Ask Jeeves Launches Jeeves Book Series

Posted on June 2, 2000

Ask Jeeves, Inc. has announced the launch of a series of books featuring Jeeves, the butler featured on the website. The content of the books is based upon questions asked on Ask Jeeves and Ask Jeeves for Kids. The three original books are part of the company's national branding campaign which includes participation in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a fruit label marketing program and a partnership with Michael Ovitz' Lynx Technology Group.

``As the 13th most visited Web property, we realize that we have a unique perspective on what people want to know,'' said Penny Finnie, vice president of I-deas for Ask Jeeves. ``By basing the content of our books on the real questions asked on Ask Jeeves, we are able to creatively demonstrate the relevance of the service to new audiences. The Ask Jeeves brand continues to serve as a significant differentiator in the market. Moving the brand offline is an important part of our overall initiative to heighten awareness and increase users at Ask Jeeves and Ask Jeeves for Kids.''

The first release, Jeeves, I'm Bored: 25 Internet Adventures for Kids (Ask Jeeves, May, 2000; $6.95), is an activity book for kids designed to encourage learning and exploration both on and offline. The book provides dozens of creative projects that encourage online investigation and offline experimentation and activity. Fifty percent of proceeds raised from the sale of Jeeves, I'm Bored will be donated to the National Center for Family Literacy, a non-profit organization supporting family literacy services across the United States through programming, training, research, advocacy and dissemination.

In June, Ask Jeeves will release a second book, Just Curious, Jeeves (Ask Jeeves, June, 2000; $16.95). This book will provide answers to some of the most intriguing questions asked on Ask Jeeves. Just Curious, Jeeves will be followed by Jeeves, I Need Help, (Ask Jeeves, August 2000: $6.95) a Web research guide for children. All three books, self-published by Ask Jeeves and distributed by Publishers Group West, will be available in bookstores nationwide.