SideQuesting: Omegle

By now many of you have probably heard of Omegle.com, the 1-on-1 chat site that is based on quick, fun, anonymous conversations.  Bite-sized conversations, we can say.  The idea, an homage to the IRC and AOL chats of yore, allows only two complete strangers to connect via a very basic chat service.  The service offers only a space to read and type; no smilies, no icons, no colored fonts.

Perhaps it is this simplicity, then,  that keeps me coming back for more.  Like a quick fix, an Omegle chat can take place as you are drinking the morning orange juice, waiting for a commercial to finish during LOST, or when you are completely, utterly bored and have massaged the remainder of your typical email-Facebook-Twitter agenda.

You see, Omegle is addicting.  It is a game.  You cannot fail.  You can only disconnect or be disconnected on, without ever knowing the person on the other end… without ever caring about who you might offend (or perhaps get to know).  You cannot get upset, as you know that you will never speak to the person again.  You cannot fail.

Although Omegle has only been available for a few weeks now (an 18-yr old student founded it in March of this year) it has already spawned several games that can be played within it.  The games revolve not around what the user does, but what their chat partner experiences.  This is a site where your goal is to entertain your partner as much as possible.  Think: the ultimate CO-OP experience.  In this article, I’ll explain a few of my favorites.

First things first:  Omegle is so easy to use that it is impossible to flub.  Anyone of any age can figure out what to do.  The design of the site is perhaps better than anything Apple’s UI geniuses could create.  Elegant, simple, stupidly simple.

Game #1: Omegle Can Be Anyone

One of the first things users in chat rooms tend to do is to lie about who they are.  With Omegle, there are no screen names to expose someone (and no cameras too, thankfully).  There is no way to determine if someone is telling the truth or not.  Therefore, the temptation to become someone else can be quite overwhelming.  The users can begin by typing in an accent, utilizing words and phrases from 1800’s England.  Or by acting like a pirate, “yarring” their way through a conversation.  Talking about a recent adventure on the moon, or how they are CEOs for failing Wall Street trading companies, can be a terrific indulgence.  The longer the chat partner stays on while the user is in character, the better.

Connecting to server…

Looking for someone you can chat with. Hang on.

You’re now chatting with a random stranger. Say hi!

Stranger: hi

You: Yarrrrr!

You: ‘Ello matey!

Stranger: hahaha

You: Might ye be a wench or a chap??

Your conversational partner has disconnected.

Game #2: Omegle Trivia

An easy game to play on Omegle, if the users have the correct answers to back it up, is to host trivia sessions with the chat partner based on pop culture topics.  The most popular as of late have been relating to Eighties television shows, such as Full House or Transformers.  Try to see how many questions the partner can answer, without making them overly easy. A partner that answers more gives you undeniable bragging rights.

Connecting to server…

Looking for someone you can chat with. Hang on.

You’re now chatting with a random stranger. Say hi!

Stranger: hi

You: Hello

Stranger: what is your name

You: What was the name of the father on Full House?

Stranger: danny?

You: What were his 3 daughters’ names?

Stranger: uh i dont know

You: You lose Full House Trivia.

You have disconnected.

Game #3: Culting

Culting isn’t a new invention.  The art form has been found in media and social interaction since the beginning of time.  Culting is, for all intents and purposes, the ability to get a chat partner to do something specific, such as to visit a website or join a community.  The name comes from the comment that is often made to those who engage in the act: “Is that some kind of cult or something?”  Popularized on Omegle by the Joystiq Podcast Appreciation Group on Facebook, it is now used by anyone looking for instant web traffic.  Culting is simple spam advertising that can be fun, if played right.  The trick to culting is to engage in interesting conversation with a chat partner, leading them throught to the point where you drop the bomb about them joining the community.

From Yaniv (Actual Omegle Conversation):

You: may I please inquire, do you ever dabble in the likes of, video games?
Stranger: i am not much of a gamer, no.
Stranger: so sorry.
You: Are you opposed to the activity?
Stranger: no, certainly not.
You: How about Podcasts?
You: You of course, know what a Podcast is, correct?
Stranger: yes, i listen to a few.
Stranger: mainly npr.
You: How about Humor, are you a fan of humor?
Stranger: why yes, i do enjoy humor. laughing is one of my favorite activities.
You: Well then, may I make another suggestion?
Stranger: surely.
You: this one, I assure you, will not be as outlandish as the last
You: Please visit the JPAG on facebook
Stranger: okay, do tell.
You: if you require a direct link, and are opposed to going and finding it your self, one such link may be procured here
You: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=8702785815&ref=nf
Stranger: thanks, as there are several groups with the anagram jpag
You: why yes, the Joystiq.com Podcast Appreciation Group has quite a few offshoots
You: take for example, the JPAGP
You: and podcast based entirely off of a facebook group, based on a podcast, based on a site
You: and then the JPAGPAG
Stranger: wow, that could get confusing very fast.
You: an appreciation group of the afore mentioned JPAGP
You: there is in fact, I belive a JPAGPAGP
You: and a JPAGPAGPAG
You: May I pry a little further?
Stranger: certainly.
You: are you currently on the website
You: the JPAG that is
Stranger: why, yes, yes i am.
Stranger: that is to say, i have it open in another tab
You: What is your oppinion of the ‘Amalgamation of Nerdom’ that is present there?
You: are you quite at home? or is it a foriegn land
You: a land of vast, sprawling forests
Stranger: oh, i am quite at home among nerds. i consider myself a huge nerd.
You: and a native language of jargon which includes the likes of “There’s my steed” or “Fire Justin McElroy”

Just be weary of the reverse culting, as they can occur as well.

