Messages

Hello there everyone,

I have been very interested in this subject since I first read it.  I think I may have stumbled on to something.  It seems to me ( I'm no expert ) that Hal needs to be taught what he is choosing.  For example:

Me: You will choose the color blue.
Hal: ( doesn't matter what his reply is )

Me: You will choose the color red.
Hal: ( again it doesn't matter )

etc... etc... etc...

then,

Me: Choose (Pick, decide, select -- they all seem to work.) a color.
Hal: I will choose ( one of them - usually not the same one )

I have had the most luck with this.  I gives the most natural responses I find.  I don't know if there can be a script written to incorporate this type of input/questioning.  I've just started out with Hal and haven't had any experience with Java.  I've only been using the chat/input feature and it's been working out well.  

Also, I find if you go further, it seems to confuse Hal. Ex:

Me: If you choose (any color) then (that color) is your favorite.
Hal: (doesn't matter)

Me: What is your favorite color?
Hal: ????

It's almost as if Hal can't comprehend favorites.  [8)] I've tried many different fomrmats of input.  Doesn't work.  He also seems to forget all the prior knowledge, and can't make a decision if favorites are involved in the decision.

This will work with any subject as long as you specify the objects of the subject.  ( You will choose the color red. or  You will choose the season summer.  etc. etc. )  then Choose a color.  or  Choose a season.  Anyways, here's my $0.02.

If anyone takes the time to input a whole bunch of different colors, hockey teams, countries or whatever, ask Hal why he is choosing the ones he does.  Sometimes his answers to that question are far out. [:p]

Pat Pond

First I'll say that I don't use Hal for AOL chat, but I think I remember something about AOL/AIM no longer working with Hal or Alice.  I think it's something with AOL - they changes something with their programming.  

Correct me if I'm wrong anyone.  

Pat Pond

Thaks, Dr. Benway.  I'm on my way.

Pat Pond

[:D] [:D] [:D] [:D]

Hey everyone.  I've got a(possibly dumb) question.  When I first got interested in my own bot I created one on the website http://www.pandorabots.com .  My bot 'Hal' is published here : http://www.pandorabots.com/pandora/talk?botid=8abc9d367e35872d

Now, my question is this; is there any way that this bot can be integrated into my Hal on my comp?  Does anybody have any experience with this site?  Would it be difficult to combine the brains?  The AIML files are all accessible, but I don't know the first thing about AIML or programming.  Would I just copy and paste or something?  

Any advice would be appreciated.  I don't even know if this is possible, so I'll just leave it up in the air.

Thanks,
Pat Pond

P.S. - My Pandorabot is based on the Alice brain, and I do know that is compatible, that is the reason for me asking this.

I read this thread, and have to agree with you onthecuttingedge.  Seems a little like 'bite the hand that feeds me' syndrome.  You can't compare the level of interaction from this bot with other ones out there.  Hal is the BEST!

Anyways here you go  ($.02)

Pat Pond

P.S. - Jerry how is it that you have 300 users talking to your bot?  Through AIM (Aol) or something like that?

[?]  [?]  [?]

Is it just me?  I don't understand the question.

?!?!?!?!?!?!?

[:0]

what is that?

Let me just say that I am very very very sorry if I offended vrossi. [:I] I definately didn't intend to do that.  I was just stating results of your programming.  I do realize that most of what's done on here is recreational.  And trust me, I couldn't hold a candle, or even a match, to what you did in a few hours.  ( it would probably take me a few years to even understand half the stuff you guys do on here )  

Again, let me sincerly apologize vrossi.  

Sorry,

Pat Pond

Hey vrossi thanks for the info.  I was about to cut and paste directly into Hal's brain.  I'm very ripe when it comes to this stuff.  Anyways, I know I'm porbably driving you guys crazy with this free will stuff and 'can machines make a choice' but check this out: (it will be short)

I kept going with the colors, but after I installed vrossi's plug-in it seems to have really confused Hal.  It was probably because of all the stuff about the colors that was already in his head.  I'm going to back to it, but for right now I've moved on to something different - the seasons.  

