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HowStuffWorks Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Evolution and Scope of HowStuffWorks

Cheat Sheet:
The Evolution and Scope of HowStuffWorks Study Guide

Origins and Core Mission

The organization HowStuffWorks is characterized as a non-profit entity exclusively focused on academic research.

Answer: False

Explanation: This assertion is factually incorrect. HowStuffWorks operates as a commercial infotainment website, not a non-profit, and its primary objective is educational explanation rather than solely academic research.

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The principal objective of HowStuffWorks is to explicate the functionality of diverse subjects through the utilization of varied media formats.

Answer: True

Explanation: The core mission of HowStuffWorks is indeed to explain how things work, employing a comprehensive strategy that incorporates articles, videos, and other media to enhance audience comprehension.

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Marshall Brain founded HowStuffWorks in the early 2000s as a professional venture.

Answer: False

Explanation: Marshall Brain founded HowStuffWorks on July 11, 1998, initially as a hobby, not in the early 2000s as a professional venture.

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Initially, HowStuffWorks focused its content exclusively on entertainment and celebrity news.

Answer: False

Explanation: The initial content focus of HowStuffWorks was centered on science and machines, not entertainment and celebrity news.

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After hiring staff, HowStuffWorks broadened its content scope beyond science and machines.

Answer: True

Explanation: Subsequent to the expansion of its staff, HowStuffWorks significantly broadened its thematic coverage, extending beyond its initial focus on science and machinery.

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What is the primary function of the HowStuffWorks website?

Answer: To explain how things work using articles, videos, and diagrams.

Explanation: The principal function of the HowStuffWorks website is to elucidate the workings of various subjects through a combination of articles, videos, and diagrams, thereby making complex information accessible.

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Who founded HowStuffWorks?

Answer: Marshall Brain

Explanation: HowStuffWorks was founded by Marshall Brain, an academic and author.

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When was HowStuffWorks initially launched?

Answer: July 11, 1998

Explanation: HowStuffWorks was initially launched on July 11, 1998.

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Which of the following best describes the initial content focus of HowStuffWorks?

Answer: Science and machines

Explanation: The foundational content of HowStuffWorks concentrated on subjects within the domains of science and machines.

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How does HowStuffWorks make complex topics accessible?

Answer: By employing various media formats like articles and videos.

Explanation: HowStuffWorks enhances accessibility to complex subjects by employing a diverse range of media formats, including articles and videos.

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Content Evolution and Media Ventures

Stuffo.com was launched in 2005 to host HowStuffWorks's science section and was later discontinued.

Answer: False

Explanation: Stuffo.com was launched on October 20, 2004, to host the entertainment section of HowStuffWorks, not the science section, and it was discontinued in 2005.

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HowStuffWorks has published four books, including two paperback titles.

Answer: True

Explanation: HowStuffWorks has indeed published four books: two illustrated hardcover titles ('HowStuffWorks' and 'More HowStuffWorks') and two un-illustrated paperback titles ('How Much Does the Earth Weigh?' and 'What If?').

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HowStuffWorks Express was a digital streaming service featuring video explanations.

Answer: False

Explanation: HowStuffWorks Express was an educational magazine targeted at middle-school students, not a digital streaming service.

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The 'LidRock' discs were promotional items containing trivia, sold at movie theaters.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'LidRock' discs were indeed promotional items produced by HowStuffWorks, containing trivia content and distributed on fountain drink lids at Regal Theaters.

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In 2005, HowStuffWorks became the exclusive online publisher for Mobil Travel Guide and Consumer Guide.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2005, HowStuffWorks entered into an agreement to become the exclusive online publisher for Mobil Travel Guide and Consumer Guide, among other entities.

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A television series based on HowStuffWorks aired on the History Channel.

Answer: False

Explanation: A television series based on HowStuffWorks premiered on the Discovery Channel, not the History Channel.

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HowStuffWorks was a co-founder of the social Q&A platform Sharecare.

Answer: True

Explanation: HowStuffWorks, through its international division HSW International, was indeed a co-founder of the health and wellness-focused social Q&A platform, Sharecare.

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What was the purpose of Stuffo.com?

Answer: To host the entertainment section of HowStuffWorks.

Explanation: Stuffo.com was established by HowStuffWorks to house its entertainment-related content, though this initiative was short-lived.

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Which of the following is NOT among the books published by HowStuffWorks?

Answer: The Science of Everything

Explanation: The books published by HowStuffWorks include 'HowStuffWorks,' 'More HowStuffWorks,' and 'What If?'. 'The Science of Everything' is not listed among their publications.

