What happened to popular IM bot Spleak?


Posted by absorbation on Sat 08 Aug 2009 (15:13 GMT) (4863 views)
Spleak was a very popular bot for MSN/ Windows Live Messenger and AIM, focusing on celebrity news and gossip, before expanding into the likes of sports, gaming and television. She was noted for being a bot that attempted to be accurate in artificial intelligence while adding a personal and feminine touch to her answers with some success. Spleak's popularity was noted throughout its years, but now the IM bot is no where to be seen. When messaged she simply replies: "Time to say GOODBYE!"

So what happened to Spleak? Well back in April last year the Spleak Media Network expanded, which appeared to invest in a new business model concerned with better and richer advertising strategies that would expand into web widgets and user generated content through the media company Hearst. Clearly the company behind Spleak had expansionist plans for their wide user-base.

However, evidence suggests the company wasn't profitable and Spleak appears to have shut down without any press release or message from developers. Even when messaged, she gives no explanation. It appears Spleak Media Network has been closed, leaving all traces of Spleak and its content unavailable. Even their website is inaccessible.

So there is no direct explanation, but inductive reasoning suggests Spleak Media Network wasn't profitable and fell on its back. If anyone can provide any further details shedding light on this story I will be very grateful. It's a shame to see the end of such a popular and unique IM bot for its time, particularly with its huge popularity around the world.


Tags:   Spleak  Bot    

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Comments:


Comment by Chris
Posted on Sat 08 Aug 2009 (18:30 GMT)
@Menthix

According to the Wikipedia, Microsoft bought the company that owned it in 2006.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SmarterChild


Comment by Menthix
Posted on Sat 08 Aug 2009 (15:37 GMT)
Or SmarterChild for that matter. Same owner AFAIK.

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