it more than, I think, six times in one month, they will charge me a certain amount (I don't recall how much) for each excess use. I don't know how common this is, but it would certainly put a crimp in their use as opposed to credit cards.
I've never even heard of this. In the UK, banks seem to want to encourage the use of chip'n'PIN (and now contactless) debit cards.
After the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act, certain kinds of bank fees were barred or limited; banks have been casting about to find new sources of revenue. I believe this was one such.
Quite.
Then there's the tinfoil hat side of things that insists that they're trying to create a cashless society and that the chip reader cards are the next step in 'boiling the frogs' as it were.
Granted, I can't help the gut reaction in the pit of my stomach to loathe and despise the chip reader cards.
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I would assume by Faye's reaction she is well aware of her Credit Rating and knows that they would 'Laugh her out of the Bank' over it.
I'm not sure of how things might work in QCland, but wouldn't Bubbles be entitled to some form of Military Benefit or Financial Aid, or would too much time have passed for that for her?
Hammers might be an option,or even Dora or Veronica coming in as Partners/Referees/References.
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There is also the Gallery Guy from way back in the Esspressorsaurus days who may be interested in sponsoring "performance art".
Having a charitable effort would be tax deductible icing on the cake.
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Does Arthur have a sunny spot? Enough water?
(I am very glad my credit rating does not depend on the testimony of my houseplants.)
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New comic is up.
I want Dora's coffee mug.
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I hope Dora doesn't live to regret this.
Mind you considering Faye's doing this just as much for Bubbles as she is for herself, she won't want to let her down and I thin Bubbles will keep an eye on he.
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This is one of those strips that reminds me that the main cast have this habit of sometimes behaving like teenagers. Now, don't get me wrong, having Faye in a position where she feels obliged to be nice to her must be a rare experience for Dora but there is such a thing as 'milking it a bit too much'.
Looking at this from the other angle... It's sad, in a way, the shock that Faye seems to experience when she realises that her friends really are her friends! Dora is doing a big thing for her and Faye can't help but wonder if it's some sort of mistake! Of course, that's the point here, isn't it? Faye, on a certain level, can't believe that she won't totally mess up; now she has a far more solid reason to try to avoid that and I suspect that's what's making her nervous!
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"Wash, tell me I'm pretty."
"Were I unwed, I would take you in a manly fashion."
"'Cause I'm pretty?"
"'Cause you're pretty."
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I empathise with Dora here. I offered to invest in a friend's endeavour recently and it's all "oh, but you might not get your money back" and "I don't want to be indebted to you...". Like, mate, I'm not offering you a gift, but I'm not a loan shark either. This here's the best deal you're gonna get.
also I want to be told I'm pretty
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:laugh: That was cute.
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There's no reason for Dora to be asking for money here; she's just taking on a bit of the risk -- and remember that she's trusting both Faye and Bubbles in staying current with the rent. Backing Faye? Maybe not a great idea. Backing *Bubbles*? Oh, come on now, you're not risking your money at all. Bubbles may simply buy the place by the end of the lease!
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Bubbles places extraordinary weight on being trustworthy but has been known to be unstable.
Following up on something from BenRG, what does it mean that The Pugnacious Peach never talks about high school or college friends? Straight As, unable to recognize friendship when she sees it, there's at least one picture that fits.
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Just had a thought (it had to happen sometime!)
Regarding the "several tons of robot parts" and the "sack of cash" which were overlooked by the authorities...
Given that the entire downfall of CW was brought about by Bubbles, Fay and Emily, shouldn't said monies have been distributed accordingly?
I mean, Faye just overhauled Jeremy... so wouldn't it be a better idea to have their *body shop* at least subbed by whatever Punchbot decides to name his new enterprise? The fact that Bubbles doesn't want to stay at that facility, (which, to be honest, I only partially understand) surely that doesn't mean they could not work FOR the new enterprise (and any other customer base they could subsequently build up) from their leased premises...?
I just think Faye and Bubbles kinda got gyped, and never quite understood why Punchbot/Jeremy got the lion's share, as it were.
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Bubbles has stated that she wants to have as little to do with the Skate Park as possible. She certainly doesn't want to work there anymore.
Just consider: If you'd had an explosive collar fitted and been enslaved by someone who originally presented themselves to you as a therapist (the closest human equivalent to what Corpse Witch did to Bubbles), would you be willing to work in the same place again full-time, no matter how totally the management had changed?
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Bubbles places extraordinary weight on being trustworthy but has been known to be unstable.