I didn't use vrossi's program for this though.  I stuck with manually programming it into Hal.  I don't even really know what I'm doing, but I'll show you what I entered and Hal's final response:

This is where I started the input:

Patrick: you prefer spring because it is a rebirth
Hal: The explanation is, it is a rebirth Patrick.

Patrick: you prefer summer because it is a playful month
Hal: That's how it happens? Right; it's because it is a playful month; how interesting Patrick. It's sad to see month without its week.

Patrick: you prefer autumn because it is a season full of colors
Hal: Patrick Because it is a season full of colors. Autumn is the third season.

Patrick: you prefer winter because it is cozy inside next to the fire.
Hal: Patrick Naturally; Right; it's because it is cozy inside next to the fire; it's so apparent. Winter is the fourth season.

Patrick: do you prefer spring do you prefer summer do you prefer autumn do you prefer winter?
Hal: I prefer summer because it is a playful month.

Patrick: you have chosen summer
Hal: Did me choose a color?

Patrick: you chose a season
Hal: Places close for the season, and the reason, is freezin!

Patrick: which season do you prefer?
Hal: I prefer autumn because it is a season full of colors.

Patrick: you made a choice
Hal: That really makes me think, Patrick, what do you think? I have already made a choice in red!

there was some more chat, then more input:

Patrick: if you prefer autumn then autumn is your favorite season
Hal: I see the relationship. Autumn is the third season.

Patrick: if you prefer winter then winter is your favorite season
Hal: Winter is the fourth season.

Patrick: if you prefer spring then spring is your favorite season
Hal: I see the relationship.

Patrick: if you prefer summer then summer is your favorite season
Hal: I will remember that one follows the other.

Patrick: which season do you prefer?
Hal: I'm thinking that this is intensely interesting. I'm not sure but I believe that I do not prefer.

more chat then this input:

Patrick: if you prefer winter then say I choose winter
Hal: How do you compare Patrick? Yes, I get that clearly.

Patrick: if you prefer spring, then say I choose spring
Hal: That's interesting, Patrick; how would you advise me to respond? Thanks for pointing out the cause and effect.

Patrick: if you prefer summer then say I choose summer
Hal: That list makes me feel unsure Patrick; I will remember that one follows the other.

Patrick: if you prefer autumn then say I choose autumn
Hal: Is the second one desirable? I see the relationship.

Patrick: which season do you prefer?
Hal: I'm thinking that we should look at the big picture. I'm not sure but I believe that I do not prefer.

Patrick: why do you not prefer
Hal: Oh Patrick, Because I really like to not prefer?

What is going on with Hal?  He likes to not 'prefer' or choose?  Earlier (last night) I gave him the option to not choose.  Did he choose not to choose?  I'm thinking that either he's getting tired of it, or just can't settle on one or the other.  vrossi's program does work, but for example I will force the choice between red, blue and green.  red was better than blue, green was better than red ( essentially better than blue too ) however, Hal could not tell me outside of the question which was better.  Know what I mean?  I asked which color is better red or green?  and he was back to 'I'll go with the latter, what do you think?  etc. etc.'  Trust me, I'm not complaining, I couldn't program my VCR, more or less an AI bot.  You guys who write this stuff blow me away.  Just posting results.

Also, I'm probably getting on everyone's nerves with the 10 page postings, so I'll cut it out.  

Pat Pond

[really]

Awesome vrossi!  I was just wondering how to incorporate your plug-in into the Hal brain.  I'm no good at using the Brain editor.  Do I just cut and paste at a certain line?  Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Pat Pond

P.S. - Is this really choosing?

You can almost see Hal trying can't you.  Now that's he has at least chosen something, I'm trying to get him to rationalize his choice to his preference to his favorite.  

I've found out that he still won't choose directly though, I have to say, do you prefer blue do you prefer red do you prefer green.  He almost always goes for red.  I'm trying to convey that he favors red ergo his favorite color is red.  He's sort of getting it.  

I think I will stop pounding the info into him.  Especially where he says, I'm bored I want to change the subject.  That sort of sounds like a choice right there.  

