Good points, Mitchell. Thanks. I am a bit cynical ( a bit?) and believe humans can be sold absolutely ANYTHING. First stop Roomba. Second -- microchips implanted in our hands. Next stop? Affectionate, companionable machines? Not so far fetched, I think.
We are such sheep. Perfect example - Paying $100 for a new pair of jeans that are already shredded and have holes in the knees and ragged cuffs. How asleep does one have to be to not know when they are being duped?
This whole idea is so thought-provoking, Sharron. I wonder how a compandroid relationship would be fulfilling to such a kind and sensitive man as your protagonist, as he knows that all of their interactions are predictable and programmed.
It's a little sad to see this fictional character give up on human companionship when there are, no doubt, many potential mates nearby in the same situation--Which I think might be the whole point of this excellent little story.
How will our electronic age, our virtual society cause humans to become so alienated, so distant from each other that we'd resort to physical, mechanical friends? I personally know people who spend most of their waking hours in the other worlds of virtual gaming rather than be out where they can interact with real people in the real world. Even more shocking to me is this: How many hours do I, myself, spend interacting with my readers - people I have never met and never will meet except via a screen?
So... yeah. I think I should head out to Florida sometime soon, and have a drink with you and Erin, just so I can say I met you in the real world and shook your hand. Then to England to meet Rebecca and Terry. Then to New York, somewhere Along the Hudson...
Very cool questionnaire and checklist form. Well done, Sharron! I think the Compandroid could only be a tool, to perform a function. The checklist shows some very nice features. I would add two - its own will, and spirit, Can the Compandroid choose to choose him? Female - brunette - green eyes - beautiful - curvy. : )
Can the Compandroid choose him?? Wow! Great question, James. How would one feel if he or she ordered an android and then was rejected by it! "Sorry, pal, you are just not my type. I am going back to the factory." OMG!
Can't imagine an adroid to come close to the mate I have. I don't think I could order one as replacement fill-in when he dies. It was hard to write that word... but we're both "old' and one of us will
die first. Incredible definition of devastated. I could hire an army of droids to do the work he does here but the cavern of missing him would still be there.
You are definitely a lucky woman to have found just the right companion years ago. You will never find another one like him. But I could see the benefit of an android trained in carpentry, plumbing, electric work, and other trades.
I think not. A Comandroid can not provide the feeling of a warm human hug, a loving touch, or that special smile, I'd be looking for. Yet, your point is well taken regarding how much time I spend interacting with readers I will never meet on Substack So, who knows.
You totally had me going here. I thought this was real 🤣
If I had a Compandroid it would probably collect dust in the corner like a treadmill lol. I love my quiet, uninterrupted life! If I need more of a companion than my dog I'll go adopt a couple more dogs 🐕
This is such a thought-provoking post, Sharron - and I love everything about it! I've read it several times in the last few minutes, and only on my second reading did I notice that your protagonist refers to 'the order form'! 😆
And heck, of course I had a go at picking five attributes for my own Compandroid. Turns out I don't need one, because I am very fortunate to have already been matched with male, tall, thoughtful, domestic/home, artistic. ♥️
Good points, Mitchell. Thanks. I am a bit cynical ( a bit?) and believe humans can be sold absolutely ANYTHING. First stop Roomba. Second -- microchips implanted in our hands. Next stop? Affectionate, companionable machines? Not so far fetched, I think.
We are such sheep. Perfect example - Paying $100 for a new pair of jeans that are already shredded and have holes in the knees and ragged cuffs. How asleep does one have to be to not know when they are being duped?
Ha Ha Ha I just have one word for you, Mitchell: Baaaaaaaaa!
Female, kind. Or kind of female?
Yow! Good question. I was thinking kind and female, but you never know ...maybe this man would be happy with just kind of female.
This whole idea is so thought-provoking, Sharron. I wonder how a compandroid relationship would be fulfilling to such a kind and sensitive man as your protagonist, as he knows that all of their interactions are predictable and programmed.
It's a little sad to see this fictional character give up on human companionship when there are, no doubt, many potential mates nearby in the same situation--Which I think might be the whole point of this excellent little story.
How will our electronic age, our virtual society cause humans to become so alienated, so distant from each other that we'd resort to physical, mechanical friends? I personally know people who spend most of their waking hours in the other worlds of virtual gaming rather than be out where they can interact with real people in the real world. Even more shocking to me is this: How many hours do I, myself, spend interacting with my readers - people I have never met and never will meet except via a screen?
You are welcome anytime!
Just dreaming... ha ha ha But thanks!
So... yeah. I think I should head out to Florida sometime soon, and have a drink with you and Erin, just so I can say I met you in the real world and shook your hand. Then to England to meet Rebecca and Terry. Then to New York, somewhere Along the Hudson...
Sounds like a plan.!
😁😁
Very cool questionnaire and checklist form. Well done, Sharron! I think the Compandroid could only be a tool, to perform a function. The checklist shows some very nice features. I would add two - its own will, and spirit, Can the Compandroid choose to choose him? Female - brunette - green eyes - beautiful - curvy. : )
Can the Compandroid choose him?? Wow! Great question, James. How would one feel if he or she ordered an android and then was rejected by it! "Sorry, pal, you are just not my type. I am going back to the factory." OMG!
LOL. Would that be depressing, or what? : )
Can't imagine an adroid to come close to the mate I have. I don't think I could order one as replacement fill-in when he dies. It was hard to write that word... but we're both "old' and one of us will
die first. Incredible definition of devastated. I could hire an army of droids to do the work he does here but the cavern of missing him would still be there.
You are definitely a lucky woman to have found just the right companion years ago. You will never find another one like him. But I could see the benefit of an android trained in carpentry, plumbing, electric work, and other trades.
ha, where do I send the form . . . what happened to Opposites Attract? think at some point I would feel bored, then what?
No worries, Sharon. You can always send them back for an upgrade or retrofit. Or just turn them off to wait in the closet until needed.
I think not. A Comandroid can not provide the feeling of a warm human hug, a loving touch, or that special smile, I'd be looking for. Yet, your point is well taken regarding how much time I spend interacting with readers I will never meet on Substack So, who knows.
I don't know, that's for sure, Janice. You are a friend, who I am pretty sure I will never meet in person.
Yup. the handy neighbor without the complications. ))K
You totally had me going here. I thought this was real 🤣
If I had a Compandroid it would probably collect dust in the corner like a treadmill lol. I love my quiet, uninterrupted life! If I need more of a companion than my dog I'll go adopt a couple more dogs 🐕
Having said that, if there was a Denzel Washington 2.0 model I might take it for a test drive.
I do like the way you think, Kristi. There's always an angle.
Good thinking. However, a Compandroid also makes a good clothes rack.
I almost posted this too 😁 Great minds.
Just want the Compandroid car that let's me get another hour's sleep on my commute! 🥱 A fun post Sharron!
Heck, you won't have to wait very long for that!
I know, I just need my income to go up!
This is such a thought-provoking post, Sharron - and I love everything about it! I've read it several times in the last few minutes, and only on my second reading did I notice that your protagonist refers to 'the order form'! 😆
And heck, of course I had a go at picking five attributes for my own Compandroid. Turns out I don't need one, because I am very fortunate to have already been matched with male, tall, thoughtful, domestic/home, artistic. ♥️
And really handsome, too. Lucky girl! (Oh, and when I call you girl, take into consideration my advanced age...)
😊