1.12.3 网上聊天

M: So how did you meet Bill?

W: I met him through a computer bulletin board.

M: Oh, really? Which bulletin board?

W: It was one I used down at the local coffee house called the San Francisco Net. It's been around since around 1991.

M: I've heard about that, but I've never tried it.

W: You ought to. One dollar buys you 15 minutes of computer time. A “Chat session” links you with cappuccino sippers in other cafes and also to home computers on the network.

M: I have no desire to talk on a network with a bunch of strangers.

W: That's the whole point. All your inhibitions disappear because you can’t see the other person. This network allows you to talk to people whom you normally wouldn’t talk to.

M: I just want a private conversation with one other person.

W: You can do that. A private session lets two people talk alone. This techno-chat program lets you talk about anything with everybody, without prejudice because you can’t see them.

M: Well, maybe I'll tag along and watch how you talk.

W: That's fine with me, but we'll have to get there early. Because after 8:00 pm, there is always a long line.

M: It’s that popular?

W: It sure is.

M: Ok, ok. We are there tonight. So what does it cost?

W: One dollar buys 15 minutes of computer time. This talk isn’t cheap.

M: I don't know. I’ll feel funny talking through a computer.

W: Remember, that’s how I met Bill. I guarantee you can talk to girls who would never talk to you if they saw your face.

M: What's that supposed to mean?

W: Look in the mirror, man.