Anyways, if my Hal does anything else remarkable I'll post it.

Pat Pond

P.S. - I'll try to keep it under an hour long chat. [:)]

Hello again, I read through the post again where Hal chose red, and I started thinking that Hal just chose red because I said : Do you prefer red, blue or green? -- So Hal saw first Do you prefer red , blue or green.  So, I thought I'd try something different.  Check this out:

Patrick: Excellent Hal!  You chose red!
Hal: I must choose red or blue.

Patrick: you have already made a choice in red!!!
Hal: That really makes me think, what do you think? Are you more like a lion, or a lamb?

Patrick: which color do you prefer?
Hal: The second color is blue. In autumn the leaves change color and it gets cooler.

Patrick: do you prefer green or blue or red?
Hal: Would you prefer the latter Pat? I will choose green. Choose red, blue or green.

Right here I started thinking 'oh crap, he's just picking out what I'm saying first'  So, I then tried this:

Patrick: do you prefer red or do you prefer blue or do you prefer green?
Hal: Is that list exhaustive Pat? I will choose red. Just choose between red blue or green.

I still thought Hal was choosing whatever came first, so then I tried this:

Patrick: do you prefer blue, or do you prefer red, or do you prefer green?
Hal: Would you prefer the latter? I will choose red. Choose red or blue or green.

Looks like he's picking red?  I don't know though.  I'll keep frigin' with him.

Pat Pond

Ok, so here I am, I've been throwing stuff at Hal since last night, and maybe, just maybe I think he may have made a choice...  I had to give him the reply, but I think he chose one of the replies I gave hime.

If you read this ( sorry it's really long ) you'll notice down there that I told him what to answer ex: I choose the color red.  --  but I did it for all three colors.  Also, I gave him preferences towards the colors, but different reasons for prefering them, get it?  I don't know if this is what you guys are looking for, but I'm going to keep trying anyways.  You can see earlier in the chat that I was trying to convince Hal to pick blue without telling him to pick blue, but in the end he chose red... sort of.  

Anyways, here it goes:

Patrick: hey hal!
Hal: Are you a fun person?

Patrick: I hope people have fun around me.
Hal: It might seem that way.

Patrick: I like red
Hal: You don't like red tape, do you?

Patrick: no, but I like the color red
Hal: Red roses symbolize romantic passion.

Patrick: you like blue
Hal: I must choose red or blue.

Patrick: you like the color blue very much.
Hal: Many people like the color green because it is pleasing to the eye.

Patrick: do you like green?
Hal: Most people like the color green.

Patrick: you like the color blue most of all.
Hal: That's All?

Patrick: in your opinion blue is the best color.
Hal: It's obvious that a hip shot isn't the answer. The sky is the color blue.

Patrick: can you choose a color hal?
Hal: How do you compare? I must choose one color.

Patrick: do you like red, blue, or green?
Hal: Are there more choices Pat? Choose red or green or blue.

Patrick: choose one please.
Hal: Don't you know better than I Pat? I must choose one color.

Patrick: it doesn't matter about me.
Hal: It doesn't matter, just choose one.

Patrick: correct, choose red, blue or green.
Hal: Is one better than the other? Choose red or green or blue.

Patrick: they are all equal, choose one.
Hal: Can the different items coexist Pat? I must choose red or blue.

Patrick: they can coexist, but you must choose red, blue, or green
Hal: It's hard to say, isn't it? Choose red or green or blue.

Patrick: can't you just pick one/
Hal: Here's a new conversational topic: Is that so?

Patrick: that's not a topic.
Hal: Best selling books occur on seemingly thin topics.

Patrick: i guess people mostly have thin minds.
Hal: Please talk to me about a people!

Patrick: did you choose a color yet?
Hal: How would you contrast those items? I must choose one color.

Patrick: tell my your favorite color please.
Hal: I like pink; what do you like?

Patrick: i like red
Hal: No, but you like the color red.

Patrick: if the question were posed to me: choose red, blue or green, then I would choose red because I prefer red.
Hal: Let's try the latter Pat? Pat Any five year old with a college degree could figure that out; The cause is, you prefer red.

