Interaction With an Automaton
Today at the UPS Store
Me: Hi. I’d like to ship another of one of these boxes I sent last week.
Clerk: Oh yes, I remember you (types in my phone number). Same address?
Me: Yes, please.
Clerk: Okay, that will be $37.50.
Me: $37.50? It was $13.50 on Friday.
Clerk: Yeah, but this box is bigger. See, this box is 14 inches wide, and the one you sent last week was 13 inches wide.
Me: This is the exact same box, holding the exact same contents. The dimensions are printed on the side. See? Thirteen inches.
Clerk: Yeah, but it bulges out in the middle here. I have to measure it at its widest point, not across the top. I’m not trying to overcharge you, but I have to follow what the computer says.
Me: It’s just plush toys in here, I can fix this (taking box off scale and smushing in the sides). Try it now.
Clerk: Okay, let’s see…. Oh no! It’s puffing out again!
Me: Measure it quickly!
Clerk: Thirteen inches (punches it into the computer). What do you know? $13.50. One inch makes three times the price!
Me: Does that seem weird to you?
Clerk: It’s not my fault! It’s the computer!
Me: I know it’s not you, I just find it amazing.
Clerk: Yes…it is amazing….