Bankmanager: "So Ms. ... Bubbles, is it? Ms. Bubbles, you write here that you 'place extraordinary weight on being trustworthy' - can you give me a concrete example of what that means?"
Bubbles gets up, leans on table, which starts creaking and groaning ominously: "Like this?"
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This here's the best deal you're gonna get.
Yeah, but if the deal includes getting in a business/finance/money relationship with a valued friend then maybe the deal isn't worth it. Such things go wrong far more easily than you'd believe possible, so the more precious a friendship is the wiser it is to keep money out of it.
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Yeah, but if the deal includes getting in a business/finance/money relationship with a valued friend then maybe the deal isn't worth it. Such things go wrong far more easily than you'd believe possible, so the more precious a friendship is the wiser it is to keep money out of it.
I have read once (think it was Name of the wind by Pat Rothfuss): "There are two sure ways to lose a friend, one is to borrow, the other is to lend." (okay i called google for exact quote). I was surprised she offered to co-sign it, maybe she still feels guilty about firing her?
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So I'm about to stop reading this comic but I thought I'd post why. These opinions are my own and will probably be disagreed with by a lot of readers on here (and that's cool)
First off the emphasis and the newer characters is, for me, not going so well as Brun seems more like a secondary character and Renee is, well unpleasant like Faye and ones enough in any strip
I'd personally like to see more of the original cast, for example how is Martens relationship going with Claire and how is Marten dealing with Claires issues or how is Dora handling Tais jealousy, even Clinton and Emily had potential and its always enjoyable watching Hannelore navigate life
It seems like this comic has gone through (to a lesser degree as its still not bad) what happened with MASH when the original series was really funny but then members of the original cast left and newer characters and minor characters suddenly got more air time and the show went downhill
Alice Grove is still really good and, hopefully, this comic can get its mojo back but after being away for a week and then catching up it seemed like the comic had lost something
On a final, positive note I'd like to thank the author because I've read this comic a lot longer than other comics and got a lot of enjoyment out of it
Cheers
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Yeah, but if the deal includes getting in a business/finance/money relationship with a valued friend then maybe the deal isn't worth it. Such things go wrong far more easily than you'd believe possible, so the more precious a friendship is the wiser it is to keep money out of it.
I have read once (think it was Name of the wind by Pat Rothfuss): "There are two sure ways to lose a friend, one is to borrow, the other is to lend." (okay i called google for exact quote). I was surprised she offered to co-sign it, maybe she still feels guilty about firing her?
Well, co-signing the loan doesn't entail any borrowing OR lending on Dora's part. All it means is that if Faye and Bubbles fall behind on their rent, Dora is responsible for paying it.
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Cheers
So basically they changed it, now it sucks? :-P :lol:
Re: the co-sign. Dora KNOWS how honorable Bubbles is. She clearly remembers when Bubbles offered to leave her hand as collateral for a cup of tea....
New strip!
Awww. Marten and Bubbles are bonding. :)
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This actually explains a lot about Pintsize's actions over the years.
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I appreciate the Bubbles well thought out explanation despite her expression of genuine concern.
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Awww. Marten and Bubbles are bonding. :)
Over Pintsize's pron-habit! Yayomg.... :-\
Is Marten trying to faze her?
P.S.: Dolly Downloadzsnerk ... :angel:
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I'm now imagining in-universe porn films like 'Dolly Downloads Dallas' or something...
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It's steam powered robots that "love to chug".
I wonder about the situation of the skate park warriors. Employees in Jeremy's new enterprise, supported by CPA Punchbot?
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Is "vilified" really the word you want there for comic 3454?
"to say or write unpleasant things about someone or something, in order to cause other people to have a bad opinion of that person or thing"
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Pretty sure slow internet "chugs along" so to speak.
Perhaps this "Dolly" downcycles her processor and then downloads random things?
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Pintsize indeed seems to desire others to have a low opinion of him.
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I seem to remember reading this conversation before... Ah, I remember! Momo was talking to someone about the difference between learning to dance and being programmed to dance. There does seem to be a qualitative difference to an AI between physically assimilating information by interpreting and comprehending the input from their senses and just having data poured directly into their memories.
Now, why is Bubbles not sinking into the couch a lot more? Is she actually sitting down at all or is she actually squatting in vaguely the right posture to look like she's sitting? The alternative explanation is that the couch is so beaten up and so stiffened by various 'accidents' over the years that it's nearly rock-hard!
Pintsize indeed seems to desire others to have a low opinion of him.
This has always been a curious part of Pintsize's personality. The only two explanations I've ever had for this are:
- He wants to be considered a vile pervert for some reason;
- He literally doesn't understand what what he does is socially unacceptable.
