Here's some ambiguous dialogue I wrote, along with interpretations it elicited in March 1993:
A: Hey! Give me a hand with this...
B: Sure...Hold on a minute...This is going to turn out great!
A: Yeah, I'm sure it will, but could you help me out here?
B: I mean, who would've thought this would lead to anything?
A: I know; it's great. Now, could you please get out here and help?
B: Think about it. This could be the start of the most brilliant enterprise...
A: It won't be if this gets screwed up; come on and pitch in!
B: Most people can only dream of something so big...
A: For the last time, quit dreaming and help us set this up!
B: I mean, I thought it would work--but not this well.
A: Damn it, we need your help--now!
B: It just goes to show you, a good idea can set you up for life!
A: Arrrrrrgh!! Well, I hope you're satisfied; it's ruined now!
Questions: Who are A and B? What is A trying to set up? What accomplishment is B so enthused about? How does A's task become ruined by B's failure to help?
Responses:
...B is setting up a supremely and perfectly refreshingly Kool-Aid stand. A is silly and jumps out the window, breaking the stand down. (Cyndi A.)
...A is fixing the car that B and he share. (They're brothers or roommates.) B is excited about his new business, when he can't get to because the car is ruined. (Laura W.)
...A and B are chefs. A is trying to get a giant souffle into the oven, but unfortunately, B is terribly excited about having just entered the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes. Due to B's incessant banter, the souffle falls quickly before it can be returned to the oven. (Neil S.)
