Comments on: ChaCha: A Bad Idea Poorly Executed, Raises $10 Million http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/ Startup and Technology News Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:19:46 -0800 hourly 1 By: The Far Edge » Blog Archive » ChaCha Never Lets Me Down, Even When They Let Me Down. They Raise $4 Million More http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-3/#comment-2877171 The Far Edge » Blog Archive » ChaCha Never Lets Me Down, Even When They Let Me Down. They Raise $4 Million More Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:57:59 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-2877171 [...] has been good for so many chuckles over the last few years. One of their investors called them as disruptive as Google, for example. Another time we posted their answer to a question about what time a show in Seattle [...] [...] has been good for so many chuckles over the last few years. One of their investors called them as disruptive as Google, for example. Another time we posted their answer to a question about what time a show in Seattle [...]

]]> By: ChaCha Never Lets Me Down, Even When They Let Me Down. They Raise $4 Million More | Design Website Easy http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-3/#comment-2876859 ChaCha Never Lets Me Down, Even When They Let Me Down. They Raise $4 Million More | Design Website Easy Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:21:55 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-2876859 [...] has been good for so many chuckles over the last few years. One of their investors called them as disruptive as Google, for example. Another time we posted their answer to a question about what time a show in Seattle [...] [...] has been good for so many chuckles over the last few years. One of their investors called them as disruptive as Google, for example. Another time we posted their answer to a question about what time a show in Seattle [...]

]]> By: Melinda P http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-1/#comment-2876741 Melinda P Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:24:49 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-2876741 I think of all the responses I read, yours is the probably the most accurate assessment. However, if the experiences people have posted here are truly indicative, the people who are doing the searches are not much better at searching than those who are in their target market, and wouldn't be better at all once that market has someone sit them down, set a search engine as their home page, demonstrate a few searches, and lets them use an Internet search engine for a few days. If they could somehow tap in to the stay-at-home-Internet-savvy-mom workforce segment, and hire them as guides who work from home... I'd let them hire me, if I could work from home! :) I think of all the responses I read, yours is the probably the most accurate assessment.

However, if the experiences people have posted here are truly indicative, the people who are doing the searches are not much better at searching than those who are in their target market, and wouldn’t be better at all once that market has someone sit them down, set a search engine as their home page, demonstrate a few searches, and lets them use an Internet search engine for a few days.

If they could somehow tap in to the stay-at-home-Internet-savvy-mom workforce segment, and hire them as guides who work from home… I’d let them hire me, if I could work from home! :)

]]> By: ChaCha Never Lets Me Down, Even When They Let Me Down. They Raise $4 Million More | Stoth http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-3/#comment-2876015 ChaCha Never Lets Me Down, Even When They Let Me Down. They Raise $4 Million More | Stoth Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:48:37 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-2876015 [...] has been good for so many chuckles over the last few years. One of their investors called them as disruptive as Google, for example. Another time we posted their answer to a question about what time a show in Seattle [...] [...] has been good for so many chuckles over the last few years. One of their investors called them as disruptive as Google, for example. Another time we posted their answer to a question about what time a show in Seattle [...]

]]> By: ChaCha Never Lets Me Down, Even When They Let Me Down. They Raise $4 Million More http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-3/#comment-2875975 ChaCha Never Lets Me Down, Even When They Let Me Down. They Raise $4 Million More Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:20:26 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-2875975 [...] has been good for so many chuckles over the last few years. One of their investors called them as disruptive as Google, for example. Another time we posted their answer to a question about what time a show in Seattle [...] [...] has been good for so many chuckles over the last few years. One of their investors called them as disruptive as Google, for example. Another time we posted their answer to a question about what time a show in Seattle [...]

]]> By: Wow. ChaCha Is Raising Another $30 Million http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-3/#comment-2606049 Wow. ChaCha Is Raising Another $30 Million Mon, 26 Jan 2009 09:39:17 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-2606049 [...] in Series A financing exactly two years ago from Jeff Bezos and Bezos Expeditions, followed by a $10 million round by Morton Meyerson and 21st Century Technology Fund. If ChaCha closes the $30 million Series C [...] [...] in Series A financing exactly two years ago from Jeff Bezos and Bezos Expeditions, followed by a $10 million round by Morton Meyerson and 21st Century Technology Fund. If ChaCha closes the $30 million Series C [...]

]]> By: Dustin Dilworth http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-3/#comment-2547378 Dustin Dilworth Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:13:43 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-2547378 Wow. What a biased weasel. Well, look at ChaCha a year later.... Still going, still growing. Wow. What a biased weasel.

