Topic: WCDT: 2201-2205 (4-8 June 2012) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread (Read 74057 times)

jwhouk · « **on:** 03 Jun 2012, 15:09 »

And we start the month of June with a good poll - your favorite character!

Yes, I did use the "Count of Character Appearances" List from the Wiki to fill out the list.

By the way - the reasoning for this poll is twofold: first of all, it's pretty simple; second, we're at a point where there really isn't a major storyline to comment upon.

Carl-E · « **Reply #1 on:** 03 Jun 2012, 15:26 »

I'm the first "other" vote.

Jimbo. I miss the dude.

DSL · « **Reply #2 on:** 03 Jun 2012, 16:35 »

Another "other." Sam. She has possibilities as a character.

Method of Madness · « **Reply #3 on:** 03 Jun 2012, 19:50 »

I'm the first Pintsize vote.

RyanW1019 · « **Reply #4 on:** 03 Jun 2012, 20:03 »

Gotta be Hanners. She's smart, really good-hearted and innocent, adorably cute, and gets the sympathy vote as well because she has the worst anxiety issues.

celticgeek · « **Reply #5 on:** 03 Jun 2012, 20:07 »

Hannelore gets my vote, with a solid 10.00. All of the others were distant seconds at 9.98 to 9.99.

iduguphergrave · « **Reply #6 on:** 03 Jun 2012, 21:17 »

Oh shit my vote tied Faye and Hanners. Mine's for Faye; she's an interesting, complex character and always fun to read. I admire her in a lot of ways even though I'm in the camp of people who probably wouldn't like her if I knew her in real life.

akronnick · « **Reply #7 on:** 03 Jun 2012, 21:48 »

I voted for Faye because I expect Hannelore will win it in a walk, but in my book they're really about equal.

FunkyTuba · « **Reply #8 on:** 03 Jun 2012, 21:57 »

I voted for Momo because I think she's got the most potential for development. Plus she's our best window into whatver Ideas Or Plans Jeph has for telling us about his Human-AI Interrelationship Stuff.

Is it cold in here? · « **Reply #9 on:** 03 Jun 2012, 22:53 »

She's also got the potential that comes from being a character who wants to explore life instead of languishing in a rut.

jwhouk · « **Reply #10 on:** 03 Jun 2012, 22:58 »

Kinda like Hanners.

Though obviously Momo's gonna be the one to start our week.

Method of Madness · « **Reply #11 on:** 03 Jun 2012, 23:57 »

You Obviously Like Owls, that's the motto, Marten, YOLO

Nikolai · « **Reply #12 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 00:00 »

Just one more reason I dislike fundamentalist christians.

New goal in life: Build a lesbian AI and go picket Westboro.

iduguphergrave · « **Reply #13 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 00:02 »

Yeah...that's why you'd build a lesbian AI.

Nikolai · « **Reply #14 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 00:05 »

Well the lesbian part does me no good. My wife, on the other hand...

jwhouk · « **Reply #15 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 00:26 »

That would explain why AI's haven't progressed far beyond the Northeastern US or California, I would reckon.

Carl-E · « **Reply #16 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 00:27 »

I love that they're willing to wait us out. Meta attitude.

Akima · « **Reply #17 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 00:46 »

I admire Hannelore for her courage.

And yes Momo, it does hurt to be hated because of what you are...

Of course somebody, somewhere, hates everyone...

Method of Madness · « **Reply #18 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 00:56 »

Quote from: Akima on 04 Jun 2012, 00:46

Of course somebody, somewhere, hates everyone...

It's like a more depressing rule 36

TinPenguin · « **Reply #19 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 01:07 »

Of course, in some cases it is not quite so depressing to be hated. It is painful to be hated for something that wasn't a choice, like race, gender, sexuality, or what your brain is made of, but some things are choices.
Example: As a long-haired atheist who listens to metal, I'm sure there are thousands of people who would think I'm evil. But I don't mind that, partly because hellyeahsatan, but more importantly, because those are choices I made about my life and I can stand firm in my own footprints. People will always disagree with your choices; that's what gives spice to life. But when they hate something that is an inherent part of who you are, that's when it hurts.

idontunderstand · « **Reply #20 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 02:03 »

Great comic. What a good start of the week.