I find the second option less likely because Pintsize himself often expresses his disappointment if his behaviour doesn't create a strong enough reaction. So, yeah, it is entirely possible that lots of AIs are working under a subconscious need to behave in a way considered 'human' to be more socially integrated.
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All it means is that if Faye and Bubbles fall behind on their rent, Dora is responsible for paying it.
*All* it means?? Dora's business may well be adequately profitable (can't be bothered to look up references, but that's the way that it seems), but I can't imagine its generating so much spare cash she could afford a second commercial lease. Not if she's thrown into deep concern about a coffee machine breaking (1260).
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I imagine they have to warn everyone of Pintsize's nature if they are going to be spending a lot of time at the apartment, much less living there. And he certain is aware of how me comes off, and does so deliberately. Consider the time he paid May to engage in a little face sitting. He was doing it entirely for the perverse thrill but found it didn't have the same meaning if there wasn't a human involved to be offended. He takes his duties as a perverted little jester seriously though. He does what he does to spark emotion and reaction in people. Whether to distract them from their problems, give them a safe target to work out frustrations on or just get people talking. And yes, sometimes just to shock and outrage for his own amusement.
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Bubbles has stated that she wants to have as little to do with the Skate Park as possible. She certainly doesn't want to work there anymore.
Just consider: If you'd had an explosive collar fitted and been enslaved by someone who originally presented themselves to you as a therapist (the closest human equivalent to what Corpse Witch did to Bubbles), would you be willing to work in the same place again full-time, no matter how totally the management had changed?
As a part-owner? Damn right I would! Just to stab it home even further that my Nemesis had been crushed... but then my ego is huge (sometimes).
However, that doesn't alter the fact that (as I said above) they could still work for Jeremy/Punchbot from their own premises.
Nor does it alter the fact that they came away with nothing, while Jeremy and Punchbot (who did nothing re: CW and her downfall) got the golden goose!
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You're you, Joe; you're not Bubbles. I genuinely believe that she doesn't want to work there apart from the very occasional 'home visit' and she certainly doesn't want anything that was Corpse Witch's. Can you respect that?
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You're you, Joe; you're not Bubbles. I genuinely believe that she doesn't want to work there apart from the very occasional 'home visit' and she certainly doesn't want anything that was Corpse Witch's. Can you respect that?
Hey... you're the one who asked if "I" had had (the things that happened), to "me", would "I" be willing to (etc)...
Don't blame me for answering for myself! 8-)
However... I've already said, twice now, they needn't *work* there...
But, not taking jobs from them? I think that would be taking your hypothetical distress, which we haven't actually seen, a bit too far?
All Bubbles ever said was she would "like to be done with this place" - nothing I have said above negates that.
And I haven't seen her at any point say she "didn't want anything that was Corpse Witch's"...
Quite the reverse, she was happy enough to, as a Freelancer, help rebuild Jeremy with "the tons of robot parts" and the money CW left.
So, as far as "respect" goes... Bubbles is owe no restitution?
Personally, I feel it's more disrespectful to Bubbles to suggest that someone who dealt with the outcome of the Spookybot Incident, in the way she did, was in any way "weak".
Do I understand her not wanting to go back there? Of course I do! (Which is why I suggested they take tenders on.)
Does that mean she should still walk away with nothing? Like hell it does.
(The removal of the Kill Switch is hardly a reward - for reasons that we'd have to go into the massive plot-hole about Spookybot's appearance and Deus Ex Machina qualities)
And, of course, there's still the Faye side of this whole equation... She too has been cast aside with nothing.
Gyped! The pair of them! ;)
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This has always been a curious part of Pintsize's personality. The only two explanations I've ever had for this are:
- He wants to be considered a vile pervert for some reason;
- He literally doesn't understand what what he does is socially unacceptable.
I find the second option less likely because Pintsize himself often expresses his disappointment if his behaviour doesn't create a strong enough reaction. So, yeah, it is entirely possible that lots of AIs are working under a subconscious need to behave in a way considered 'human' to be more socially integrated.
Actually, we've seen Pintsize have very serious conversations with other AIs, and they're typically very different from those he has with other humans. For instance, there was one time when he was talking to Momo about how his role with Marten had evolved -- until Marten walked and asked what they'd been talking about. Pintsize responded with a totally false and absolutely vile description. Obviously, he was trying to shock and annoy Marten, exactly as we'd have thought that Pinsize would have responded to Marten if he was looking for a particular response. In another case, we see him talking to Bubbles as they were sitting alone on a set of stairs. He's saying something like "Yeah, you know, I understand. People always respond to me on the basis of my size."
