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NOTICE
Doing the ChaCha
A new information service can be used for fact or fun
By Sean Rosner
srosner@kansan.com
Do you like fedora hats or lanyards better? What does a female orgasm feel like? What's the location of an animal hospital in Indianapolis?
These may seem like strange questions, but for James Milin, they're just part of a day's work. Milin, Chicago junior, works as a guide for ChaCha, a text- and Web-based information service.
Here's how it works: Text any question you have to 242242 (ChaCha) from a mobile phone, and get an answer back on your phone within minutes. Other than standard text messaging costs, the service is completely free.
ChaCha began as a Web-based search engine in September 2006. It was co-founded by Brad Bostic and Scott Jones. ChaCha is only Jones' most recent technological success. In 1988, as chairman and chief scientist
of Boston Technology, Inc., Jones developed a voice mail system that was used by Southwestern Bell, Bell Atlantic and Bell South telephone companies.
ChaCha launched its text messaging service in January 2008 at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.The company was the official text answers service for the festival, providing event information to festival-goers.
"We had a lot of celebrities that loved it. Quentin Tarantino was a big fan," says Susan Mitchell, vice president of marketing at ChaCha.
Since launching in January, the text service has answered about 20 million questions, and has had about one million users. Mitchell says ChaCha's target market is people between the ages of 18 and 24 because of how active they are with their cell phones.
ChaCha's growing popularity is beginning to make its way to the KU student body.
Shane Kanter, Overland Park junior, says he found out about ChaCha through an online forum, and now uses it three to four times a day. Kanter uses the service to get directions, check the weather and find places to eat, but he says he also uses the service for more novel purposes.
"It settles a bunch of bets and a lot of stupid disputes, like, 'How much Jell-O would it take to fill an Olympic-size pool?'"" Kanter says.
Some KU students, such as Milin, often find themselves on the opposite side of those questions while working as a ChaCha guide. Guide applicants are tested on their ability to quickly find accurate information before they are permitted to work. Guides are paid 20 cents per question answered, and they work from their computers, answering the questions with a program similar to an instant messenger program. Milin, who has worked as a guide for six months, says he usually makes between $6 and $9 an hour.
"I'm on Sunday. In a bathrobe, just working. It's pretty chill." Milin says.
Mandy Toomey, Minneapolis, Minn., senior; also works as a ChaCha guide. She says she likes the job because she can work whenever she wants to. Toomey tries to answer about 100 questions a day, which nets her $20.
Guides can find the information using a search engine, or by using Web pages with information on frequently asked topics that have been set up by ChaCha. Milin says that guides are supposed to answer questions within three minutes. In addition to their answer, guides also provide a link to the Web site where they got their information, allowing ChaCha users to do more research if they choose.
So whether you are lost on a road trip, wondering when the next showing of Tropic Thunder is, or are just trying to settle a bet with a friend, ChaCha is just the tool you need.
Q&A with ChaCha
I'm at Eighth and Massachusetts streets in Lawrence, Kan. How do I get to The Merc? Head south on Massachusetts.Turn right at Ninth St. Turn left at Iowa St.
What's a good bar to go to in Lawrence?
Try Abe & Jake's Landing, located at 8 E. Sixth St. Phone:(785) 841-5855.
What should I buy for my girlfriend for our anniversary?
Flowers may be cliché, but you can always pair them with something, is there something she really likes to do? Favorite eatery?
What is the meaning of life?
You can't just do a Web search for love,
truth or the existence of God. it takes soul searching.
What do you think of sandals with socks?
If it's hot enough for sandals, it's too hot to wear socks. If it's cold enough to wear socks, it's too cold for sandals.
Who led the NFL in rushing in 1967?
Leroy Kelly, who played for the Browns from 1964 to1973, received back-to-back rushing titles in 1967 and 1968.
Photos by Tyler Waugh ChaCha user Shane Kanter, left, gets info from bathrobe-clad ChaCha guide James Milin.
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September 11,2008