Internet Bot
A bot is common parlance on the Internet for a software program that is a software agent. Bots interact with other network services intended for people as if it was a real person. One typical use of bots is to gather information. The term is derived from the word “robot”, reflecting the autonomous character in the “virtual robot”-ness of the concept.
(Wikipedia. Internet Bots. – 3/7/05)

Bot in reality is a pretty generic term covering a wide range of programs. Examples include:

• Search engine bots – which crawl the internet databasing sites for engines like google. Also referred to as Spiders / Crawlers / etc. Best example of this is the famed Googlebot.
• SPAM – Spam bots crawl webpages, discussion boards, usenet (does that even still exist?) and Chat gathering e-mail addresses for Spammers to use.
• Games – Bots are used in a couple ways here:
  • massive(ly) multiplayer online role-playing game or MMORPG – Bots are used to allow players to continuously develop (level) characters at all hours of the day or night. Since leveling is related to repetitive tasks, they simply program their bot, throw the switch and walk away. This is illegal behavior in all games. To combat it the creators have implemented a series of anti-automation steps or Nerfing the game. These type of bots are often commoditized on places like e-bay
  • First person shooters – Have two types: Aimbots (used in shooter games to assist aiming) and ‘playerbots’ (which function as a teammate/partner player)
• Personal Messaging – These bots play “human” simulating a chatter on Instant Messenger, Chatrooms and Discussion Boards. Often referred to as Chatter Bots.

I’ll be researching the Personal Messenger bot types.
Why this type? I’m particularly interested in the implications of machines that lead you to believe that they’re human. Chatterbots are typically scripted to vehimently deny the fact that you’re talking to a program
As to how did this grow out of the webcam research… gimmie a day for an explanation.

Ok.

So.

I’m out of the webcam business. For a variety of reasons I have given up on that as a thesis topic. Primarily I don’t see the research as having much application. The text and video interface isn’t going to be with us for much longer. Once voice becomes widely available, its going to profoundly change the interaction rituals on camera. That means that my research would have a pretty limited shelf life. While it might say something about this little snapshot in time of webcam interaction, it won’t have a lot of application going forward.

And my family breaths a collective sigh of relief as I’m no longer working on hot sexy webcams.

Instead I’ll be looking into bots: AI programs that are programmed to act human. My interest in bots is an outgrowth of my webcam research. During that time I encountered a number of them while spending time in YahooChat rooms. So right now I’m pulling a new thesis proposal and refocusing my research. Which leads me to that other blog I mentioned a few days ago.

If you’re interested in following my research, I’ll be posting my public fieldnotes on that second blog: headnotes.

In other news, make sure you check out the new Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Internet Trailer. It’s far far better than the one currently running in theatres.

For thoses interested, here is the abstract from my thesis proposal. I’m still working to develop it and I need to get it to my group ASAP. But it’s finally coming together.

Over the last fifteen years tethered digital video cameras, commonly referred to as webcams, have transitioned from primarily one to many broadcast devices to peer to peer communication instruments. Today people across the globe use webcams, in conjunction with internet chat software, as tools for establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships. This shift in function has gone largely unexamined by both media outlets and researchers studying computer mediated communications (CMC). Of the analysis that is undertaken, much is based on folk biases and dubious research ideologies which rely upon an implicit relationship between technology and performance. Simply put the reason that either webcams cause people to become exhibitionists or only exhibitionists utilize webcams. Through a variety of methods, including historical research, ethnographic interviewing, and semiotic analysis, I intend to disprove such reductionist theories and present an alternative model for how webcams and a variety of other social factors mediate online interactions. The process I undertake will present methods for better applying social science tools to the field of CMC.

I’ve passed the halfway point. The chime of midnight, this past Friday, marked the official halfway point of the MAPSS program. Approximately 15 weeks down. 15 more to go. This has caused its share of hyperventilating. Still, if there is anything that I’ve learned, it’s when the going gets tough, the tough go upstairs and listen to Bon Jovi¹.

I will present my thesis proposal this Thursday. So, within the next few days I’ll publish my abstract to the blog. Hopefully this will clarify all the webcamming.

Here’s other news in brief:

• I thought Zatôichi is a great film. Conversely I was underwhelmed by Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence.
• Ossie Davis died. I’m planning on watching Bubbah Ho Tep, which strangely didn’t make onto his CV in his obits, as a tribute.
• Went to an awesome Cultural Arts Center/Bar/Performing Space on Friday night called The Hot House. If you’re in Chicago and enjoy Latin/World Music/Afro Pop you need to check this place out.

¹– This is an inside joke that only three readers of this blog are going to get. But they are three very important readers.