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July 08, 2005
Google Q&A
I’ve spent the weekend reading through the archives of Google Answers, and I find the concept fascinating;
500 real, live researchers will answer any of your questions (Some restrictions always apply), often within 24 hours or sooner. You assign a value to the answer, (A minimum of $2 and a maximum of $200). The more you are willing to pay, the better chance that your question will be snapped faster & answered with better research & verve. But even the cheap questions often get a thorough and excellent efforts put into them. Considering that the person doing all the work gets only 75% of the fees, it’s hard to see why people offer so little for such excellent work.
Here are some outstanding and random examples of Google Answers:
For $6 and with unexpected result: On Becoming a Yoga Instructor in Austin, TX
“Please list (with sources) all communities and all groups who claim to be forces for good in the world” ($60)
For $50: Will I ever meet the girl of my dreams?, whereby the researcher assumed a lot and hit the nail right on the head
For $80: What amazing things happen in the womb?
Why do fish trucks say "FISH" on them? (No answer for $5, but good comments: “Just looking at the question too long makes the word look strange”…)
How is mid summers eve celebrated in Sweden? (No answer for $3, but evocative comments)
Here’s an excellent $200 answer for asset protection strategies: Using a limited liability company (LLC) for asset protection, (which offers this link: Asset Protection Law Center)
Google Answers can be used to locate hard-to-find parts: “I need a specific part for the EP 450 Z Minolta Copy Machine” (The part is worth $10, the answer is worth $200), or other unique items: “I am looking to buy a Patek Philippe Ref 3422 and a Ref 2546 wristwatch in yellow gold” (No answer yet)
For $150, “I'm looking for a list of 15 celebrities who have dandruff
For $10 - How do I get the smell out of a house that has had 80 cats living in it without any control whatsoever?
Doing Background Check on a small company in Michigan (Offering as a link, a commercial service like Abika Background Check)
How many times have you wanted to get someone a gift and weren't really sure about their taste or preference? A great answer from Researcher Pinkfreud-ga, who explains the satisfaction behind the job
Librarian Jessamyn West was one of the first generation researchers and has different slant on the inside workings of the GA system
A complicated question: If I move to Michigan from Pa and get a Michigan drivers license and within a month or so my driving privileges are suspended in PA due to pending court cases will I lose my license in Michigan since they are not part of the Non-Resident Violator Compact or Drivers License Compact?
Many more there. Dig in & enjoy.
Unrelated: Come Clean! Confess!
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July 8, 2005 in Internet | Permalink
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Comments
Wow, great stuff. Thanks for digging!
Posted by: Andrea at Jul 8, 2005 6:43:07 AM
Just discovered "Can't Find On Google dot com"
http://www.cantfindongoogle.com/ as an anti-dot
Posted by: Hanan at Jul 8, 2005 11:22:44 PM
