[voice]

[imperfect]

Hey. Got a question for all of the tech freaks out there. I know there's plenty of you around.

[It isn't the most formal way to start a message, never mind a request - but even so, there's a briskness to his voice that sounds almost business-like.]

Let's say I want to keep an eye on the names that show up on this thing [a couple of relatively loud taps] along with the new people. Is there a way I can set it up so it... [He hesitates for a fraction of a second, but carries on as if he hadn't.] lets me know somehow when a specific name gets added to it? Or any name, that works too. Just out of interest.

Details would help, but a straight yes or no's better than nothing. I'm not exactly expecting any hand-holding here.

Comments

voice;

[bratworth]

Waiting for someone?

[imperfect]

I'd be pretty surprised if most of us weren't. But it's mainly general interest, to be honest. A vague idea's not worth much before you know how to start implementing it.

[bratworth]

I'd sooner hope for less people I recognized making their way here, not more. Have you found the information that you seek yet?

[imperfect]

Well, I got a few leads. That's something. Although, yeah, I guess I can understand not wanting to get too many of the people you know caught up in all of this. ...Unless you just aren't that popular.

[bratworth]

Mm. Is that why you're keeping an eye out? [ A pause as he realizes that how might be construed, and a clarification -- ] Not wanting people you knew back home getting involved in... all of this?

[imperfect]

Come on, what good would that do? If they show up here, they show up here. Hearing about it a little quicker would be convenient, sure, but it'd still be too late to help. It's general interest, just like I said.

[Also, since he's an expert at misconstruing things, and not entirely sure if that one was unintentional...]

So... you aren't that popular, is that what you're saying?

[bratworth]

What? [ Hey! ] No, I didn't say that.

[imperfect]

My bad. Guess I shouldn't assume just based on the way you sound. Popularity's overrated, anyway.

[bratworth]

That it is, even when it does have its uses. [ a beat. ] I wonder if the same functionality could exist in reverse - some sort of notification when people leave.

[imperfect]

[A little quieter:] Not making a great case for your popularity there... [Then back to his regular (loud) volume.] Yeah, that'd be worth knowing too, but I'm guessing it'd be harder to pull off. One step at a time, right?

[bratworth]

[ He doesn't really care about being 'popular', anyway, but that doesn't mean he necessarily likes it when people point it out. But for now, he'll let it slide. ]

Indeed. Well, let me know if you find anyone. I'd be interested in monitoring this project's progress.

[imperfect]

Yeah, you'll hear about it. You and everyone else.

[bratworth]

In that case, I'll keep my eyes on the network. [ Like usual. ]