There was a time, more than a decade ago, when @Horse_ebooks existed before AI-powered bots could assist with various tasks like homework, cooking, or even passing the bar exam. Originating as a Twitter account in 2010, this early form of the robot renaissance shared automated ebook excerpts that, when taken out of context, revealed unexpected and oddly literary meanings.
Initially mistaken for a spambot, this account surfaced quotes from books that captivated audiences with their absurdist phrases such as “Hello saxophone,” “COULD THIS BE THE,” and “Now we are lucky to be talking.” Despite being inactive for a decade, the account still boasts 131,000 loyal followers, with its most famous joke, “Everything happens thus far,” remaining relevant even today.
In 2013, it was revealed that Jacob Bakkila, a real person, had been behind the @Horse_ebooks tweets for the past two years. As an artist based in New York City, Bakkila acquired the account from a genuine marketer in 2012 and continued the bot’s legacy by tweeting random book excerpts and embodying the bot persona 24⁄7.
Bakkila’s intention was to reverse-engineer how the internet interacted with content. Whether the tweets originated from an actual spam bot or himself, every word tweeted by @Horse_ebooks was always pre-existing content. The account functioned similarly to modern chatbots, repurposing existing text on a smaller scale, akin to the processes employed by platforms like ChatGPT and language learning models.
The blurred lines between human authorship and automated content creation were a central theme of this project. Bakkila reflected on the symbiotic relationship between himself and the bot, questioning the boundaries between man and machine. This theme becomes increasingly relevant as AI technology evolves, with AI becoming not just a tool but a companion and professional resource for many individuals.
The intersection of AI and art has sparked debates, with questions arising about the longevity and impact of AI on creative endeavors. While some predict exponential growth in AI capabilities, others caution against overestimating its potential. The balance between human creativity and AI assistance remains a key point of discussion within artistic circles.
Reflecting on the innocence and creativity of early internet interactions, Bakkila reminisced about the charm of AOL screen names and the playful engagement with technology. Despite the darker aspects of the internet, there remains a sense of fun and experimentation among users, highlighting the multifaceted nature of online experiences.
As technology evolves, such as Twitter’s character limit expansion from 140 to 280 characters, new possibilities emerge for creative expression. Bakkila emphasized the value of brevity and the artistry that can arise from constraints, noting that concise communication can lead to unique and engaging content.
The conversation delved into the essence of replicating bots through human performance and the philosophical implications of AI-human interactions. Bakkila pondered the motives behind using AI creatively, emphasizing the exploration of human identity and the boundaries of technology in shaping our understanding of ourselves.
The enduring appeal of @Horse_ebooks lies in its enigmatic nature and the intrigue surrounding its origins. Bakkila acknowledged the fascination with the unknown and the allure of internet mysteries, highlighting the public’s curiosity and engagement with unconventional online content.
While the possibility of reviving @Horse_ebooks with modern technology exists, Bakkila viewed the project as a complete artistic endeavor. Preferring not to revisit past creations, he emphasized the transient nature of art and the importance of moving forward creatively.
In conclusion, the legacy of @Horse_ebooks serves as a testament to the intersection of art, technology, and human creativity, sparking conversations about AI, authorship, and the evolving landscape of digital content creation.
