This is NOT another Fermi paradox thread....

Lets look at some facts:

1) Self replicating machines are possible, (if you doubt this is true look at any asexual organism)

2) We are not THAT far from being able to build one...(ok we can argue that if you want, but i am calling 200yrs near future)

3) once you can build one you can build a spacefaring one... given the technology

4) If you do that you could have one at every star system in a few million years...

My question is: Lets say that you are a race capable of sending out von neumann probes.... WHAT would you program them to do? And Why? Would you even decide that it is worthwhile?

I am generally interested in your ideas... I have a few story ideas that involve the concept of V.N. probes that do not fall under the tired old "Berserker" heading... (Not knocking Saberhagen AT ALL just that his concept has been beaten to death). I will post some ideas of my own if the thread takes off.
-Robert L.