From April 1992: More ambiguous dialogue I wrote and two respondents' interpretations:
A: Hmmm...
B: Something wrong?
A: Oh...No, not really.
B: You sound puzzled.
A: Me? No, everything's fine.
B: If it's unclear, I could explain it again.
A: There's no problem.
B: Really? Most people don't get it the first time around.
A: It's not that difficult...Really...
B: Well, if you're sure, then, I'll take off...
A: Fine...Thanks for offering to help.
B: OK, see you later.
A: Um...Hold on just a minute.
B: Need help?
A: Well...Yeah, I guess I do.
B: I'm not surprised.
Questions: Who are A and B? What problem is A facing, and why is (s)he reluctant to accept B's help? What task do most people not get the first time around?
Responses:
...Obviously, A is a freshman in his first comp. sci. class at Mizzou. B is the instructor. He (A) can't find the on switch. (Paul I.)
...A has just been selected to kill squirrels. He has been informed that squirrels are actually immortal. Since 1912, the government has been secretly selecting squirrel exterminators, like jury duty. (Jonathan B.)