Well, look at ChaCha a year later….
Still going, still growing.

]]> By: David the ChaCha guide http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-3/#comment-2536880 David the ChaCha guide Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:14:20 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-2536880 I have been a guide since July 2008. ChaCha has fell off big time since then, and now we aren't getting any questions. They also have a forum for guides on their server. When a guide posts something "negative", but true about the quality of ChaCha(or lack thereof) the thread is almost immediately deleted, giving lots of guides a false sense of hope. Not only are we not getting questions, but when asked why, we are giving an explanation that basically says "We don't owe you an explanation, so shut up and stop complaining". Who would want to work for a company like that. I have been a guide since July 2008. ChaCha has fell off big time since then, and now we aren’t getting any questions. They also have a forum for guides on their server. When a guide posts something “negative”, but true about the quality of ChaCha(or lack thereof) the thread is almost immediately deleted, giving lots of guides a false sense of hope. Not only are we not getting questions, but when asked why, we are giving an explanation that basically says “We don’t owe you an explanation, so shut up and stop complaining”. Who would want to work for a company like that.

]]> By: The Mystery Of The ChaCha Eiffel Tower Fail Pic | Digital World ~ Stay on Top of Tech News! http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-3/#comment-2520317 The Mystery Of The ChaCha Eiffel Tower Fail Pic | Digital World ~ Stay on Top of Tech News! Sat, 01 Nov 2008 01:17:05 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-2520317 [...] aimed a lot of criticism at human powered search engine ChaCha over the last couple of years. The service lets users ask [...] [...] aimed a lot of criticism at human powered search engine ChaCha over the last couple of years. The service lets users ask [...]

]]> By: » Blog Archive » The Mystery Of The ChaCha Eiffel Tower Fail Pic http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-3/#comment-2517906 » Blog Archive » The Mystery Of The ChaCha Eiffel Tower Fail Pic Thu, 30 Oct 2008 05:24:26 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-2517906 [...] aimed a lot of criticism at human powered search engine ChaCha over the last couple of years. The service lets users ask [...] [...] aimed a lot of criticism at human powered search engine ChaCha over the last couple of years. The service lets users ask [...]

]]> By: The Mystery Of The ChaCha Eiffel Tower Fail Pic http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-3/#comment-2517861 The Mystery Of The ChaCha Eiffel Tower Fail Pic Thu, 30 Oct 2008 04:11:57 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-2517861 [...] aimed a lot of criticism at human powered search engine ChaCha over the last couple of years. The service lets users ask [...] [...] aimed a lot of criticism at human powered search engine ChaCha over the last couple of years. The service lets users ask [...]

]]> By: scott http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-3/#comment-2509564 scott Tue, 21 Oct 2008 23:30:10 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-2509564 you guys do realize that while you are hating on chacha, you're giving them tons of love. they're just sitting back smiling when you keep writing 'chacha' all over the internet. it doesn't matter if they're good or not, they aren't and haven't gone anywhere.. and as much as you hate the service i've seen about 15 examples of people USING it just in hopes to prove it! you guys don't make any sense. i hate all these anti chacha messages.. and to think techcrunch has all these negative articles! and i thought this would be a reputable source of information. you guys do realize that while you are hating on chacha, you’re giving them tons of love. they’re just sitting back smiling when you keep writing ‘chacha’ all over the internet. it doesn’t matter if they’re good or not, they aren’t and haven’t gone anywhere.. and as much as you hate the service i’ve seen about 15 examples of people USING it just in hopes to prove it! you guys don’t make any sense. i hate all these anti chacha messages.. and to think techcrunch has all these negative articles! and i thought this would be a reputable source of information.

]]> By: ChaCha Launches Mobile Interface. They Still Suck. http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-2/#comment-2302421 ChaCha Launches Mobile Interface. They Still Suck. Sat, 17 May 2008 01:52:28 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-2302421 [...] just launched. I say surprised because we have not been kind to the service in our three posts on them so far. In the most recent post, I called them “a bad idea, poorly [...] [...] just launched. I say surprised because we have not been kind to the service in our three posts on them so far. In the most recent post, I called them “a bad idea, poorly [...]

]]> By: www.teletubis.info » Blog Archive » ChaCha Ditches Guided Search Model. I Love To Hate This Startup http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-2/#comment-2068859 www.teletubis.info » Blog Archive » ChaCha Ditches Guided Search Model. I Love To Hate This Startup Tue, 01 Apr 2008 05:38:39 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-2068859 [...] it only took ChaCha fourteen months to figure out what everyone except ChaCha (and these guys) knew when it launched - search with a human guide as a business idea is ridiculously [...] [...] it only took ChaCha fourteen months to figure out what everyone except ChaCha (and these guys) knew when it launched – search with a human guide as a business idea is ridiculously [...]

