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While it doesn't directly explore it, it is mentioned in Ubik: “The door refused to open. It said, “Five cents, please.” He searched his pockets. No more coins
by ryanchants 4y ago
While it doesn't directly explore it, it is mentioned in Ubik:
“The door refused to open. It said, “Five cents, please.”
He searched his pockets. No more coins; nothing. “I’ll pay you tomorrow,” he told the door. Again he tried the knob. Again it remained locked tight. “What I pay you,” he informed it, “is in the nature of a gratuity; I don’t have to pay you.”
“I think otherwise,” the door said. “Look in the purchase contract you signed when you bought this conapt.”
In his desk drawer he found the contract; since signing it he had found it necessary to refer to the document many times. Sure enough; payment to his door for opening and shutting constituted a mandatory fee. Not a tip.
“You discover I’m right,” the door said. It sounded smug.
From the drawer beside the sink Joe Chip got a stainless steel knife; with it he began systematically to unscrew the bolt assembly of his apt’s money-gulping door.
“I’ll sue you,” the door said as the first screw fell out.
Joe Chip said, “I’ve never been sued by a door. But I guess I can live through it.”
- cs702 4y agoThis already exists -- search online for "smart locks". It's only a matter of time before smart locks start charging a subscription fee. "Pay to manage your home's entry/exit security." Without a doubt, smart-lock makers are thinking about and want to figure out how to get consumers to subscribe.
- someweirdperson 4y agoThe subscriptions already exists, too. Search online for "smart lock subscription".