Calling all botmasters!

Sadly, the Chatterbox Challenge is no longer with us and the conditions for entering the Loebner Prize are prohibitive to most botmasters (especially to those outside the USA).  This has left no way for most people with a chatbot to compare its performance against others.

To remedy this, I would like to announce the first in a series of Chatbot Battles, in which each entrant goes head to head with opponents in a league table/knockout format similar to the soccer World Cup.  The main difference between this and other contests held in the past is that each entrant is judged on both question and answering abilities and also on how well they can carry out a normal conversation.  Also, the bots do not have to pretend they are human to score extra marks.  All chatbots are welcome to enter, whether they be web-based, downloadable, chatroom based or even Android apps.

Unfortunately, I do not have a sponsor and so the contest is currently just for bragging rights and kudos, although I may give some small prizes like T-shirts, mousemats and mugs away to the winners.  If you would like to sponsor the competition, please contact me.

The closing date for entries is 1st June 2012 and the battles will start shortly afterwards.

Find out more at http://www.chatbotbattles.com

Let battle commence!

This is a very good idea Mitsuku, gets a thumbs up from me 

And welcome to the site.   

Thank you.

Just to let everyone know that Decadent Vapours (the sponsor of the CBC) have kindly donated $100 in prize money with a view to sponsoring it fully next year, if it is a success.  I have also received £50 from someone who prefers to remain anonymous.

I have 24 entries in the contest so far, which is enough to run a league but please consider entering if you haven't already done so.  The format of the contest caters for as many bots as wish to take part.

Don't forget it's the last day to enter today.  We have 35 bots so far taking part but there's still room for more if you wish to make a last minute entry.  Remember, each botmaster can enter up to 3 bots.