Putting ChaCha's Answer Gremlins to the Test
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Here at Gridskipper, we often hear about travel services that sound too good to be true. ChaCha, a recently launched phone and text-based service, falls into that category, at least at first glance. All you have to do is call or text the company with a query -- Scores' closing time on a Saturday, where to find an all-you-can-eat buffet in Birmingham, the origin of the word 'dude'-- and an actual human being will respond to you with the answer in a timely fashion. Oh yeah, and it's all free! So, does it actually work? Judge for yourself after the jump.
- Question (12:53:53 PM): What is the best bbq place in NYC? Response (12:56:08 PM): Dallas BBQ is the self-proclaimed best. However, Dinosaur won a recent magazine award. Dinosaur BBQ 646 W. 131st Street. 212-694 http://chacha.com/u/h4jtwwf5
- Question (12:56:55 PM): Best gas prices in Long Beach, California?
Response (1:03:26 PM): Sam's Club Carson St & Nectar Ave (Non-member add 5c), $3.59 http://chacha.com/u/kwnf9x0r - Question (3:43:35 PM): What is a good dive bar in Detroit?
Response (3:47:40 PM): Harry's Bar & Grill 2482 Clifford St Detroit, MI 48201 (313) 964-1575 *Outside of Detroit is some great dive bars! http://chacha.com/u/ytc8lw7i - Question (3:52:12 PM): How's the weather in Sydney, Australia?
Response (3:55:47 PM): Sydney, Australia weather: Current: 59, Light Showers. Wed: 62/57, Chance of Rain. Thur: 66/57, Chance of Rain. Have a great day! http://chacha.com/u/n1v98e2s - Question (4:01:54 PM): What is the meaning of life?
Response (3:59:46 PM): Life is "trying things to see if they work." http://chacha.com/u/mwu7r9n1