Same issue of New Architect (also apparently their last): virtual elves: A write-up on ActiveBuddy and the BuddyScript SDK. “BuddyScript allows developers to create interactive agents either for internal use — an agent might be used to answer common human resource questions or for Internet marketing and promotion.”
“AOL must give permission before outside bots can be launched on its network, because ‘they have to flip a switch to let an unlimited number of messages go to one screen name,’ says Murray. This is referred to ‘provisioning the bot.'” If you have AIM, you must try out RecipeBuddie or you can use the MSN version of RecipeBuddie. 🙂