Saturday, July 18, 2009

ChaCha

Being a reference librarian at heart, this service/application/.... makes me want to buy a new cell phone and start texting. ChaCha is basically your local public library reference librarian at the other end of your cell phone. They say it "is like having a smart friend" who has the answers to almost any question you can ask. Thousands of "guides" answer the questions (though I do wonder who these people are and their backgrounds). The system supposedly works with most providers and cell phones (but not land lines). One calls or texts a question and in a few minutes the answer is sent to the cell phone in a text message. The service is free except for the cost of the text message. (The website is loaded with ads.)

Questions can be who, what, where, when, why and how -- fantastic! The questions and answers are also available on the website. Examples: What is the minimum wage in the U.S. What area code is 469? When were the Salem which (sp.) hunts?

Has anyone used ChaCha?