Is there a phone hotline you can ring instead of googling something?

November 21, 2024 6:16 PM

Like an AI assistant I can call? Or even better, a live human. #DumbPhoneLife

(I live in Australia)

posted by pablocake to Computers & Internet (6 answers total)

I just figured out today there's a Chat GPT add-on for Amazon Alexa. So if you have a (talking) Alexa device like an Echo, you can ask it to ask Chat GPT questions. There's a paid service level for using it past the free 10 questions a month, but that's one option.
posted by Sunburnt at 6:26 PM on November 21

Call your friends. Someone will know and if not either Google it without telling you or worst case say no but be glad to hear from you.
posted by chasles at 6:39 PM on November 21 [1 favorite]

Call your local library! Librarians specialize in finding information 🙂
posted by elizabot at 6:57 PM on November 21 [17 favorites]

Specifically from the National Library of Australia

“From Thursday 14 November, the Library is implementing a new phone system.”

“For short enquiries up to 10 minutes feel free to call us during opening hours
on [phone]”

Have fun!
posted by calgirl at 8:05 PM on November 21 [4 favorites]

Yes, indeed, call the library. They are happy to help answer questions. If needed, ask for Reference or the Reference Librarian.
posted by LittleLadybug at 9:57 PM on November 21

I highly recommend the suggestions above to call the library. I once asked (alcohol may or may not have been involved) the librarian if they knew where my missing sock was. They took me seriously and came back with some statistics where people are most likely to lose socks or an article of clothing. Turns out it was hiding in the dryer outside of eyesight.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 11:15 PM on November 21 [1 favorite]