]]> By: ChaCha Ditches Guided Search Model. I Love To Hate This Startup http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-2/#comment-2068653 ChaCha Ditches Guided Search Model. I Love To Hate This Startup Tue, 01 Apr 2008 03:37:22 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-2068653 [...] it only took ChaCha 14 months to figure out what everyone except ChaCha (and these guys) knew when it launched - search with a human guide as a business idea is ridiculously stupid. The [...] [...] it only took ChaCha 14 months to figure out what everyone except ChaCha (and these guys) knew when it launched – search with a human guide as a business idea is ridiculously stupid. The [...]

]]> By: LAV http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-2/#comment-1820848 LAV Sat, 08 Dec 2007 04:33:36 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-1820848 I think what horrifies me is that, throughout this entire thread, the words "library" and "librarian" have come up waaaay too infrequently. Trained professionals who can find you answers online? People already have them, via the virtual reference services and instant message services at their library. Problem is, the services we have are a) slow, b) underfunded, and c) understaffed. No wonder everybody wants to fund an alternative instead of channeling money to improve what already exists. Of course, the times they are a'changin everyday, and it's normal and natural for people who use the web to want the question-answerers embedded right in whatever they're using. The question is, how do we make that happen? Anybody who wants to bankroll my start-up, staffed with MLIS-holding gunslinger web navigators, drop me a line. In the meantime, <a href="http://www.questionpoint.org" rel="nofollow">why not test-drive a virtual reference service and see if your experience is better than the one at Cha-Cha</a>? If QuestionPoint doesn't float your boat, <a href="http://liswiki.org/wiki/List_of_libraries_providing_virtual_reference_services" rel="nofollow">check out this list of providers and services</a>. I think what horrifies me is that, throughout this entire thread, the words “library” and “librarian” have come up waaaay too infrequently. Trained professionals who can find you answers online? People already have them, via the virtual reference services and instant message services at their library. Problem is, the services we have are a) slow, b) underfunded, and c) understaffed. No wonder everybody wants to fund an alternative instead of channeling money to improve what already exists.

Of course, the times they are a’changin everyday, and it’s normal and natural for people who use the web to want the question-answerers embedded right in whatever they’re using. The question is, how do we make that happen? Anybody who wants to bankroll my start-up, staffed with MLIS-holding gunslinger web navigators, drop me a line. In the meantime, why not test-drive a virtual reference service and see if your experience is better than the one at Cha-Cha? If QuestionPoint doesn’t float your boat, check out this list of providers and services.

]]> By: Poor Guide http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-2/#comment-1817744 Poor Guide Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:40:15 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-1817744 Cha Cha prey's on the poor guides. They charge a guide $2.00 everytime the guide wants to cash out their own money that they earned. That is sad,,,,it's like one of those Check Cash Places... Cha Cha prey’s on the poor guides.
They charge a guide $2.00 everytime the guide wants to cash out their own money that they earned.
That is sad,,,,it’s like one of those Check Cash Places…

]]> By: ödüllü yarışma http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-2/#comment-1776674 ödüllü yarışma Tue, 20 Nov 2007 14:40:50 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-1776674 cha bites cha bites

]]> By: elisalucia http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-2/#comment-1763383 elisalucia Fri, 16 Nov 2007 19:43:51 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-1763383 Some people really can't use search engines. I don't think it's a horrible idea. But I do think it's a niche service, that shouldn't require $10 million. Some people really can’t use search engines.

I don’t think it’s a horrible idea. But I do think it’s a niche service, that shouldn’t require $10 million.

]]> By: Sierra http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-2/#comment-1763262 Sierra Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:57:27 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-1763262 I've tested their service also and wrote about this short experience here http://www.techpin.com/chacha-search-engine-with-guides-a-successful-startup/ I really like their idea and maybe in the future they'll have success. We have to give them a chance, don't u think? I’ve tested their service also and wrote about this short experience here http://www.tech...essful-startup/
I really like their idea and maybe in the future they’ll have success. We have to give them a chance, don’t u think?