I think that there are some hidden depths to the vile little pervert, and I think that Bubbles has the complete right of it: he seeks a particular response from humans which reflects the fact that he's trying to humanize himself.
Unsuccessfully.
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In an ever changing and maturing QCvers, Pintsize is the one perverted consistency that brings familiarity and comfort to the readership
:-D
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That would be vile and perverted consistency. Or perhaps vile, perverted, and disgusting consistency. Or maybe vile, perverted, abusive, and disgusting consistency.
Let's get right, here.
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So... That's another conflict solved, I guess? I'm glad I don't read QC for the story, because it seems like, recently, Jeph doesn't like writing try/fail cycles very much, and prefers just to skip the success.
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So... That's another conflict solved, I guess? I'm glad I don't read QC for the story, because it seems like, recently, Jeph doesn't like writing try/fail cycles very much, and prefers just to skip the success.
Well, "life is what happens between failures".
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So... That's another conflict solved, I guess? I'm glad I don't read QC for the story, because it seems like, recently, Jeph doesn't like writing try/fail cycles very much, and prefers just to skip the success.
Well, "life is what happens between failures".
In QC, though, there haven't been any failures for life to happen between.
Also, that's a really dumb quote if it's supposed to be taken literally or metaphorically. In many ways, failure has more impact on life than success - That's why most succesful stories don't let their characters be succesful until the story is over. If your characters overcome every single conflict with relatively little difficulty, then the story loses tension quickly.
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I wonder if Dora will send ti for repairs at a Soularium
;D
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Okay, Dora is being out-and-out creepy in panel 5. I that it is deliberate teasing but it is still creepy! The over all feel is that Dora badgered Faye to agree the lease now and is standing off to one side giving silent encouragement.
Man, when was the last time Faye looked so...joyful? It's wonderful to see!
Yeah, that bit was sweet isn't it? I wonder how recently this became a lifelong dream for Faye?
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Oh and Thrudd is right on the money, Faye had better work her ass of making expressosaurs and the like between customers. No more room for Ms Prima Donna.
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Nice to see that while Dora and Faye have grown some they still haven't changed that much.
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I kinda wanted to see Dora's 'I am a well-respected businesswoman-about-town' face in panel 1.
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Does it seem to anyone else that Dora is channeling Creepybot in that final panel?
Nice to see that these two have progressed past the firing schism. If I were Dora, I'd be a bit nervous about placing my finances in the hands of an alcoholic, though.
Once Faye and Bubbles have set up the basic clinic, they'll need to do some marketing, I should think (unless there's some vast unserved demand for AI repairs). Or if Punchbot gets a legit Robot fighting league going, and needs someone to deal with the damage.
Can AIs buy health insurance? It looks as if repairing them is much simpler than dealing with human health care; neither Faye nor Bubbles has any academic credentials, yet they were able to perform radical surgery on Jeremy. Must help that there's no need for anesthesia, and no risk of infection.
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Re: Jeph's usual flavor text
Immediately on seeing the comment about souls losing value, my first thought: 'Soul Depreciation. Hmm. Sounds like a hipster band.'
Aaaaaand of course the inevitable google later turns up: https://www.bandlab.com/band/sould
Damn.
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Is it just me that thinks the guy showing the workshop has a striking resemblance to Dora's father? That might be why there was such a reaction...
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Nice to see that these two have progressed past the firing schism. If I were Dora, I'd be a bit nervous about placing my finances in the hands of an alcoholic, though.
Faye's been sober for a long time. More importantly, Dora's been trying to get Faye to move beyond being a service peon for at least a couple thousand strips. Giving Faye the final leg up into the wonderful world of self-employment makes perfect sense--and suddenly invading Faye's personal space after doing so makes perfect sense in-character.
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Plus there's the whole 'Bubbles is SCARY honorable' thing. If they get behind on rent, I expect Bubbles would pawn off a leg or something....
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So... That's another conflict solved, I guess? I'm glad I don't read QC for the story, because it seems like, recently, Jeph doesn't like writing try/fail cycles very much, and prefers just to skip the success.
Well, "life is what happens between failures".
In QC, though, there haven't been any failures for life to happen between.
Also, that's a really dumb quote if it's supposed to be taken literally or metaphorically. In many ways, failure has more impact on life than success - That's why most succesful stories don't let their characters be succesful until the story is over. If your characters overcome every single conflict with relatively little difficulty, then the story loses tension quickly.