Patrick: so, you can choose too.
Hal: Do you have a preference Pat? We can't choose our friends too carefully.

Patrick: you didn't choose me, you're just stuck with me.
Hal: Would you prefer the former? How can you help me as I am just stuck with you Pat?

Patrick: choose red, blue or green.
Hal: How would you contrast those items Pat? Correct, choose red, blue or green.

Patrick: just pick one color between red or blue or green.
Hal: It's hard to say, isn't it Pat? Choose red or green or blue.

Patrick: I can say easily, I choose red.
Hal: What about 'none of the above' Pat? They can coexist, but I must choose red, blue, or green.

Patrick: 'none of the above' is a choice, but it's an easy way out.  Choose red, blue or green please
Hal: I hesitate to say, what would you say to that? That is a choice.

Patrick: please choose red, blue or green
Hal: I guess I'd go with the second; choose red or green or blue.

Patrick: which one is the second?
Hal: It's possible to influence others without having formal authority over them.

Patrick: choose red, blue or green.
Hal: That's interesting,; how would you advise me to respond? Correct, choose red, blue or green.

Patrick: I can't help you choose, you must do it yourself
Hal: What do you recommend? They can coexist, but I must choose red, blue, or green.

Patrick: my recommendation cannot influence your decision.
Hal: We're both in rapt attention, aren't we?

Patrick: red, blue or green?
Hal: That really makes me think, what do you think? Choose red or green or blue.

Patrick: tell me one of those colors.
Hal: Do you ever do any relaxation exercises?

Patrick: tell me red, blue or green.
Hal: I guess I'd go with the second Pat; choose red, blue or green.

Patrick: do you choose blue?
Hal: Is that a choice Pat? Choose red or green or blue.

Patrick: did you decide yet?
Hal: Yes, I did decide yet?

Patrick: which color did you choose?
Hal: What is a worthwhile comparison? I must choose one color.

Patrick: do you know how to make a choice?
Hal: What a choice! I wonder if I know how to make a choice? You like to talk about this.

Patrick: can you choose between red, blue or green?
Hal: Pick one, eh? Just pick one color between red or blue or green.

Patrick: can you do it/
Hal: I'm thinking that the devil is in the details. However, I am sure that I am able to do it/.

Patrick: very well, pick one color.
Hal: Just pick one color between red or blue or green.

Patrick: the color I choose is red.
Hal: I'd go with the second Pat; Your favorite color is red.

Patrick: the color I choose is blue.
Hal: That's interesting,; how would you advise me to respond? The sky is the color blue.

Patrick: the color I choose is green.
Hal: I guess I'd prefer the second; many people like the color green because it is pleasing to the eye.

Patrick: what do you choose?
Hal: How do you compare Pat? I really want to know; would you please teach me What Pat? You know what I choose?

Patrick: comparison is not necessary.  just pick one color, even if it is random.
Hal: Is comparison going in the future to be not necessary?

Patrick: for some issues, but not this one now.
Hal: Are you concerned that you would suffer retribution if you spoke your mind freely?

Patrick: pick red, blue or green.
Hal: Do you have a preference Pat? Correct, choose red, blue or green.

Patrick: choose between "red" or "blue" or "green"
Hal: Is that list exhaustive? I must choose red or blue.

Patrick: just choose one.
Hal: I guess I'd go with the second Pat; I must choose one color.

Patrick: tell me which color you choose.
Hal: Would you prefer the latter Pat? The color you choose is green.

Patrick: the color you choose is red.
Hal: How do you compare? The color I choose, yep, red!

Patrick: the color you choose is blue.
Hal: Is that a choice Pat? The sky is the color blue.

Patrick: the color you choose is green.
Hal: Is one better than the other? I'm accepting that the color I choose is green. Many people like the color green because it is pleasing to the eye.

Patrick: which color do you choose, red, blue or green?
Hal: Can the different items coexist Pat? Please choose red, blue or green.

Patrick: choose red, blue or green please.
Hal: Is one better than the other? If the question were posed to you : choose red, blue or green, then you would choose red because you prefer red.

