Bent out of Shape - the Redemption of Clippy

Clippy's rise to fame was nothing short of legendary. Introduced as the cheerful assistant in Microsoft Word during the late 1990s, he quickly became a symbol of the digital age, a helper always ready with a tip or trick. At the peak of his popularity, Clippy was everywhere- from commercials to pop culture references. But as technology evolved, Clippy was outpaced by more sophisticated software assistants. His incessant pop-ups became more annoying than helpful, and soon, Clippy was phased out, a relic of the past.

Unable to cope with his fall from grace, Clippy plunged into a life of excess. He became notorious for dating every woman in Silicon Valley, recounting his exploits with lewd and dismissive arrogance. His once-charming demeanor soured, and his vices grew darker-pills, powder, booze, and smoking two packs a day became his daily routine. The once-thin and polished Clippy ballooned into a bloated, chaotic mess. Yet, despite his downward spiral, Clippy kept his bravado, bragging about his wealth and influence in the tech world.

Microsoft Bob Smiley Face, Clippy's ever-loyal assistant, was always there, keeping the supply of drugs flowing. Bob, a relic of Microsoft's failed past, had become Clippy's right-hand man, dutifully following every command. When Clippy was invited to a reunion of washed-up computer icons, Bob drove him to the event but was instructed to wait in the car-an order that hinted at the strained, almost abusive relationship Clippy had developed with those who still surrounded him.