What is the prevailing thoughts here regading chatterbots? I think if there were programmed NPCs that could learn things from players, it would be very interesting.
I recently looked at some bots at Ai Research, and had some really interesting conversations. I know bots would not be nearly the same as talking with real people, but they might add some flavor to NPCs while Admins are not around to puppet them.
Just a thought.
SPLATJOB