A Conversation with the Non-living
+ Welcome to automated [Name of Mail Services Company] re-delivery service. Please say your delivery reference number, or say "I don’t have it."
- *silent* *not sure of what to say*
+ What’s that? Do you have a delivery reference number?
- Umm… Yes?
+ Please say your delivery reference number.
- 123456789.
+ Thank you. 123456789. Is that correct?
- Umm.. Yes.
+ Now, please say your complete postcode.
- AB1 2CD.
+ Thank you. Do you want the package to be delivered to the same home address, or to your office address?
- Home.
+ Please say your contact number.
- 07712345678.
+ What’s that? 07712345678. Is that correct?
- Yes.
+ Thank you. The earliest time that our courier can deliver your package will be on the 20th of May 2006, between 8am to 6pm. Is that okay for you?
- Yes.
+ Thank you. You will need to sign and provide an identification. You may show your driving licence, bank card or passport. Our courier will deliver between 8am to 6 pm on the 20th of May 2006. Thank you for calling [Name of Mail Services Company].
- *put down the phone, uncertainly*
Postscript.
Is it normal to feel weird to converse verbally with a machine?
Honestly, the experience has crept me out a bit.
Despite the fact that I’m into fantasy books and have got a love-hate relationship with sci-fi, I think it will take time for me to get used to these freaky automated thingamajig services.
