Got a burning question? Text the KGB

Chances are you or someone with you has jumped to the Internet to find an answer to a question that just had to be answered NOW.

Perhaps it was to settle an argument, win a bar bet or get that must-have piece of information for a research paper or project. Sometimes you just can't find what you're looking for.

Enter the KGB (kgb.com). No, not the organization of clandestine Russian spies. This group of special agents is adept at using every tool available to provide quick, accurate answers via text messaging to your mobile phone.

You have a question? Text it to the KGB at 542-542 (KGB-KGB on your mobile phone's keypad) and wait for an answer. Each query will set you back 99 cents. The charges show up on your mobile phone bill.

"Our company has been around since the early '90s," said Bruce Stewart, KGB's CEO. "It started as a directory assistance service on behalf of many carriers and operators. We provided names, addresses and phone numbers. We also launched a similar service and enhanced it (by answering questions).

"We answer a billion questions a year and are looking forward to answering the next billion." KGB doesn't get to keep everything they collect, as the phone companies get the lions' share. KGB keeps a piece and the agents get a dime for every unique answer and a nickel for providing answers from the company's database.

"There's a combination of technology and human KGB agent on the other side," Stewart said. "A search engine experience with a couple of words of text, such as 'Red Sox,' doesn't tell the engine what you want. It could be a score, a restaurant near the ballpark or a player stat. Ask us who the starting pitcher is for the game tonight, and we'll tell you."

The KGB.com home page has a scrolling list of actual questions coming to the service and agent answers. They run the gamut from "How do you make a mai tai?" to "Will you go to the prom with me?" Open-ended questions like the prom request are answered with relationship tips and how to find limousine companies. It's quite entertaining to watch the Q-and-A session on the site.

Stewart said KGB uses "thousands and thousands" of agents that come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. The first requirement is to pass a special agent challenge, followed by a series of training, mentoring and shadowing processes. Details on becoming an agent are found on the KGB site.

What happens when an answer is wrong? "If it's inaccurate, we'll take it out. Sometimes a consumer may say they know it's (an answer) incorrect. We'll report it to an operative in customer care. A lot of times people will say an answer is wrong, but it isn't. We check it again and let them know it's accurate."

Share your Internet story with me at agibes@reviewjournal.com.