Cobra8007,
The If-Then function shouldn't be overly used. It is sort of a crutch for Hal. If you need a specific reply then the If-Then function is one way to do it. Oops, did I make an If-Then sentence? Geez, I've been scripting too much lately. [:p]
I get a lot of questions about the "related topics" questions that Hal asks. I've been trying to think of a better way for Hal to ask.
Right now Hal asks something like this:
"Are "beer" and "hops" related topics?"
I'm thinking of changing it more to something like this:
"Question. If we are talking about "beer" should I assume we are still on the same topic as hops?"
As the brain surgeon I understand what Hal is really asking. Unfortunately it isn't as clear to users. What it comes down to. Let's say "yes" to Hal's inquiry about "beer" and "hops". Later on you are talking to Hal like this:
User: Budweiser is not the King of Beers. <-- Hal thinks the topic is beer.
Hal: Belgian beer is better. <-- Beer related reply.
User: Hops are the key to good brew. <-- You didn't say "beer" so Hal looks for words related to beer. If he finds one then he knows you are still taking beer. If not, then Hal still might use beer once as the current topic.
Hal: Good beer has lots of hops. <-- Hal knows "hops" are related and is still on topic.
Okay, "beer" and "hops" are sort of obvious. What about "beer" and "water"? Beer has water, but I don't think if you are talking about water that Hal should be considering topics about beer. In the end just use your best judgment. It doesn't make too big a difference. If you treat a lot of words as related then Hal may be a little reluctant to change topics. One small point, Hal won't change the topic to a related word topic, related words only allow Hal to stay on a topic if you use a related word.
Urban Legend: In the XTF Brain v1.2, if you say to Hal, ""Beer" and "malt" are related topics." he won't relate the words. He only relates words if you reply in the affirmative to his inquiries. I haven't decided yet if I will let Hal learn related words specifically from user input.
I hope that helps.
=vonsmith=