Newsgroups: rec.arts.int-fiction
Path: gmd.de!xlink.net!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!noc.near.net!transfer.stratus.com!jjmhome!schunix!sonix
From: sonix@schunix.dmc.com (Duane Morin)
Subject: Re: Parsers
Message-ID: <1994Mar7.131506.27537@schunix.dmc.com>
Organization: SCHUNIX Public Access Unix for Worcester County, MA, USA
References: <CM2o4I.AB3@world.std.com> <ZP3qic3w165w@alcyone.darkside.com>
Date: Mon, 7 Mar 94 13:15:06 GMT
Lines: 43

In article <ZP3qic3w165w@alcyone.darkside.com> max@alcyone.darkside.com (Erik Max Francis) writes:
>This is something that I've wondered about on and off for some time 
>now.  Should the cursor change when the computer is asking you a 
>question (to confirm, or to clarify)?  I think it should:
>
>    >unlock the door
>    Which door do you mean, the big door or the little door?
>
>    :the big one
>    Unlocked.

I like it.

>Also, how far should these synonyms extend?  For example, if I type 
>SHOOT THE GIRL, should the parser ask me
>
>    Which girl do you mean, Shirley Temple or the hardened prostitute?

Might depend on how you're introduced to each character.  I mean, do 
you originally get:

There is a young girl here.
>ask girl about name
"Shirley Temple."

You should still be able to refer to her as "girl".  But:

Shirley Temple is here.

THen it might become optional.  Anybody gonna write a politically correct
adventure game?

There is a woman here, doing her husband's taxes.
>ask girl about taxes

"Girl?! GIRL!!  DO I LOOK LIKE A GIRL??"

:)

>Erik Max Francis, &tSftDotIotE ...!uuwest!alcyone!max max@alcyone.darkside.com

Duane