~~cesariojpn~~ · « **Reply #21 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 02:14 »

I just gotta wonder what Momo's views are on AnthroPC's that get taken advantaged of. Like sex bots. But then again......maybe I don't wanna know what other capabilities AnthroPC's might have.

Blackjoker · « **Reply #22 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 02:21 »

I think I may be the only one that likes Winslow, I find him to be a good straight man to Pintsize and Hannelore. Also, he is frequently rather adorable, and full of music.

Barmymoo · « **Reply #23 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 03:04 »

I was very close to voting for Winslow, he is pretty cute.

pwhodges · « **Reply #24 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 03:14 »

Curious how no-one's voting for Marten, who, after all, is the linchpin round which everything revolves.

HiFranc · « **Reply #25 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 03:55 »

He tends fades into the background.

For me it was a choice between Hannelore and Momo. I chose Momo because she combines a realistic view of the world with an idealistic approach to life.

On today's strip, I would have expected more groups of people to be against AIs. The fact that they are accepted by the vast majority of people suggests that Jeph does have a positive view of humanity.

TinPenguin · « **Reply #26 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 03:57 »

Quote from: pwhodges on 04 Jun 2012, 03:14

Curious how no-one's voting for Marten, who, after all, is the linchpin round which everything revolves.

Well, did you ever walk past a car showroom and say "Man, that ride has a sweet linchpin!"

Barmymoo · « **Reply #27 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 04:37 »

I suppose it rather depends how long AIs have been around. I mean, think about things like single parents, gay relationships, women in trousers... all are things that started out as total outrages for most people, and gradually became more acceptable until only (varying levels of) conservatives have a problem with them.

Border Reiver · « **Reply #28 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 04:58 »

Well, I threw a vote to our favourite "everyman", although it was a close call for Mr. McPhee. Hard to pick out why, those two strike as the characters that I can empathize most with.

As to the subject of today's strip I thought it was well handled. And as a bit of self analysis I've come to the realization that concerning certain prejudices I have become more tolerant over the years, rather than less. Maybe I've just come to realize that hard and fast notions about what is right and proper only apply to works of fiction, as reality requires much more flexibility and that judging things not by their actions is just wrong.

techkid · « **Reply #29 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 06:15 »

Quote from: pwhodges on 04 Jun 2012, 03:14

Curious how no-one's voting for Marten, who, after all, is the linchpin round which everything revolves.

Quote from: HiFranc on 04 Jun 2012, 03:55

He tends fades into the background.

It's because of that tendency that I ended up giving him my vote, though I could have selected P) All of the above (there's just so many quirks, nuances and even bits of realisation that each character provides that makes it hard to choose). Or to rephrase Wen the Eternally Surprised (Thief of Time):

Wen: "[...] I know the answers to many questions. Ask me."
[...]
Clodpool: "Er... who is master's favourite QC character?"
[...]
Wen: "Ah, one of the difficult ones."

I like these sorts of comics and what they say about humanity (and lack thereof) as a whole. Of course, many people have grown out of their superiority complexes and come to realise that people everywhere are just trying to live life. To them - ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: Enlightened Realisation. Learning that people are more than race, class, biology and desires is a lesson that too few people have learned.

I judge not by peoples looks or whatever anymore (What? Kids are always arrogant and I was no exception). If your beliefs are built of ignorance, arrogance and superiority whoever you are or wherever you might be from, then you have in my eyes earned a rank somewhere a few steps below bacteria. Or to put it in another way: Who are you to put words in God's mouth?

If anything else, if an omnicognizant, omnipresent, omnipotent being had actual issues with anyone... destroying an individual, a group or a species would not be much of a problem. Not that I seek to challenge God's power, mind you (Atheist, but not saying "God doesn't exist", but more "There's not really much reason to have faith in one, considering").

My philosophical rant is over for now. I need sleep...

jwhouk · « **Reply #30 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 06:26 »

Nice start to the week - and a pretty good poll so far:

The Unscientific Poll We Haven't Done In A While - Your Favorite Character?

Marten 3 (7.3%)
Faye 9 (22%)
Dora 0 (0%)
Hannelore 14 (34.1%) <If ANYONE is surprised by this, you're not paying attention.>
Pintsize 1 (2.4%)
Marigold 1 (2.4%)
Steve 0 (0%)
Sven 0 (0%)
Raven 3 (7.3%)
Angus 1 (2.4%)
Tai 1 (2.4%)
Penelope 0 (0%)
Momo 4 (9.8%)
Winslow 1 (2.4%)
Other (Specify) 3 (7.3%) <1 vote for Jimbo, 1 for Samantha, 1 for "All of the Above">

Total Members Voted: 41

Is it cold in here? · « **Reply #31 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 07:26 »

Quote from: Akima on 04 Jun 2012, 00:46

I admire Hannelore for her courage.