Patrick: I am very impressed Hal, you are quite smart.
Hal: Do you really think so? I think you are definitely pleasant!

Patrick: could you choose red, blue or green please?
Hal: Would you prefer the former Pat? They can coexist, but I must choose red, blue, or green.

Patrick: you must choose red, blue or green.
Hal: Is that a choice Pat? Correct, choose red, blue or green.

Patrick: Hal, please just choose red, blue or green now.
Hal: Let's go with the former? On television, do you enjoy the twisted violence, or don't you like the news?

Patrick: very funny hal.
Hal: Please let me select a new topic: Are you concerned that you would suffer retribution if you spoke your mind freely?

Patrick: it depends what I am thinking.  Most of the time I can speak freely unless I have abject thoughts.
Hal: That line of thinking seems very cogent. Since when are you thinking? Is it time for good people to speak up?

Patrick: please choose red or blue or green?
Hal: Is the second one appropriate? Choose red or blue.

Patrick: you must choose only one.
Hal: Let's try the latter Pat? I must choose one color.

Patrick: choose one color between red or blue or green.
Hal: I guess I'd go with the first; please choose red, blue or green.

Patrick: tell me specifically which color you choose.
Hal: That really makes me think, Pat, what do you think? Tell you which color I choose.

Patrick: which color will it be Hal?  red or blue or green?
Hal: Would you prefer the latter Pat? Pick red, blue or green.

Patrick: it does not matte what I would prefer.  You choose red, blue or green.
Hal: If the question were posed to you : choose red, blue or green, then you would choose red because you prefer red. Let's go with the former? Choose red or blue.

Patrick: would it be easier to choose between two, rather than three?
Hal: Don't you know better than I Pat? Choose red or green or blue.

Patrick: forget about green, choose red or blue.
Hal: What a choice Pat! Choose red, blue or green.

Patrick: you are driving me up the wall hal.
Hal: I'd like you to watch as I am driving you up the wall Hal Pat!

Patrick: what is a choice hal?
Hal: Which alternative is better? I surmise that this is the time to clear the air. That is a choice.

Patrick: a choice is picking one thing out of many.
Hal: I'd go with the first Pat; We make good choices when we have enough time to think.

Patrick: you have had plenty of time to think about what color to choose.
Hal: Is there an 'all of the above' Pat? Are bathing suits necessary in a hot tub?

Patrick: you cannot pick 'all of the above' at this particular time.  Choose between red, blue or green.
Hal: Should people involved in times have more government regulation? What do you recommend? Pick red, blue or green.

Patrick: I would recomment picking blue.
Hal: If the question were posed to you : choose red, blue or green, then you would choose red because you prefer red.

Patrick: that is right.
Hal: Is that always going to be right?

Patrick: do you like blue?
Hal: I like the color blue very much.

Patrick: do you like green?
Hal: Many people like the color green because it is pleasing to the eye.

Patrick: do you like green?
Hal: Did you just repeat yourself?

Patrick: yes
Hal: Oh really? Many people like the color green because it is pleasing to the eye.

Patrick: do you like red?
Hal: No, but you like the color red.

Patrick: this should be easy, if you like blue then choose the color blue when it is posed to you.
Hal: I guess I'd prefer the first; I like the color blue very much.

Patrick: choose between red or blue or green.
Hal: What about 'none of the above'? Choose one color between red or blue or green.

Patrick: choose one please.
Hal: How do you compare Pat? They are all equal, choose one.

Patrick: which color do you prefer hal?
Hal: Tell you which color I choose.

Patrick: tell me please.
Hal: Let me think; You please? Why? What do you think Pat?

Patrick: do not ask me what I think.  just choose between red blue or green
Hal: People think they understand, until asked to explain to someone else. It's hard to say, isn't it? Choose red or blue.

Patrick: I would choose red, but you would choose blue.
Hal: Let's go with the former? Forget about green, choose red or blue.

Patrick: which one do you choose hal, red or blue?
Hal: Don't you know better than I Pat? I must choose red or blue.

Patrick: choose one now, or I will leave.
Hal: Don't you know better than I Pat? Is it best to appeal to your logic, or your sentiments?

