unforum

[block]

[manchild]

The map of the connections between pairs of points almost looks like a network to me (which could make sense, its an AI, spreading out, it would want to build a network of some kind). Assuming cities with multiple points (i.e. Chicago, LA, Sedalia MO, etc) are hubs, is it possible to "travel" from any point to another point in the list over these connections? I'm not sure if this leads anywhere, but if this is a fully connected graph, then that could indicate something. Perhaps it would be a good idea to organize the points in a way to better see the topology of this "network", i.e., not geographically.

Further, if this looks like the case, perhaps we can look into partitioning of the points by connectivity to a "hub". In other words, given a "hub" city, look at the points that are only connected to that "hub" city, and look at those points in a group, and those groups of locations may give us more information. I'm afraid I can't look at this in detail right now, due to the whole "job during the day" thing.

Of course feel free to ignore the inner ramblings of my mind.

[Marduk]

[Dorkmaster]

I apologize in advance, since this will be the third time I'm writing this in one form or another, but it MUST be said here, especially (too many questions in too many threads on the GPS stuff). <end disclaimer>

Ok, so, I went to the Bensenville (suburb of Chicago) point, and I found three things of note:

(1) a Warning sign not to dig before calling some communications company, due to Fiber Optic Cables buried below (which was neat, but I don't think it gets us anywhere)

(2) a Bus stop for PACE bus 332, (which I don't know what it could mean), but the interesting thing is all of these sites I've heard of: libraries, universities, city block intersections, this suburban intersection (which doesn't have as much bus traffic AT ALL), the Sears Tower, the guy who took his pictures at the Washington DC point, etc... all have bus stops RIGHT THERE! So again, no idea what that could be, but it's becoming more evident to me that this could be the pattern.

(3) finally, the building on the corner where my point was located, was a banquet hall called "Manny's". I think this could be a word puzzle, (which I think is more up the alley of our PMs here,) where the names or whatever dominant word(s) of the locations are. we've got "sears" "tower" "manny's" "DC" "style", and much more... maybe that's the puzzle.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents.

[Ikkarus]

I have one major problem with the theory that these coords correspond to some sort of network: The points themselves are not networked. Each point is paired with one other unique point, assuming the pairings themselves have any meaning. There is never a specific point repeated and paired with a different point. So you can't traverse the "network" of coords from A to B to C. Only A to B.

Certainly, on a large map the various pairings may resemble a network, but that is probably because we are looking at a large map. We are dealing with specific points on a much smaller scale than a map of the U.S. can accurately represent. And those points do not repeat.

[msekolpsu]

The fiber cable actually helps my theory that these are pointing to COs, which could be underground or above ground.

Compare the dslreports map from this thread to the point map created on this forum.
http://forums.unfiction.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=53370#53370

I found 2 CO's owned by Avista Communications, Inc. really close to 2 of the points in the map.

http://www.dslreports.com/coinfo/clli/BLNGMT20/
http://www.dslreports.com/coinfo/clli/CRALID01/

I'd generate more, but dslreports.com has a cap on how many you can check.

When you use these links, the Mapquest link will show the Lat/Long, but also notice the CO feature set. Maybe it's trying to find something specific. Any telecom experts here?

[asinine]

[jegger]

[SPEC] Similarities

[Ikkarus]

[manchild]

[Ben_Dover]

The problem with the network solution is that how will we know when we got it right? Are we looking for a map that will mesh up exactly with the points? We can't go to these locations and start digging until we find a fiber optic cable.

And if the network solution is the correct solution, then was this really a "puzzle" at all? If it's a network, then all we did, essentially, was plot the points and then name it a network.

What's the point in that? Anybody can plot points on a map. There's no real critical thinking involved in a solution where you simply chart the points and then identify it as a network.

This is kind of like the chinese restraunt theory. What's the point? How do we check our answer?

I'm thinking the answer will be completely obvious once we discover it. It won't be one of these loosely defined answers that will continue to be up for debate until the next phase.

[Ben_Dover]

BTW, this isn't really anything ground breaking or anything, just an observation I had: You would think that a stranded AI from the future that has crash landed on earth from outer-space, who appears to be trying to transmit a signal into space, would at least put a coordinate somewhere near NASA, if it was all interrelated.

[manchild]

[keybsnbits]

[Ben_Dover]

I guess it could be part of the storyline, but this seems to be the major 'puzzle' in this past update. Similar to the webpage puzzle in the last update.

The way the storyline has been advanced in the past is a puzzle is given, and once it is solved, as a 'reward' a part of the storyline is revealed.

It just seems like a huge waste of time and effort if this turns out to simply be coordinates for a internet network. Where is the pay-off? What's the reward?