Techno-chat 网上闲谈

Dave: So how did you meet Linda?

Phil: I met her through a computer bulletin board (电脑告示板）.

Dave: Oh really? What bulletin board?

Phil: It was one I used down at the local coffee house called the San Francisco Net. It''s been around since about 1991.

Dave: I''ve heard about that., but I''ve never tried it.

Phil: You ought to. One dollar buys you 15 minutes of computer time. A "Chat session" links you with cappuccino sippers (喝加牛奶的咖啡的人）in other cafes and at home computers on the network.

Dave: I have no desire to talk on a network with a bunch of strangers.

Phil: That''s the whole point. All your inhibitions （顾虑；约束）disappear because you can''t see the other person. This network allows you to talk to people whom you normally wouldn''t talk to.

Dave: I just want a private conversation with one other person.

Phil: You can do that. A private session lets two talk alone. This techno-chat program lets you talk with about anything with everyone, without prejudice because you can''t see them.

Dave: Well, maybe I''ll tag along （跟着某人学样；紧跟在某人的后面）nd watch how you talk.

Phil: That''s fine with me. but we''ll have to get there early, because after 8 p. m. there''s always a long waiting line.

Dave: It''s that popular?

Phil: Welcome to the 90s!

Dave: Okay, okay. We''re there tonight. So what does it cost?

Phil: One dollar buys 15 minutes of computer time. This talk ain''t cheap.

Dave: I don''t know. I''ll feel funny talking through a computer.

Phil: Remember, that''s how I met Linda. I guarantee you can talk to girls who would never talk to you if they saw your face.

Dave: What''s that supposed to mean?

Phil: Look in the mirror, man. （老兄，照照镜子去吧）