]]> By: cb http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-2/#comment-1762932 cb Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:55:56 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-1762932 Cha-Cha is partially funded by the Indiana 21st Century Fund - a State Grant that funds initiatives that will provide lots of jobs for folks in Indiana. The more jobs it provides, the higher the likelihood that an effort will be funded. @Matt - combined with your conversation with "Nancy", this should give a clue as to what is going on. People-powered search in a state that is currently 42nd economically, with a lot of unemployed or underemployed people. Cha-Cha is partially funded by the Indiana 21st Century Fund – a State Grant that funds initiatives that will provide lots of jobs for folks in Indiana. The more jobs it provides, the higher the likelihood that an effort will be funded. @Matt – combined with your conversation with “Nancy”, this should give a clue as to what is going on. People-powered search in a state that is currently 42nd economically, with a lot of unemployed or underemployed people.

]]> By: ThatOneGuy http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-2/#comment-1761966 ThatOneGuy Fri, 16 Nov 2007 01:04:04 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-1761966 I asked "why doom3.zoy.org does not load?" and I was banned Search With Guide is disabled because you have been involved in a possible abusive action. Our abuse alert is set at a low threshold to protect our visitors and guides. If you feel that you have received this message in error, please e-mail us at abuse_resolution@chacha.com with a request for re-entry to our site. We appreciate your feedback. Thank you. Your location is: x.x.x.x I asked “why doom3.zoy.org does not load?” and I was banned

Search With Guide is disabled because you have been involved in a possible abusive action. Our abuse alert is set at a low threshold to protect our visitors and guides.

If you feel that you have received this message in error, please e-mail us at abuse_resolution@chacha.com with a request for re-entry to our site.

We appreciate your feedback. Thank you.

Your location is: x.x.x.x

]]> By: Michael Arrington http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-2/#comment-1761893 Michael Arrington Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:30:15 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-1761893 "also need a neutron trigger" haha “also need a neutron trigger” haha

]]> By: Tony Mars http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-2/#comment-1761883 Tony Mars Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:25:25 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-1761883 It is a great idea to have a guide help you find quality web content. I've used ChaCha a few times and found them mildly useful although not much better than I could do on my own with a few different search sites open across a number of Firefox tabs. But I'm a professional web searcher so it's hard to judge. There are, after all, those computer users who don't know what Firefox is, let alone a tab, or the best alternatives to Google for specialized search. Maybe these web users will get the most out of a site like ChaCha. Users who are frustrated by ChaCha but interested in "a guided tour of the web" should check us out at auditoriumA.com where we make it easy for web novices and busy people to connect with great content buried deep within the web. http://www.auditoriumA.com It is a great idea to have a guide help you find quality web content. I’ve used ChaCha a few times and found them mildly useful although not much better than I could do on my own with a few different search sites open across a number of Firefox tabs. But I’m a professional web searcher so it’s hard to judge.

There are, after all, those computer users who don’t know what Firefox is, let alone a tab, or the best alternatives to Google for specialized search. Maybe these web users will get the most out of a site like ChaCha.

Users who are frustrated by ChaCha but interested in “a guided tour of the web” should check us out at auditoriumA.com where we make it easy for web novices and busy people to connect with great content buried deep within the web.

http://www.auditoriumA.com

]]> By: ThatOneGuy http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/comment-page-2/#comment-1761866 ThatOneGuy Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:17:28 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/11/14/chacha-a-bad-idea-poorly-executed-raises-10-million/#comment-1761866 I pose as Habib ibn Muzzahir Status: Connecting ... Status: Looking for a guide ... Looking: ... Status: Wilda has connected to help you with your search on purchase weapons grade Pu-239. Please wait while your guide searches for your results. Wilda: Welcome to ChaCha! Wilda: Hello You: hi Wilda: What information can I search for you about this topic? You: where to purchase the pu-239 Wilda: Please give me a few minutes to find your information, thanks. You: also need Neutron trigger Wilda: Sorry ChaCha Policy this is weapon so I will have to ask you to feel free to search without a guide. Have a good evening. Status: Your ChaCha guide was Wilda ID: 26570 Status: Session ended. I pose as Habib ibn Muzzahir

Status: Connecting …
Status: Looking for a guide …
Looking: …
Status: Wilda has connected to help you with your search on purchase weapons grade Pu-239. Please wait while your guide searches for your results.
Wilda: Welcome to ChaCha!
Wilda: Hello
You: hi
Wilda: What information can I search for you about this topic?
You: where to purchase the pu-239
Wilda: Please give me a few minutes to find your information, thanks.
You: also need Neutron trigger
Wilda: Sorry ChaCha Policy this is weapon so I will have to ask you to feel free to search without a guide. Have a good evening.
Status: Your ChaCha guide was Wilda ID: 26570
Status: Session ended.

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