Like Kasparov versus Deep Blue, or that guy in 2001 versus HAL, search engine startup ChaCha is throwing down with Google in yet another epic human versus machine cage match. Kinda.
For the uninitiated, ChaCha is an answer-on-demand service whereby users text or call in their questions and a team of real live people work feverishly to answer said questions and then text you back your answer in a matter of minutes. ChaCha describes itself as being like “having a smart friend you can call or text for answers on your cell phone anytime for free.” Imagine the possibilities.
There is a twist. Most ChaCha guides say they get their answers from - you guessed it - Google.
ChaCha provides the service to the public for free, but is cooking up all sorts of interesting pay-to-play ideas for advertisers.
THAT is awesome. Imagine how busy the will get with questions settling arguments. Ha!
100+ years since industrial revolution flushed down the toilet. (I didn’t have to ChaCha industrial revolution)
Maybe we should go back to oracles, philosophers and public baths?
The world could use more oracles and philosophers. The public baths, not so much.
I don’t know which part of this story is more troubling: the service itself or the fact someone had to ask what work the Lotus Eaters appeared in.