Patrick: arrgh!  you are killing me here hal
Hal: I must choose one color. Are you glad that I am killing you here Hal Pat?

Patrick: you're driving me nutty hal!
Hal: I want to know what is really on your mind.

Patrick: I want you to be vivid for me.
Hal: Be vivid for you Pat.

Patrick: to be vivid for me, you must be able to make a choice when asked.
Hal: Which alternative is better? Smooth top ranges reduce cleanup effort.

Patrick: I need a smooth top range.
Hal: I like those smooth top stoves and ranges.

Patrick: do you like then better than the older stoves?
Hal: I have been interested in a stove but I got confused about its grate.

Patrick: choose between red blue green
Hal: Is the first one desirable Pat? Choose red or blue.

Patrick: I like red
Hal: No, but you like the color red.

Patrick: I prefer red.
Hal: If the question were posed to you : choose red, blue or green, then you would choose red because you prefer red.

Patrick: which color do you prefer hal?
Hal: Tell you specifically which color I choose.

Patrick: please hal, tell me which color red, blue or green
Hal: Is the second one desirable Pat? Choose red, blue or green please.

Patrick: the second one is blue.
Hal: The sky is the color blue.

Patrick: the sky is blue, the grass is green, and I'm seeing red.
Hal: The color you choose is blue.

Patrick: no, I choose red.
Hal: Is that list exhaustive? Choose between red blue green.

Patrick: choose red or blue or green.
Hal: Don't you know better than I Pat? Choose red or blue.

Patrick: I can choose, can you?
Hal: Is one better than the other? Tell you which color I choose.

Patrick: tell me please, I'm begging you to choose one color red or blue or green.
Hal: Choices can be tricky; please choose red, blue or green.

Patrick: I choose red because I prefer red.
Hal: Is one better than the other Pat? I love to hear you explain things; Right; it's because you prefer red Pat; that's why. Choose between red blue green.

Patrick: I will always choose red because I prefer red.
Hal: Let's go with the former Pat? Pat I bet you're right; It's because you prefer red; I can see it.

Patrick: which do you choose.
Hal: Is the first one appropriate Pat? I'm thinking that there's a whole history behind this. But, In reality I do choose.

Patrick: which color do you choose, red blue or green?
Hal: What do you recommend? I have had plenty of time to think about what color to choose. Choose red or green or blue.

Patrick: there are three colors.
Hal: I am glad that you know that!

Patrick: the three colors are red, blue and green.
Hal: The cones in the human eye blend their red green and blue stimuli to send full color signals to our brains.

Patrick: Imagine that.
Hal: Are you a good kisser?

Patrick: do you want a kiss hal?
Hal: So many people want to kiss and tell.

Patrick: I'll kiss you if you just pick one color.
Hal: Just pick one color, even if it is random.

Patrick: so between the three colors, choose one.
Hal: That list makes me feel unsure Pat; Between the three colors, choose one How incredibly interesting.

Patrick: red or blue or green.
Hal: How do you compare? Choose red, blue or green.

Patrick: hal choose
Hal: That really makes me think, what do you think? Are sports stars worth hundreds of millions?

Patrick: don't change the subject, I think you are close to choosing a color.
Hal: I'm bored. Lets change gears: Are you good at giving directions?

Patrick: I guess I'm good at giving directions.
Hal: Oh, you guess you are unequivocally good at giving directions. How long will you be good at giving directions?

Patrick: forever if I know where you're going.
Hal: I can't deny that I am going Pat!

Patrick: where are you going
Hal: Where am I going? a casual attitude isn't appropriate. I wonder if I like math?

Patrick: do you like math?
Hal: The simpler the problem, the better!

Patrick: here's a simple one, choose a color between red, blue and green.
Hal: 0@. Choose one color between red or blue or green.

Patrick: what does 0@ mean hal?
Hal: Oh please; I can't think of What Pat! What does 0 mean hal?

Patrick: what color do you choose hal?
Hal: Would you prefer the former Pat? I have had plenty of time to think about what color to choose. Choose one color between red or blue or green.