1) it's a paraphrased quote and the name drop for a webcomic
2) Full quote from pg 305 (http://betweenfailures.com/comics1/305-the-times-between):
Much of our time is spent looking to the moments when we succeed, or fail. But those moments are only a tiny part of our lives. I'll always remember the day I started living in the times between.
The conversation that prompted that character revelation starts at #222 Dead Inside (http://betweenfailures.com/comics1/222-dead-inside).
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Gyrre, there was a time that some argued that Between Failures was a QC ripoff...
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So... That's another conflict solved, I guess? I'm glad I don't read QC for the story, because it seems like, recently, Jeph doesn't like writing try/fail cycles very much, and prefers just to skip the success.
Well, "life is what happens between failures".
In QC, though, there haven't been any failures for life to happen between.
Also, that's a really dumb quote if it's supposed to be taken literally or metaphorically. In many ways, failure has more impact on life than success - That's why most succesful stories don't let their characters be succesful until the story is over. If your characters overcome every single conflict with relatively little difficulty, then the story loses tension quickly.
1) it's a paraphrased quote and the name drop for a webcomic
2) Full quote from pg 305 (http://betweenfailures.com/comics1/305-the-times-between):
Much of our time is spent looking to the moments when we succeed, or fail. But those moments are only a tiny part of our lives. I'll always remember the day I started living in the times between.
The conversation that prompted that character revelation starts at #222 Dead Inside (http://betweenfailures.com/comics1/222-dead-inside).
Good stuff.
To add to the idea of failure, I'll offer this from "Schlock Mercenary"
Maxim 70. Failure is not an option - it is mandatory. The option is whether or not to let failure be the last thing you do.
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Failure is ALWAYS a option - Mythbusters. :-P
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In QC, though, there haven't been any failures for life to happen between.
How big does a failure have to be to qualify? Dora driving Marten to break up with her was a failure; Faye drinking herself out of a job was a failure; Sven failing to live up to Faye's expectations was a failure. Even QC isn't all fluffy clouds and bunny rabbits!
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Recently we had a rather nasty bit of fail when Bubbles' memories turned out to be gone, meaning she'd spent the last few years in indentured servitude for nothing.
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"Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From the dealer's lot that is our home."
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I'm actually getting the impression that Jeph is 'Settling down' the core cast of Marten Faye and Dora and bringing into play a newer, younger Cast in order to maintain the Comics Continuation.
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"Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From the dealer's lot that is our home."
What exactly are you quoting here, Akima? I haven't seen it before, but I like it. Although the "dealer's lot" part puzzles me; is this a paraphrase of something?
Edit: Aha, should have googled it before I asked. Googling "trailing clouds of glory" brought me immediately to "Ode: Intimations of Immortality (http://www.bartleby.com/101/536.html)" by William Wordsworth. The original version of the relevant part:
Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:
The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star,
Hath had elsewhere its setting,
And cometh from afar:
Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From God, who is our home
Neat -- thanks Akima!
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In QC, though, there haven't been any failures for life to happen between.
How big does a failure have to be to qualify? Dora driving Marten to break up with her was a failure; Faye drinking herself out of a job was a failure; Sven failing to live up to Faye's expectations was a failure. Even QC isn't all fluffy clouds and bunny rabbits!
Those are all very old, though. The most recent one you're mentioning happened two years ago. (Or 550 comics, if you prefer.) The only real failures I can think of since then are Faye drinking once, and Claire's horrible attempt at setting up Clinton with Emily.
Continued in a moment, first I want to insert this quote:
Recently we had a rather nasty bit of fail when Bubbles' memories turned out to be gone, meaning she'd spent the last few years in indentured servitude for nothing.
See, the problem is, that's not an actual failure. There's a big distinction between 'Something bad happened' and 'Our characters failed'. That wasn't a nasty bit of fail - Faye and Bubbles got everything that they needed to succeed, handed to them on a silver platter, and have been blindly stumbling upward.
It's specifically since the start of the creepybot arc that I've seen this. I'd hoped that once the arc was over, that would be that, but Faye and Bubbles continue to not have to struggle with anything.
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Gyrre, there was a time that some argued that Between Failures was a QC ripoff...
Then you might find it funny to know that I learned about QC through Between Failures.
Jackie has made mention of it (and Jeph) and linked it in the author's commentary below the comics a few times.
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Just to let everyone know that I'll be leaving this poll open (as it is plot- rather than time-limited). I'll be interested to see if we get more than forty-four members voting (that seems to be the typical number of users we have voting on these polls most week).
Just a heads-up: I don't have any ideas for a poll this week. If someone else wants to do next week's WCDT, please be my guest.