A technology startup is offering answers to questions from business travelers who have no access to the internet, writes The New York Times (via MediaBuyerPlanner). Users can register at AskMeNow and download free software onto a cellphone or BlackBerry. They can then call a toll-free number at any time to ask a question and receive an answer via text message, which contains an ad message at the end.
Marketers can specify who receives their messages based on users' preference profiles built from the questions they ask or on the basis of keywords they use.
Users can ask about the weather, movie times, 411 listings, sports scores, directions, horoscopes, flight information, stock quotes. An "AskMeAnything" feature allows questions on trivia, history and unusual facts. Text answers, not merely links, are sent "within minutes," according to the website.
To date, 35,000 users have signed up for the service, which started in November but began full service last week. Some 50 advertisers have signed on, including Hotels.com, 1-800-Flowers and Progressive car insurance company.