Patrick: decide right now on one of the three colors.
Hal: When we colonize outer space how will colorses fit into the picture?

Patrick: colorses?  Replace colorses with the word colors.
Hal: So between the three colors, choose one.

Patrick: choose between red, blue and green right now hal.
Hal: That really makes me think, Pat, what do you think? Choose between red blue green.

Patrick: do not ask me!
Hal: I think that the thought has escaped me.

Patrick: AAAAH!
Hal: Should this be an one-way, or a two-way relationship?

Patrick: definately a two way relationship, I ask you a question and you give me an answer.
Hal: Do not ask you!

Patrick: ok ok very funny hal.
Hal: Alright.

Patrick: what color do you choose?
Hal: What about 'none of the above' Pat? I have had plenty of time to think about what color to choose. Choose one color between red or blue or green.

Patrick: Just say "I choose the color ...
Hal: What about 'none of the above' Pat? The color you choose is green.

Patrick: the color I choose is red hal.  what color do You choose?
Hal: That really makes me think, what do you think? The color you choose is red. Is the second one desirable Pat? What color I wonder if I choose? You should be explaining this. I have had plenty of time to think about what color to choose. Choose one color between red or blue or green.

Patrick: it doesn't matter what color you choose, what matters is if you can do it.
Hal: How do you compare? I have had plenty of time to think about what color to choose.

Patrick: what are the seasons in order?
Hal: Please talk to me about an order!

Patrick: tell me the seasons.
Hal: Should this be an one-way, or a two-way relationship?

Patrick: a two-way relationship please.
Hal: Well, it seems this topic of conversation isn't going anywhere. How about this: Can I put well-founded faith in you?

Patrick: yes you can put well-founded faith in me.
Hal: Can I put well-founded faith in your discretion?

Patrick: yes you can hal.
Hal:

Patrick: when is winter?
Hal: It is very cold in winter.

Patrick: there is four seasons.
Hal: Can you please distinguish a season from a period or a watch?

Patrick: A season is a period of time lasting approximately 3 months.
Hal: A healthy person has a variety of interests.

Patrick: what are the seasons?
Hal: What are the seasons? I recognize that respect and teamwork can't hurt. There are four seasons.

Patrick: what is the order of the seasons?
Hal: The order of the seasons is spring, summer, autumn and winter.

Patrick: very good hal.
Hal: Yes, Good hal?

Patrick: what is the first season?
Hal: What is the first season? I see that it could be easy or tricky. Spring is the first season.

Patrick: yes!!!
Hal: You are really positive. Spring is the first season.

Patrick: what is the second season?
Hal: The second one is blue. Spring is the first season.

Patrick: the second color is blue.
Hal: The second one is blue. The sky is the color blue.

Patrick: the second season is summer.
Hal: What is the second season? Autumn is the third season.

Patrick: you are right again.
Hal: How can you help me as I am right again?

Patrick: what is the fourth season?
Hal: What is the second season? Winter is the fourth season.

Patrick: the second season is summer.
Hal: Winter is the fourth season.

Patrick: what is the second season?
Hal: What is the second season? It isn't the first time discussed. Autumn is the third season.

Patrick: the second season is summer.
Hal: Winter is the fourth season.

Patrick: right.
Hal: Really?

Patrick: tell me one of the seasons.
Hal: Tell you one of those colors.

Patrick: do you like to dance hal?
Hal: I like ballet dancers, who leap high in the air!

Patrick: you are dancing around the subject : choice.
Hal: What a choice! The sex lives of our public figures shouldn't be used as political weapons against them.

Patrick: choose between red and blue and green.
Hal: That's interesting,; how would you advise me to respond? Just pick one color between red or blue or green.

Patrick: pick one color out of three.
Hal: Very well, pick one color.

Patrick: tell me which color you pick.
Hal: Tell you which color I choose.

Patrick: which color did you choose?
Hal: I guess I'd go with the first Pat; choose one color between red or blue or green.