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What was 'HowStuffWorks Express'?

Answer: An educational magazine for middle-school students.

Explanation: 'HowStuffWorks Express' was an educational magazine specifically designed for middle-school students.

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What were the 'LidRock' discs?

Answer: CD-ROMs with trivia content sold at theaters.

Explanation: The 'LidRock' discs were CD-ROMs featuring trivia content, which were distributed as promotional items sold on fountain drink lids at movie theaters.

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In what year did HowStuffWorks become an exclusive online publisher for companies like Consumer Guide?

Answer: 2005

Explanation: HowStuffWorks assumed the role of exclusive online publisher for entities such as Consumer Guide and Mobil Travel Guide in the year 2005.

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On which channel did the television series based on HowStuffWorks premiere?

Answer: Discovery Channel

Explanation: The television series derived from HowStuffWorks premiered on the Discovery Channel.

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HowStuffWorks was a co-founder of which health-focused Q&A platform?

Answer: Sharecare

Explanation: HowStuffWorks played a foundational role in the establishment of Sharecare, a platform dedicated to health and wellness inquiries.

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Digital Presence and International Operations

HowStuffWorks is primarily available in Spanish and French.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary language of HowStuffWorks is English. While international versions exist, they are not primarily Spanish and French; for instance, a Portuguese site ('Como Tudo Funciona') and a Chinese site are mentioned.

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The headquarters of HowStuffWorks are located in Atlanta, Georgia.

Answer: True

Explanation: The operational headquarters for HowStuffWorks are situated in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.

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In 2008, HowStuffWorks.com reportedly received over 60 million annual visitors.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to Compete.com data from 2008, HowStuffWorks.com attracted at least 58 million annual visitors, not over 60 million.

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HowStuffWorks expanded internationally by launching websites in Brazil and China.

Answer: True

Explanation: International expansion was achieved through the launch of localized websites, specifically a Portuguese site in Brazil and a Chinese site in Beijing.

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In 2014, HowStuffWorks moved its headquarters to Ponce City Market in Atlanta.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following a relocation in 2014, HowStuffWorks established its headquarters at Ponce City Market, a significant development in Atlanta.

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HowStuffWorks.com requires users to register before accessing its content.

Answer: False

Explanation: Access to HowStuffWorks.com content does not necessitate user registration; it is freely available.

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Where is HowStuffWorks headquartered?

Answer: Atlanta, Georgia

Explanation: The primary operational headquarters for HowStuffWorks are located in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Approximately how many annual visitors did HowStuffWorks.com attract in 2008?

Answer: At least 58 million

Explanation: In 2008, HowStuffWorks.com reportedly garnered a minimum of 58 million annual visitors, according to data from Compete.com.

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Which languages do the international HowStuffWorks websites 'Como Tudo Funciona' and the Chinese site represent?

Answer: Portuguese and Mandarin

Explanation: The website 'Como Tudo Funciona' represents Portuguese, and the Chinese site represents Mandarin, indicating the languages of HowStuffWorks's international presence.

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In 2014, HowStuffWorks relocated its headquarters to which notable Atlanta location?

Answer: Ponce City Market

Explanation: The 2014 relocation of HowStuffWorks's headquarters brought them to Ponce City Market, a prominent site in Atlanta.

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What does the Portuguese website name 'Como Tudo Funciona' translate to?

Answer: How Everything Works

Explanation: The Portuguese website name 'Como Tudo Funciona' directly translates to 'How Everything Works'.

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Corporate Acquisitions and Ownership Trajectory

Currently, HowStuffWorks is solely owned by Discovery Communications.

Answer: False

Explanation: Discovery Communications previously owned HowStuffWorks, but current ownership is attributed to iHeartMedia and System1, indicating multiple ownership changes.

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Discovery Communications acquired HowStuffWorks for $45 million in 2007.

Answer: False

Explanation: Discovery Communications acquired HowStuffWorks in 2007, but the acquisition price was $250 million, not $45 million.

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Discovery Communications sold HowStuffWorks to iHeartMedia in 2014.

Answer: False

Explanation: Discovery Communications sold HowStuffWorks to Blucora in 2014, not directly to iHeartMedia.

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System1 acquired HowStuffWorks from Blucora in July 2016.

Answer: True

Explanation: In July 2016, Blucora sold its Infospace business, which included HowStuffWorks, to OpenMail, a company subsequently renamed System1.

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The podcast division of HowStuffWorks was spun off as a separate entity named Stuff Media in 2017.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2017, System1 separated the podcast department of HowStuffWorks, establishing it as an independent entity known as Stuff Media, while retaining ownership of the HowStuffWorks website.