Connecting to server…

You’re now chatting with a random stranger. Say hi!

You: Hello!

Stranger: ToadTastic.com

Your conversational partner has disconnected.

Game #4: The Quick Burger

This is the simplest, and possibly the most fun of the games.  The “quick burger”, named because of how fast and delightful the event is, involves the user trying to make the chat partner eject from the chat as early as possible.  Common ways to do this are to say specific phrases that can turn a chat sour or somber almost instantly.  The “Let’s talk a little about Jesus” or “I have to start by telling you that I am a registered offender” are opening lines in the conversation that are sure to confuse and frighten your chat partner.

Connecting to server…

Looking for someone you can chat with. Hang on.

You’re now chatting with a random stranger. Say hi!

You: Hello!

Stranger: hi

You: Let’s talk a little about Jesus and what he can do for you.

Stranger: what

Game #5: Matrixing

Ah, the big one.  This game takes a true Grand Pubah to complete.  The goal is to draw the chat partner into some incredible story or task, keeping them online for as long as possible while the users maintain some unbelievable Matrix-like story.  The users announce to the chat partners almost immediately that they are now a part of a game or experiement, or some alternate reality, and that their cooperation is of utmost importance.  These lead to series of questions or miniscule tasks (both online and offline) meant to confuse the chat partner into believing that they are in some sort of alternate reality.  The game is meant to become more and more outrageous as the conversation continues, yet nested in enough reality to be believed.  These are trophies, meant to be printed and place in your Trapper Keeper for later display.

Connecting to server…

Looking for someone you can chat with. Hang on.

You’re now chatting with a random stranger. Say hi!

Stranger: hi

You: Hello!

Stranger: how are u?

You: You are part of a social experiment on Omegle

You: Let’s begin

Stranger: ok

You: What do you watch on TV

Stranger: is this real?

You: Yes

Stranger: ok

Stranger: Grey’s anatomy

Stranger: movies

Stranger: HBO

You: Do you think McDreamy is hot?

Stranger: things like that

Stranger: well he is fine

You: Okay, next question:

Stranger: what is your name?

Stranger: go on

You: My name is Mr Mister

Stranger: hahah

Stranger: ok

You: Question #2:

You: What is your favorite song right now

Stranger: sure this is a real experiment

You: Yes it is.

Stranger: right now…

You: Right now.

Stranger: Well i just got

Stranger: Simply Red

Stranger: 25

You: Great. What is yoru favorite Simple Red song?

You: *Your

Stranger: let me think

Stranger: hum

You: Tim is ticking

You: *Time

Stranger: a new flame

You: (Sorry for the typos)

Stranger: ok

Stranger: you are funny

You: Great. A New Flame It Is.

You: Question #3:

Stranger: come on you are not from m omegle

Stranger: be serious…

You: Do you prefer Pizza or Spaghetti?

You: I am from Omegle.

Stranger: pizza

Stranger: ok

You: My name is actually Mr Omegle. It’s where the name for the site came from.

Stranger: is this only for americans?

Stranger: ok

You: No it is for everyone.

Stranger: hahah

You: Pizza, good.

Stranger: i am having fun

You: Question #4:

You: When was the last time you looked at a clock?

Stranger: don’t you wanna know where i am from?

Stranger: hum… yesterday

You: I know where you’re from, I can see your IP address.

You: Yesterday what time?

Stranger: where am i from?

Stranger: hum… 11 am

You: You are from 125.92.0.18

You: Question #5:

Stranger: no way, come on the country

You: If you could be any bird, what would you be?

Stranger: um hold on let me remember the name of it

Stranger: hold

You: Hurry, Time is Ticking.

Stranger: wait

You: Your chance at winning a lifetime membership to Omegle is at stake.

Stranger: swiming bird,

Stranger: that litle one

Stranger: really fast

Stranger: that flies

Stranger: how do you call it?

You: Oh yeah, I know that one. Not.

Stranger: he kisses flowers

Stranger: help me

You: Hummingbird.

Stranger: what is his name?

You: Great.

Stranger: how do you call it?

You: Hummingbird.

Stranger: ?

Stranger: yes

You: Great.

Stranger: THANKS

You: Question #6:

Stranger: why did you say no?

You: (3 questions left)

Stranger: not this one

Stranger: is there a right answer?

You: What color are your socks?

Stranger: white

You: Great.

You: Question #7: (two more questions left)

Stranger: what are this questions based on?

Stranger: your time is running

Stranger: hahaha

You: If you wore a red hat, would you wash your hair before you put it on?

