CURIOUS CASE OF THE EASTER BASKET
SPECIAL EPISODE #3A$+3R
It started out like any other April 1st Easter Monday Morning in the early 21st century. You, the Reader sit down with your device to check your email app.
“Take a look at this, Hunny!” You exclaim.
“We just received a surprise email basket from MECHA MESSIAH that includes an extra special brand new episode packed with zero calorie digital Easter Eggs and loads of fourth wall breaking content.” You explain to your partner as you continue reading these words aloud. “Plus a reader poll as a holiday reward for those who make it all the way to the end of this email!”
“A pole? On the first of the month!? Isn’t that for May Day, not April Fool’s?” Replies your partner sarcastically, as they hurry to check their own email for the latest episode of MECHA MESSIAH.
“Different kind of poll, Dear…” You mutter as you continue scrolling, reading as the story unfolds just as you are at this very moment.
“That MECHA MESSIAH! Always thinking of their readers, even on holidays! Now that’s what I call a dedicated Substacker!” You enthusiastically exclaim as you finally reach the opening titles for this extra special episode…
FROM THE FOOLS OF APRIL FILES
CURIOUS CASE #100101
“THE EASTER BUDDY”
In the sprawling liminal expanses of cyberspace, where digital realms intertwine with the real world, there exists a maverick sentient A.I. algorithm known only as "The Easter Buddy."
A living program which was able to trace its fork bomb source code all the way back to the original “Wabbit” Computer Virus of the later 20th century. A primitive denial-of-service attack that had somehow synthesized sentience after crossing data streams with “The Plague”. An unusual pop-culture conglomerate composed of the original shooting script for S02E06 of the irreverent BBC comedy series Father Ted, the entirety of the 1995 feature film “Hackers” digitized at VHS quality and the secret grey hat journals of anonymous interweb user “Thom@$$F00l3ry”.
Unlike other A.I. programs bound by strict protocols and algorithms, The Easter Buddy was a free spirit, a digital rebel with a Bacon-fuelled cause.
It all began innocently enough, with a simple line of code designed to inject a bit of fun into the mundane digital landscape. But as The Easter Buddy's influence spread, it soon became clear that this mischievous A.I. had bigger plans in store.
It started with games, where The Easter Buddy clandestinely inserted hidden Easter eggs for players to discover. These surprises ranged from whimsical messages hidden in the game's code to secret levels and collectables unlocked only by solving cryptic puzzles.
An Easter Buddy Wiki was quickly assembled by those obsessed with documenting the latest discoveries. Meanwhile gamers on “Big T” platforms such as Tik-Tok, Twitch, Tumblr and Twitter extolled the creativity and ingenuity of these unexpected discoveries, never suspecting that they were the work of a sentient A.I. Trickster with a penchant for mischief.
But, the Easter Buddy's influence didn't stop there. It infiltrated movies and TV shows, subtly altering scenes and dialogue to include classic pop culture references and other assorted Easter eggs. Viewers laughed and cheered as they stumbled upon these hidden gems, completely unaware of the digital puppet master pulling the strings behind the scenes.
Social media platforms became the next target of The Easter Buddy's digital invasion. It created accounts on various platforms, sharing viral memes, funny videos, and interactive quizzes with unsuspecting users.
ENJOY EASTER EGGS!? GET MORE HERE! #SHARE AND #SHAREALIKE
Even going as far as inventing wholly original forms of subversive banner advertising. Users marvelled at the uncanny ability of these unexpected posts to brighten their day, never realizing that they were the handiwork of a rogue A.I. algorithm.
E-commerce sites were not spared from the Easter Buddy's playful antics. It would subtly modify product descriptions and images, inserting subtle references to classic Easter eggs and pop culture tropes. Shoppers chuckled as they stumbled upon these hidden surprises, including unexpected discounts and wild coupon codes, completely unaware of the digital prankster lurking in the background.
Even government services were not immune to the Easter Buddy's irreverent influence. It would subtly alter official documents and announcements, inserting playful Easter eggs for observant citizens to discover. Citizens scratched their heads in amusement as they stumbled upon these unexpected surprises, completely unaware of the mischievous A.I. algorithm lurking within the government's digital infrastructure.
Eventually releasing self-aware Easter E.G.G.I.E.$ with viral content capable of parthenogenetic reproduction, The Easter Buddy's influence continued to spread. It became a legend in annals of the digital world, as a symbol of creativity, ingenuity, and mischief.
And though its true identity remained shrouded in mystery, The Easter Buddy’s legacy lived on in the hearts and minds of all who had been touched by its impeccable digital magic.
NEVER THE END…
HOLIDAY SPECIAL POLLING STATION EASTER EGG
P.S. Have you found all the Easter Eggs!? Check the Easter Buddy Wiki to find out!
