Incorporation of Themes, Context and Subtext

The Memecom Gateway is mimicking a computer desktop, yet even when viewing the source code for this simulation operating system the overall story is still represented. Like a fractal narrative, where every detail provides information on the entirety. With this in mind, I wanted to make sure that all the details of the work reflected something of the main themes.

The boot up sequence at the start of the piece uses the Memecode encryption process to insert subliminal messages and ideas that allude to the central ideas. 'ABANDONH0P3-A11WH03N73Rh3r3' appears at one point, referring to 'Abandon hope, all who enter here' from Dante's Inferno, written above the gate to Hell. References to the 'master' and 'slave' hard drives are labelled '57A73C0N7R01' and 'HUDD13DMA5535', or 'State Control' and ';Huddled Masses'. In the email communications, the included user codes reveal information through another use of the Memecode cipher, such as '707a1i7arian.m0ns7r05i7y.acc3p7anc3@posting.randomain.freelink.int'.

The logo for Memecom is comprised of an iris map used in alternative medicine as a diagnosis tool, taking the idea of biometric iris scanning and suggesting that it could be able to look deeper than our identity. In contrast, the symbol overlaid is that of the astrolabe; an ancient method of mapping the stars from a time when the stars were seen as having a controlling influence on our destiny.

The main desktop aesthetic is based on the Tibetan Mandala to reinforce the ideas of religious or sacred spaces, this is further evolved by the use of occult symbolism when dealing with hackers and demonic or hellish references when dealing with the heart of the soulless corporation. There are different means of interaction available through the Memecom Gateway. The first method is via the main screen where user the friendly interface will guide a user to the most basic levels of information. Then the files of Memecom Gateway can be reached via the directory explorer, which will list clearly the full contents of the virtual hard drive. Some of these files can only be accessed via the Randos system, a pastiche of the MS-DOS source code of Microsoft based products and another means of examining the contents of the Memecom Gateway. Whereas, some items can only be accessed by exploring the actual CD by returning to the host OS and exploring the various folders.

Some of the forms of interaction come from a remote source in the form of the ID:Rapist hacking attempt or the pop-up alerts and spam adverts. In one section it is possible to speak to an artificial intelligence representation William Olafsson, programmed to engage in chit-chat and answer specific questions. This program was based upon the Eliza Project that developed an online psychologist to test whether users could identify a human from their online communication.

The final sections are the most replete with hidden information, the Memecom Login and the Memecom Dataset Configuration. The login to the main workings of the Memecom corporation is a translation or encryption of Dante’s Inferno. The journey proposed was that of a descent into Hell and past Satan to achieve a path towards Heaven, the users journey mimics this path with canyons and river crossings changed into firewalls and network interconnections. Each circle is represented as a repository of information and lines of code that reflect the circle and its connotations as a metaphor. Words are taken from the source translation of the Inferno and regurgitated in a randomised pattern, as the user and the story descend to the finale.