SCREAM (2005)
http://scream.deprogramming.us
Scream is software for the Windows desktop that responds to human screaming; it was inspired by the idea that software generally seems to assume its users are calm, focused, happy people. Software rarely acknowledges human frustration and dysfunctionality – not just with regard to people using software, but with regard to people in general. In that sense, software’s a bit reminiscent of old television sitcom families.
Here’s Scream in action in 2010:
You can also check out Scream in 2005. That year, Scream also moonlighted making a music video that made a couple of appearances on the machinima circuit: Desktop Opus 1.0.
From the Scream website (more videos, etc. there – as well as the downloadable Scream software):
Scream sits quietly in your computer’s system tray and automatically springs into action when it detects a scream.
Scream disturbs your Windows interface. But it isn’t aimed just at computer frustrations. In a world where “anger” is paired with “management,” Scream encourages the return to prominence of the lost art of screaming. As Howard Beale said in 1976, “I don’t have to tell you things are bad…. all I know is that first you’ve got to get mad.”
But whereas Howard advised his viewers to turn their television sets off to get mad, Scream proposes that you leave your computer on.
Scream can be used in private. Or public. It can be used at home, at work, or on the street; at a Fluxus-style Scream-in; at the mall or at your favorite cafe. When your throat gets tired, Scream can double as an unusual music visualizer – or as a new approach to desktop filmmaking. Use Scream to start a meme. Or simply as a random act of deprogramming.
Scream – The Screaming Enhancer.
(Also indicated for use with door slams, domestic disputes, and police helicopters.)