On special asssignment to Matthew Linton, the editor of Mac OS Daily, it was decided to launch an intriguing series in 2000 that would make a splash. It was proposed that John write an anonymous column of the exploits of a resident alien scientist on Earth, NikksuhrueTan. Much work was put into this, and it was decided to play it straight in that we presented "Nikki" as real, writing for the first time on the Internet, and my name was never disclosed -- even though many readers speculated about who the real author was behind the scenes.
The by-line went as follows: NikksuhrueTan, the first resident extraterrestrial to be permitted to publish on the Earth's Internet, is an anthropologist. By good fortune and some special connections "she" will be writing a series at MacOS Daily called "The Fountain of Hippocrene" - in which she will provide gentle commentary on the evolution of Earth's computer and communication technologies. Her column apears every Thursday.
Unfortunately, the premature demise of Mac OS Daily brought an early end to this series -- which was enormous fun to write.
#1 - Series Launch - March 7, 2000
Nikki introduces herself and explains why she came to Earth.
#2 - Essay #2 - March 15, 2000
Nikki describes her early life on Cerran, her academic interests, and her perceptions of the personal computer.
#3 - Essay #3 - March 22, 2000
Nikki talks about the sociological effects of electronic mail and answers reader questions.
#4 - Essay #4 - March 29, 2000
Nikki makes some predictions about the future of computer technology on Earth in ten year increments.
#5 - Essay #5 - April 5, 2000
Nikki describes an unpleasant incident during a trip to Princeton. She also describes her research interests.
#6 - Essay #6 - April 10, 2000
Nikki provides a stern warning about the Wild West Internet as well as robots.
#7 - Essay #7 - April 16, 2000
Nikki provides some background on Cerran, her trip to Earth, and her implant. More Q&A.
#8 - Essay #8 - April 23, 2000
Nikki moves frm Ft. Monmouth to the Foreign Language Center in Monterey. She discusses the abuses of power.
#9 - Essay #9 - April 30, 2000
Nikki talks about Apple being in "drift mode". Urgent business comes up in Washington, D.C., and she has to suspend her writing.