And yes Momo, it does hurt to be hated because of what you are...

Of course somebody, somewhere, hates everyone...

Hannelore displays the courage of a bullfighter just to get through the day.

Tom Lehrer made much the same point you did in the song "National Brotherhood Week".

DSL · « **Reply #32 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 07:40 »

Wonder if it's a coincidence M&M are walking by the church for part of this conversation. Or is it that if you walk anywhere in QCNoHo, you're gonna walk by the church eventually?

Think Jeph'll light that fuse?

Throg · « **Reply #33 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 08:32 »

I for one would love to read what Jeph has written as the 'canon' to the QCverse. I didn't even notice the church, but I found that last use of the word "we" for the AnthroPC's as a bit chilling -- like there's a universal hivemind of AI consciousness, and anything from a nuclear submarine to a toaster to an Idoru, can login and compare notes.

@DSL: I hope Jeph DOESN'T. That's a short fuse to a big stick of dynamite. Why poke the sleeping dragon?

Nikolai · « **Reply #34 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 08:39 »

I'm on my third read-through, and in one of the comments he mentioned he was hoping to stay away from religion. That was a long time ago though, maybe things have changed. Personally, I agree with Throg.

Barmymoo · « **Reply #35 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 12:36 »

I think I'd enjoy a brief religion arc - perhaps if Momo were to go to church a few times off-camera, and chat to the others about why humans put so much stock into gods. It would be interesting to get the robot perspective, and to hear the various characters' views. I don't think any of them seem religious, we've had no hint of it, but they might well have had interesting upbringings. I seem to remember Faye did have religion in her family, anyway.

celticgeek · « **Reply #36 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 12:57 »

Faye and religion.

idontunderstand · « **Reply #37 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 13:35 »

I was actually about to vote for Marten.. though I think I identify a bit TOO much with him for it to be comfortable to actually call him my favorite. I voted Faye, because I like girls who could, potentially, beat me up.

What? Don't look at me like that...

Border Reiver · « **Reply #38 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 13:40 »

Quote from: idontunderstand on 04 Jun 2012, 13:35

I was actually about to vote for Marten.. though I think I identify a bit TOO much with him for it to be comfortable to actually call him my favorite. I voted Faye, because I like girls who could, potentially, beat me up.

What? Don't look at me like that...

S'alright, we won't judge you
....

too harshly.

RyanW1019 · « **Reply #39 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 14:03 »

I just realized that I've been mentally reading Momo with Starfire's voice this whole time.

Reference for those who don't know: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTbNuoQTiGc

covale · « **Reply #40 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 16:24 »

Quote from: Throg on 04 Jun 2012, 08:32

I for one would love to read what Jeph has written as the 'canon' to the QCverse. I didn't even notice the church, but I found that last use of the word "we" for the AnthroPC's as a bit chilling -- like there's a universal hivemind of AI consciousness, and anything from a nuclear submarine to a toaster to an Idoru, can login and compare notes.

There IS a hivemind:

First mention that I remember:
http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1316

It happens:
http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1777
http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1780
and
http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1785

DSL · « **Reply #41 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 16:47 »

Quote from: Throg on 04 Jun 2012, 08:32

I for one would love to read what Jeph has written as the 'canon' to the QCverse. I didn't even notice the church, but I found that last use of the word "we" for the AnthroPC's as a bit chilling -- like there's a universal hivemind of AI consciousness, and anything from a nuclear submarine to a toaster to an Idoru, can login and compare notes.

@DSL: I hope Jeph DOESN'T. That's a short fuse to a big stick of dynamite. Why poke the sleeping dragon?

If it's any consolation, Pintsize has probably been banned from the important forums.
@Throg: I doubt he'll poke the dragon just for the sake of poking the dragon; that hasn't been his style so far. But he has done things he said he wouldn't do, at least indirectly; he commented early on after a fairly tame scene that he probably wouldn't get more risqué than that. And then, later on, he turned it up a notch -- but in service of the story, or at least a joke. But the place on society of AIs in the QCverse is obviously much on his mind and he's certainly thinking about ways to explore this.

