The article describes an conversation of Daniels boss with #ELIZA (one of the first chatbots) which went something like this
VP: Do you think that I can use the computer this morning?
ELIZA: Why do you ask?
VP: I might be able to make some additional telcomp sales.
ELIZA: Why aren't you sure?
VP: My prospective customers have never seen a demonstration of the system.
ELIZA: Does this mean very much to you?
VP: Of course it does.
ELIZA: You seem very positive of that.
VP: This is ridiculous.
ELIZA: What do you mean this is ridiculous?
VP: Is there any reason why I can't use the computer now?
ELIZA: Tell me more about your prospective customers.
VP: Call me
Note that after that remark the VP left out the period. Therefore, of course, the computer didn't answer him. This so infuriated the VP, who thought I was playing games with him, that he called me up, woke me from a deep sleep, and said:
Why are you being so snotty with me?
What do you mean why am I being snotty to you?
The VP angrily read the dialog that 'we' had been having, and couldn't get any
response but laughter from me. It took me a while to convince him it really was the
computer.