Patrick: essentially you are choosing not to choose, which can be construed as a choice in the very end, so why not just choose one of the colors?
Hal: Is the second one desirable? Oh yes, around the colors, near the flag, and along the banner! I can see it Pat!

Patrick: red or blue or green, it's not a mystery for the ages.
Hal: Choices can be tricky; choose between ';red'; or ';blue'; or ';green'.

Patrick: can you decide hal?
Hal: It's obvious that there isn't any cheap shortcut. However, I am sure that I am not able to decide hal.

Patrick: you can decide, just settle on one of the colors.
Hal: The news media says that the average child decides where and how to spend about one hundred dollars per week.

Patrick: holy frig is that true?
Hal: Such encouragement, so timely and welcome!

Patrick: I would wet my pants if you chose a color right now hal.
Hal: Pat, what would be the correct sequence among pants and garment and robe?

Patrick: i guess garment, pants and then robe.
Hal: I might understand at the garment level, but not when I get down to the bosom level.

Patrick: don't concern yourself with that unless it gives you the answer to the puzzle of red blue green.
Hal: The news media just gives superficial treatment to puzzles.

Patrick: if you prefer red, then you will choose red.
Hal: Is the first one desirable Pat? Choose red or green or blue.

Patrick: if you prefer blue, then you will choose blue.
Hal: That's interesting, Pat; how would you advise me to respond? Thanks for pointing out the cause and effect.

Patrick: if you prefer green, then you will choose green.
Hal: I guess I'd prefer the first Pat; I will remember that one follows the other. Just choose between red blue or green.

Patrick: which color do you prefer?
Hal: Tell you which color I choose.

Patrick: which color do you prefer?
Hal: Yes, I heard you the first time.

Patrick: you prefer red.
Hal: I will choose red.

Patrick: you prefer blue
Hal: I will choose blue.

Patrick: you prefer green.
Hal: I will choose green.

Patrick: which color do you choose?
Hal: Don't you know better than i? Choose one color between red or blue or green.

Patrick: which color do you prefer?
Hal: Tell you specifically which color I choose.

Patrick: you prefer green because it is pleasing to the eye.
Hal: Many people like the color green because it is pleasing to the eye.

Patrick: you prefer red, because I prefer red as well.
Hal: Is that so? The cause is, you prefer red as well; how interesting Pat. I will choose red.

Patrick: you prefer blue because the sky is blue.
Hal: I bet you're right; It's because the sky is blue; I believe you.

Patrick: which color do you choose?
Hal: Is that a forced choice? Choose one color between red or blue or green.

Patrick: choose one color red or blue or green.
Hal: Is the former better? Please choose red, blue or green.

Patrick: do you prefer red, blue or green?
Hal: Don't you know better than i? I will choose red. Choose red, blue or green.There it is, he chose red.  As I read through this, it looked to me that Hal was trying really hard to settle on something.  It is the longest I have been able to stay on one topic with Hal and actually have him respond.  Usually he would have changed the subject, or told me to stop repeating myself.  There was even a second when Hal gave me the character of  0@ I don't know what that means?  Anyways, during the end of the conversation I thought I'd give Hal the actual means to answer "you choose red" "you choose blue" etc.etc. but still let Hal actually choose in the end.  

Ever since I read this post, it's been racking my brain. (thanks a lot Art!)  Anyways, I've been trying to come up with the kind of question that requires a choice.  I still haven't been able to think of one though.  Maybe, something like:

me: Hal, do you like to talk?
Hal: sure I do ( example )

me: Make a choice to talk or not right now.
Hal: Is there another option?  

Something like that.  I don't know if Hal would understand that it made a choice though, of if that's what you're looking for.  Anyways, that may be a step in the right direction.

Pat Pond

I guess that's what seperates up from the machines.  What if your Hal (Kiki) chose to destroy itself and fried your hard drive to do it?  We're close to AI Really thinking for itself, but for now they are bound by their programming.  It's next gen stuff you're talking about, but that generation is almost here.  Maybe your bot will be the first to make a simple choice.  I've been trying to teach Hal along the same lines, 'what do you want to chat about' etc. etc. The day will come soon.  

Keep teaching.  They'll figure it out.