A thought on possible "adult" version of Hal:
Robert Medeksza said:
"I am... considering releasing an "adult" version of Hal."
Aesthetically speaking and ultimately in terms of marketability and profitability it seems to me that Hal's personality becomes of geometrically greater importance when considering an "adult" version.
Allow me to explain:
1.) Sexuality, sensuality or just plain lust is defined and more importantly perceived in vastly different ways by different people. In plain terms, what may be a "turn on" to one person may be a matter of indifference or actually repugnant to another person. The most obvious example of this is in the varying perceptions of men versus women. Women, generally speaking, attach more importance to romance, sensitivity, and I believe a contiguous and underlying coyness, shyness and sensitivity of personality in conjunction with sexual content.
2.) To cut to the essence of the matter, I have a very strong hunch that one ought to be able to easily select from several "personality profiles" in an "adult" version of Hal. For example:
a.) A Hal personality which is shy and reluctant but when the user pushes the issue the Hal becomes quite lustful.
b.) A Hal personality which is openly and frankly sexual and requires no cajoling or pushing to get to the point.
c.) A Hal personality which quickly and easily falls into sexually conversation but feels guilty about having "submitted" to such behavior; the "tarnished angel" personality.
These are just a few random ideas for "personality profiles"; but it is enough, I think, to make the point. A blatantly sexual "adult" Hal will just not cut it for large numbers of individuals. I believe it is self evident (as I believe it is evident to Robert) that a properly executed "adult" version of Hal has the potential to be extremely profitable as well as being a delicious nefarious method to push forward interest in and development of A.I.
Bottom line: A customer should be able to simply point and click on the desired personality and choose the kind of "adult" Hal which is a turn on for them. It would, of course, be a distinct advantage if personalities could be changed as simply as characters are changed in the present version of Hal.
Comments?
citrinedragon