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iHeartMedia acquired Stuff Media, the podcasting division, for $45 million in 2018.

Answer: False

Explanation: iHeartMedia acquired Stuff Media in September 2018, but the transaction amount was $55 million, not $45 million.

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As of the provided information, who are the current owners of HowStuffWorks?

Answer: iHeartMedia and System1

Explanation: The current ownership of HowStuffWorks is attributed to the joint entities of iHeartMedia and System1.

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For how much did Discovery Communications acquire HowStuffWorks?

Answer: $250 million

Explanation: Discovery Communications acquired HowStuffWorks for a sum of $250 million in 2007.

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To whom did Discovery Communications sell HowStuffWorks in April 2014?

Answer: Blucora

Explanation: In April 2014, Discovery Communications divested HowStuffWorks to Blucora.

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Which company eventually acquired HowStuffWorks from Blucora in July 2016?

Answer: OpenMail (later renamed System1)

Explanation: In July 2016, Blucora sold its Infospace business, which included HowStuffWorks, to OpenMail, a company subsequently renamed System1.

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What entity was formed in 2017 when System1 spun off the podcast department of HowStuffWorks?

Answer: Stuff Media

Explanation: In 2017, the podcast department of HowStuffWorks was spun off by System1 and established as a distinct entity named Stuff Media.

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Which company acquired Stuff Media, the podcasting parent company of HowStuffWorks?

Answer: iHeartMedia

Explanation: iHeartMedia acquired Stuff Media, the podcasting division originating from HowStuffWorks, in September 2018.

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For what amount did iHeartMedia acquire Stuff Media?

Answer: $55 million

Explanation: The acquisition of Stuff Media by iHeartMedia in September 2018 was valued at $55 million.

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Podcasting and Audio Content

Jack O'Brien was hired in 2017 to lead HowStuffWorks's expansion into documentary filmmaking.

Answer: False

Explanation: Jack O'Brien was hired in 2017 to spearhead HowStuffWorks's expansion into comedy podcasting, not documentary filmmaking.

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All podcasts formerly operated by HowStuffWorks are now managed by System1.

Answer: False

Explanation: Podcasts formerly operated by HowStuffWorks are currently managed by iHeartRadio, not System1.

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The 'Stuff You Should Know' podcast features only staff writers discussing technology.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Stuff You Should Know' podcast covers a wide array of topics and is hosted by staff writers and editors, not exclusively discussing technology.

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The 'TechStuff' podcast focuses on demystifying technology and its societal impact.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'TechStuff' podcast is dedicated to clarifying technological concepts and examining their influence on society.

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'Atlanta Monster' is a podcast investigating the Jack the Ripper murders in London.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Atlanta Monster' podcast investigates the Atlanta child murders that occurred between 1979 and 1981, not the Jack the Ripper murders.

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Robert Evans hosts the 'Behind the Bastards' podcast, focusing on historical figures considered deplorable.

Answer: True

Explanation: Robert Evans hosts the 'Behind the Bastards' podcast, which critically examines the lives of historical figures widely regarded as deplorable.

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Who was hired to lead HowStuffWorks's new comedy podcasting division in June 2017?

Answer: Jack O'Brien

Explanation: Jack O'Brien was appointed in June 2017 to direct the newly established comedy podcasting division of HowStuffWorks.

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What is the current owner and manager of podcasts formerly operated by HowStuffWorks?

Answer: iHeartRadio

Explanation: iHeartRadio currently holds ownership and management responsibilities for all podcasts that were previously part of HowStuffWorks's operations.

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The 'Stuff You Should Know' podcast covers what range of topics?

Answer: A wide range of topics across all fields of interest.

Explanation: The 'Stuff You Should Know' podcast is characterized by its broad scope, exploring a diverse array of subjects spanning numerous fields of interest.

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Who is a consistent figure mentioned as a host of the 'TechStuff' podcast?

Answer: Jonathan Strickland

Explanation: Jonathan Strickland is identified as a consistent host associated with the 'TechStuff' podcast.

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The 'Atlanta Monster' podcast investigates which specific historical events?

Answer: The Atlanta child murders (1979-1981)

Explanation: The 'Atlanta Monster' podcast focuses its investigative efforts on the series of child murders that occurred in Atlanta between 1979 and 1981.

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What is the primary characteristic of the 'Behind the Bastards' podcast?

Answer: It is a comedic history podcast about deplorable figures.

Explanation: The 'Behind the Bastards' podcast is distinguished by its comedic approach to examining the lives of historical figures deemed deplorable.

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General Information and Identification

No questions available for this topic.