The MC Atrium got a little interesting
last Wednesday. The video touch screen vending machine generated a
small controversy last semester when then Stater writer Kristen Mott
criticized the addition of the computerized vending machine when
there were more pressing needs around campus. Since then, the
reception to the machine has been lukewarm. Some consider the
constant ads blaring out irritating. Others think the old
non-computerized machine was just fine. I'm inclined to agree
Even though I'm rather young by
comparison to others who say things like this, it still needs to be
said: Not every minor thing needs a computer inside of it. Vending
machines are one such thing. My university got this touch screen one
that plays ads. It really is kind of useless. Why get a more
expensive version of a machine that does the same job (dispense junk
food in exchange for money)? Then you have to factor in that now
instead of calling in an average vending machine repair guy when it
breaks down for some reason, you now have to get an IT guy as well.
And computers don't always work as well as they should. Case in
point:
As I rolled by the touch screen
vending machine in the MC, I saw something strange. Instead of the
images of food, there was a website with Victoria's Secret models. I
actually checked to confirm that it was in fact still a vending
machine and not one of those turn key terminals that were advertised
in the late 90s early 2000s but no one could seem to find. I will
admit I looked dumb but it was my only method of processing this.
Now I am not entirely sure how this
happened. So far I haven't been able to contact anyone who could
start explaining it. My best guesses are 1. It was hacked by someone
who was really bored but not hungry for junk food and had just enough
taste to not have the vending machine show actual pornography. 2. The
machine went on the fritz and someone moved it to the Internet before
it got off the fritz. 3. An incredibly weird ad campaign run by
people who don't know what they are doing.
It gets better. Whoever did this,
downloaded Shockwave Flash. Basically it turned the machine into a
Youtube enabled ENIVAC (one of the large early computers). A bunch of
my acquaintances proceeded to play some viral video dance music on
it. Specifically Gangam Style by PSY.
My first inclination was to call
security but A. I didn't have my cell phone. B. What would I have
said? The vending machine can now browse the Internet? C. Chances are
they would've told me to call some other person who was probably not
in the office anyway.
So I did the only logical thing. Just
sit back and watch the absurdity unfold. It resolved itself after
about 10 minutes but they were the second funniest 10 minutes of my
life.
