dave: so how did you meet linda?

phil: i met her through a computer bulletin board (电脑告示板）.

dave: oh really? what bulletin board?

phil: it was one i used down at the local coffee house called the san francisco net. it's been around since about 1991.

dave: i've heard about that., but i've never tried it.

phil: you ought to. one dollar buys you 15 minutes of computer time. a "chat session" links you with cappuccino sippers (喝加牛奶的咖啡的人）in other cafes and at home computers on the network.

dave: i have no desire to talk on a network with a bunch of strangers.

phil: that's the whole point. all your inhibitions （顾虑；约束）disappear because you can't see the other person. this network allows you to talk to people whom you normally wouldn't talk to.

dave: i just want a private conversation with one other person.

phil: you can do that. a private session lets two talk alone. this techno-chat program lets you talk with about anything with everyone, without prejudice because you can't see them.

dave: well, maybe i'll tag along （跟着某人学样；紧跟在某人的后面）and watch how you talk.

phil: that's fine with me. but we'll have to get there early, because after 8 p. m. there's always a long waiting line.

dave: it's that popular?

phil: welcome to the 90s!

dave: okay, okay. we're there tonight. so what does it cost?

phil: one dollar buys 15 minutes of computer time. this talk ain't cheap.

dave: i don't know. i'll feel funny talking through a computer.

phil: remember, that's how i met linda. i guarantee you can talk to girls who would never talk to you if they saw your face.

dave: what's that supposed to mean?

phil: look in the mirror, man. （老兄，照照镜子去吧）