Texting KGB: A Review

I told you awhile ago that I don't have a very smart phone. I can do basic texting, but I don't have web access or e-mail capabilities. Inevitably, when I'm out and about and unplugged, I have a quick question about something...and if I could only grab a laptop I'd have my answer in 5.2 seconds. The rest of you can simply use your Smart Phone and Google on the spot. But what about the technologically behind like me?

I was recently told about a service called KGB. You can watch one of their amusing and catchy commercials for a quick overview. When you have a burning question and no way to get a quick answer, simply send a text to KGBKGB (542542) on your cell phone. You'll get your answer in a matter of minutes (usually) via text message. Each response is $0.99, plus any charges by your local cell phone provider.

I was provided a one week trial of KGB so I could tell you the real deal. I sent my first text, "Do I have to buy wireless router thru isp or can I just buy one at Wal-Mart?" (11:57 AM)

Received a "Welcome to KGB, text yes to get started, you'll be charged $0.99" message. I ignored it, since I had a free trial. (11:59 AM)

I asked, "What is today's high in ****, GA?" (1:32 PM)

No response received.

The next day, my contact told me I did indeed have to text back that yes to get started, so I texted "Yes" (8:23 AM)
"Welcome to KGB"...again....(8:26 AM)

I sent a second "Yes" (8:30 AM)
"Your answer is being researched and we'll get back to you shortly" (8:30 AM)
"Yes - it is an English word that means to accept someone or something of their liking. Text us anything. Thx" (8:31 AM)

Another time I asked "What is the high in ***, GA today?" (10:13 AM)
Received a text with today's high, tomorrow's high, and a brief weather outlook (10:15 AM)

I was genuinely curious when I'd officially be in my third trimester, so instead of looking in my pregnancy books I sent a text, "What week marks the start of the third trimester? (12:49 PM)
"Usually the 36th week is the start of the third trimester. The word "trimester" means the three periods" (12:50PM)

Hmmmmm. After a very confusing beginning, I thought we were off to a good start. I really didn't need to know the definition of the word yes....and I was bit peeved to have a few texts ignored. But the weather response was spot on. Then the pregnancy question. KGB, seriously?! A pregnancy lasts 40 weeks. How could you tell me the third trimester starts at 36 weeks?? FAIL.

If I had been paying for the answers, I could have submitted a refund request. I would have received a free call, or could have donated the $0.99 to charity. Good move KGB.

Bottom line? I don't think I'd trust KGB with any serious questions. I'd keep things basic, easy to look up...like the weather or maybe a phone number. Possibly directions, if you feel like typing out very specific questions. Anything else? Take it with a grain of salt. If you glance at recently submitted questions on the KGB Homepage or KGB Blog you'll see it appears most people are using the service as a form of entertainment. Almost like playing trivia with a friend. (KGB is even doing a tour right now of big Spring Break hotspots, so they're definitely marketing to the College crowd). I can see the appeal and fun in engaging in texting Q&A, but at $0.99 an answer? Probably not a service I'll use very often.

What do you think? Is KGB something you'd utilize? What would you ask?