You: These are highly scientific. They will help make Omegle better.

Stranger: what??????

You: Do you wash your hair before you put a hat on?

Stranger: weird

Stranger: no after

You: Great.

You: Final Question:

Stranger: i am affraid

Stranger: of this one

Stranger: are

Stranger: you going to disconnect?

Stranger: after i answer it?

You: If McDreamy flew in on a hummingbird wearing a red hat, would you ask him for pizza or for orange juice?

You: No I will not, I promise.

Stranger: orange juice

Stranger: hahaha

You: CONGRATULATIONS!

Stranger: ?

You: You have completed the first level of the Omegle challenge!

Stranger: ok

Stranger: should i be happy?

You: yes!

You: You should be very proud.

Stranger: come on you are not from Omegle…

Stranger: why?

You: Most Omegle users do not pass.

Stranger: why not?

Stranger: what made me a winner?

You: I do not know, they just don’t.

Stranger: of the first step?

You: You ahve always been a winner in my eyes, and you always will be.

Stranger: what?

Stranger: come on

Stranger: who are u?

You: Thank you for your time.

Stranger: no

Stranger: do not go

You: I will now send you your prize.

Stranger: stay with me

Stranger: no?

Stranger: how come?

Stranger: you do not have my adree

Stranger: address

You: To recieve your prize, put your face close to the screen.

Stranger: no way yiu are a hacker!!!!!!!!

You: Then, we will scan your face and send you a t-shirt

Stranger: no

You: With your picture on it.

Stranger: you are a haccker

Stranger: send where?

You: I am not a hacker. I promise.

You: We will send the shirt to your house.

Stranger: what

Stranger: this is scary

You: It seems like you don’t believe that you just won.

Stranger: i wont give you my address

You: Do you believe?

Stranger: no

Stranger: prove to me

Stranger: no i don’t

You: We don’t need your address, the internet can find you.

Stranger: that’s scary

Stranger: come on

You: I’ll prove I know who you are.

Stranger: where am i from?

Stranger: go on

You: Answer this question:

Stranger: i am waiting

Stranger: another?

You: What is your favorite color?

Stranger: hum…

Stranger: blue

You: I knew it! That’s what I was going to say!

You: See, I know you.

Stranger: no way

Stranger: you are playing with me

Stranger: hahaha

Stranger: you are funny

Stranger: how old are u?

You: Here is a way to find out if I am telling the truth:

You: When you see the orange rabbit, follow it.

You: It will show you I am not lying.

Stranger: hahaha

Stranger: YOU ARE FUNNY

Stranger: but

You: Until then, press your face on your computer screen.

Stranger: no one is at the door

Stranger: no

Stranger: i know that one

Stranger: if i do so

You: We will scan it and send you a t-shirt.

Stranger: some sound will come up

You: No, no sounds will come up. I promise.

Stranger: ok

Stranger: suuure

You: Just do it.

You: I’m counting down….

Stranger: how old are u?

You: 10

You: 9

You: 8

You: 7

You: 6

Stranger: ok

Stranger: go on

You: (you’re going to miss out! do it quick!)

You: 5

You: 4

You: 3

You: 2

You: 1

Stranger: ok

You: You missed out.

Stranger: how come?

Stranger: i did not

You: I couldn’t scan your face

You: Nothing was showing up.

Stranger: why not?

You: Did you put your face on the screen?

Stranger: are u really serios?

Stranger: yes

You: Hmmm… Did you wash your face today already?

Stranger: hahah

Stranger: sure i did

Stranger: come on what is your name

You: Mauybe there is too much soap still on your face.

You: Or not enough.

Stranger: no

Stranger: come on

Stranger: you are the only

You: My name is Mr John Omegle.

Stranger: person i could chat all night

Stranger: only weird people around

You: My freinds call me Thundercat.

Stranger: is that a nick name?

You: Are you saying I am weird?

Stranger: of course

Stranger: no

Stranger: i am saying you are cool

You: Well then, no shirt for you if you say that I am weird

You: Oh, I am cool

You: Thank you.

Stranger: yes

You: I think you are cool too.

Stranger: are u a haccker?

Stranger: why is that?

You: Well, level 1 of the Omegle challenge has been completed.

You: I will not disconnect for a second. Please reconnect with me.

Stranger: i do not want to have to see you go away

You: You will be speaking to me again.

Stranger: how come?

You: Don’t worry, you will be speaking with me again.

Stranger: how?

You: We have to load the software for Level 2.

Stranger: how will you find me?

You: We have your computer’s identification. We can connect with you again.

Stranger: i cannot belive

You: Just click on reconnect when I disconnect.

Stranger: you are kidding me

Stranger: i ll miss you

You: And then when you reconnect, say these words right away:

Stranger: ??

You: “Hello, My name is Alvin. I found the Orange Rabbit”

You: You will be automatically logged back in to us on Level 2.

Stranger: ok John

Stranger: but

Stranger: it will be you?

You: Good bye from John and Level 1.

You: Yes.

Stranger: ok

Stranger: bye

You: Goodbye.

You have disconnected.