Another search engine launch – this time using humans

ChaCha, a new Internet search engine has hit the web, promising the most relevant results – even more so than Google.

Google relies on highly complex algorithms to give responses to queries. ChaCha, on the other hand, comes equipped with the option of searching with or without the help of a human guide.

ChaCha does not rely on the computer being able to work out the meaning of search queries. That's why it hires "guides" -- a group of humans, around 7,000 strong and growing, who are online at all hours of the day , each working from home.

When fielding a query, the guide simultaneously conducts searches on about 20-80 search engines and then customises the results while chatting by instant message with the searcher.

According to one such human “guide”, LindaS “It all happens in a matter of seconds”. “Rather than linking search words to results (like a computer), we can actually read through the websites, first, before we send them so that we may see if it actually makes sense,” says LindaS.

She uses the example of an apple: When the term “apple” is requested, LindaS asks the user whether they are referring to the fruit or the computer manufacturer. The “guides” usually receive around 25 search requests per hour.

But when it comes to illegal or unethical queries, they are refused – one of such being pornography.

LindaS is quick to point out though, that “Not all requests can be sufficiently answered. Sometimes, we have individuals who will ask us to search for relatives or old classmates. I’m sorry to tell them it doesn’t work that way!

We’re happy to search for information but it has its limits.”

As for the pay? Linda S would not disclose that kind of information but said that “you’re paid for the time that you are logged into the system”.

For any prospective guides out there, you must be invited by another guide, and complete a training course before you can start work.

Is a search engine run by humans really more effective than one run solely by computer math? You be the judge! Try it out

Just visit: http://www.chacha.com/

Give us your opinion – send it to onset@unsw.edu.au

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