I was talking with some of my friends over the holiday and we got into a big debate over who would win in a fight, a badger or a wolverine, so I said, “Let’s ask ChaCha.” All I got in return was blank stares, but I couldn’t blame them as I reacted the same way when I first heard of ChaCha a couple months ago.
The basic model is that you either text or call ChaCha with a question. In a matter of moments, ChaCha sends you a reply that one of their specialists is working on your question or asks you to rephrase your question. Then about a minute later, you receive a text message with the answer
At first, this concept seemed archaic and strange to me. Why would I send a text message to a human for them to look up an answer for me? Why couldn’t I just look it up myself? Then I remembered the all the time I’ve wasted going through page after page of search results trying to answer simple questions. This is brilliant, have someone else do it, an actual human who can provide an answer that makes sense. This is a great example of meeting an unknown need.
Since ChaCha’s launch in January, they have answered to over 50 million questions to 1.7 million users, 85% of them under the age of 25. Recently, ChaCha has launched their mobile advertising solutions that incorporate ads with the answers and gives marketers another option for targeting the under 25 demographic. Unfortunately, I cannot attest to the accuracy of the data as ChaCha believes, “the wolverine would probably win the fight over the badger” courtesy of “Horton Hears a Who is available on blu-ray @ Wal-Mart on 12/9.”
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So, Who would win?
I love this idea, I forsee ChaCha settling many barroom bets. Thanks for the post Ben, I'm definitely looking into this in the future.
I think the Badger but ChaCha disagrees.
A great example of fulfilling a need you didn't know existed. How many times have I been out and about without Internet access with a prying question on my mind? By the time I get home I forget to look it up. I wonder if Google will hop on to this model? I already ask good for my sports scores, weather reports and nearest restaurant via mobile text. This seems like an obvious extension.
A great concept. This reminds me of last night's episode of The Office in which Michael can't decide how to spend a budget surplus, so he brings in Hank the security guard and aks him what he should choose. I think even in today's world, there is something fundamentally gratifying about getting the insight of an Oracle. ChaCha seems to fulfill this role.
That is hilarious (about the Office). I need ChaCha to make most decisions about my life.
Just when I thought the iPhone would be the end all, be all answer to barroom debates, Cha Cha out does Mr. Jobs. From what I understand, Cha Cha is geared more towards answering more obscure questions? (as in, not logistical?)
Jake - It actually handles both types of questions. You can set a geographic location for your phone so you can ask for local information like restaurants, weather, etc. I'm not sure how well that feature works. I like Google Mobile for those things since I don't have an iPhone.
It will be interesting to see how many services like this pop up in the coming months and years. With the explosion of iPhone apps, there's clearly a demand for mobile-based innovation.
Personally, I think this is one of the better ones...although I, too, question its validity. A wolverine over a Badger? Really?
Thanks Ben, that is a great post. I really think that idea is ahead of its time and I only wish there were more everyday tasks that other people would do for us.
Nice work!
some questions, is that free asking or they will charge you money? very interesting, people always look for easier way to solve problems...