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BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

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Jon Ronson On

Factual: Life Stories

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

Jon Ronson examines a series of diverse stories and subjects with the help of contributors from the worlds of comedy, journalism, entertainment and culture

Jon Ronson On: Series 5

Jon Ronson On: Series 5: Episode 2: When Small Talk Goes Wrong

Episode 2

Episode 2: When Small Talk Goes Wrong

Series 5

When Small Talk Goes Wrong

BBC Radio 4 - Jon Ronson On, Series 5, When Small Talk Goes Wrong

Jon Ronson talks to Denis Fillion, who was behind one of the first major internet hoaxes.

Jon Ronson talks to Denis Fillion, who was behind one of the first major internet hoaxes. With Charlie Brooker. From January 2010.

Jon Ronson talks to Denis Fillion who was behind one of the first major internet hoaxes. Denis used to post threads and make small talk on a technical forum called Anandtech. Irritated by the misogyny he found on the site, he invented a female character to join in the chat. 

Soon he found himself flirting with his own character and weaving a tale so believable that the character took on an air of reality, even for him. As the relationship deepened, Denis was forced to take drastic action to get out of his own hoax. With additional contributions from comedian Josie Long and Charlie Brooker. 


Producer: Laura Parfitt 
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Episode 2: When Small Talk Goes Wrong

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