Sorflakne · « **Reply #42 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 17:01 »

I foresee that we will soon see some bigots from the anti-AI church soon...

Is it cold in here? · « **Reply #43 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 17:26 »

There was a newspost that described a global meta-AI.

jwhouk · « **Reply #44 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 18:42 »

Quote from: Is it cold in here? on 04 Jun 2012, 17:26

There was a newspost that described a global meta-AI.

The one here:

Quote

Artificial intelligences are created in a virtual environment, where they are stored in a "creche" of other AIs in their generation. When bootstrapped to self-awareness, they are given a choice of function- commercial use (AnthroPCs), military, scientific, etc, or allowed to subsume in the global meta-AI. If they choose to go into "retail" they are allowed to choose a self-identity and are shipped to a reputable "dealer" (such as Idoru, in today's strip) where they are put up for "sale."

Purchase of an AI is not a binding contract- either party is free to terminate the relationship at any time, and the transaction agent will refund the contract fee. The use of terms like "sale" and "owner" are considered offensive by some, and are becoming rather politically incorrect (my use of them here is solely for sake of comparison, hence the quotation marks).

One would think that the majority of AIs would choose to simply be given a chassis and left to make their own way in the world, but the majority who do not go into a specialized profession choose to pair up with a human "owner." There has been much speculation by both humans and AIs as to the reason for this- no aspect of their programming indicates a cause for such a bias. The general consensus is that the average AI simply finds your average human entertaining, and enjoys the companionship.

tl;dr I am a big ol nerd

Omega Entity · « **Reply #45 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 20:26 »

Quote from: RyanW1019 on 04 Jun 2012, 14:03

I just realized that I've been mentally reading Momo with Starfire's voice this whole time.

Reference for those who don't know: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTbNuoQTiGc

Strangely enough, me too

Throg · « **Reply #46 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 21:00 »

Quote from: jwhouk on 04 Jun 2012, 18:42

Quote from: Is it cold in here? on 04 Jun 2012, 17:26
There was a newspost that described a global meta-AI.

The one here:

Quote
Artificial intelligences are created in a virtual environment, where they are stored in a "creche" of other AIs in their generation. When bootstrapped to self-awareness, they are given a choice of function- commercial use (AnthroPCs), military, scientific, etc, or allowed to subsume in the global meta-AI. If they choose to go into "retail" they are allowed to choose a self-identity and are shipped to a reputable "dealer" (such as Idoru, in today's strip) where they are put up for "sale."

Purchase of an AI is not a binding contract- either party is free to terminate the relationship at any time, and the transaction agent will refund the contract fee. The use of terms like "sale" and "owner" are considered offensive by some, and are becoming rather politically incorrect (my use of them here is solely for sake of comparison, hence the quotation marks).

One would think that the majority of AIs would choose to simply be given a chassis and left to make their own way in the world, but the majority who do not go into a specialized profession choose to pair up with a human "owner." There has been much speculation by both humans and AIs as to the reason for this- no aspect of their programming indicates a cause for such a bias. The general consensus is that the average AI simply finds your average human entertaining, and enjoys the companionship.

tl;dr I am a big ol nerd

Oh yeah, I remember the bit about the "creche". That's why I want to read Jeph's "canon". Who controls the artificial environment and the creche? Is there a single actual consciousness in the global AI? Do the AI's think of themselves as a "race"? Are they as puzzled by aspects of their own sentience as humans have been, down the centuries?

cvcharger · « **Reply #47 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 22:03 »

Quote from: jwhouk on 04 Jun 2012, 00:26

That would explain why AI's haven't progressed far beyond the Northeastern US or California, I would reckon.

Really, what if AIs are just hiding among the humans within the rest of the nation???

~~mustang6172~~ · « **Reply #48 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 22:27 »

I'm sick of Momo's "Little Mermaid" comics.

Kugai · « **Reply #49 on:** 04 Jun 2012, 22:40 »

Tai

At least the AnthroPC's aren't thinking of going Cylon on the Humans

Yet

THESE FORUMS NOW CLOSED (read only)

Poll

Moment Of The Week Time!

Author Topic: WCDT: 2201-2205 (4-8 June 2012) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread (Read 74057 times)