HowStuffWorks: The Engine of Understanding
An interactive journey into the mechanics of knowledge, from the inception of HowStuffWorks to its digital dissemination and impact on infotainment.
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About HowStuffWorks
Infotainment Pioneer
HowStuffWorks is an American commercial infotainment website founded by professor and author Marshall Brain. Its primary mission is to provide its audience with insights into the workings of various subjects, employing a diverse range of media including photographs, diagrams, videos, animations, and articles to elucidate complex concepts, terminology, and mechanisms.
Reach and Operations
The website, which attracts millions of visitors annually, initially focused on science and machinery but expanded its scope to cover a vast array of topics. It operates primarily in English and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.
Evolution and Expansion
Founded in 1998 as a personal project, HowStuffWorks rapidly evolved into a significant online publisher. It has since expanded its reach into podcasting, focusing on factual and educational content, and has established international divisions in countries like Brazil and China.
A Chronicle of Knowledge
Genesis and Early Growth
HowStuffWorks was initiated in 1998 by Marshall Brain, an instructor at North Carolina State University, as a personal endeavor. By 1999, Brain secured venture capital, leading to the formation of HowStuffWorks, Inc. The company's headquarters were established in Cary, North Carolina, before relocating to Atlanta.
Corporate Transitions
The website's ownership has seen several significant transitions. It was acquired by Discovery Communications in 2007 for $250 million. Subsequently, in 2014, it was sold to Blucora for $45 million. Later, in 2016, Blucora sold HowStuffWorks to OpenMail (later renamed System1). In 2018, the podcast division, Stuff Media, was acquired by iHeartMedia for $55 million.
Strategic Moves
The company's operational base shifted from Cary, North Carolina, to Atlanta. In 2014, HowStuffWorks relocated its headquarters to Ponce City Market, a prominent mixed-use development in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. The site also launched international versions, including Portuguese and Chinese language platforms.
Audio Insights: Podcasts
Notable Series
HowStuffWorks has produced a substantial portfolio of podcasts, hosted by its staff writers and editors. While now operated by iHeartRadio, these series continue to explore a wide range of topics:
- Stuff You Should Know: A widely popular audio and video series covering diverse topics.
- TechStuff: Dedicated to demystifying technology and its societal impact.
- Atlanta Monster: A true-crime podcast investigating the Atlanta murders of 1979โ1981.
- Behind the Bastards: A comedic history podcast examining the lives of controversial historical figures.
Ownership Landscape
A History of Acquisitions
The ownership of HowStuffWorks has evolved through several key transactions, reflecting its value in the digital media landscape:
- Founded: 1998 by Marshall Brain.
- Acquired by Convex Group: March 2002.
- Acquired by Discovery Communications: October 2007 for $250 million.
- Sold to Blucora: April 2014 for $45 million.
- Acquired by OpenMail (later System1): July 2016.
- Podcast Division (Stuff Media) acquired by iHeartMedia: September 2018 for $55 million.
Beyond the Web: Diverse Media
Publications and Products
HowStuffWorks has extended its brand through various physical and digital media:
- Books: Authored illustrated coffee table books titled HowStuffWorks and More HowStuffWorks, alongside paperback editions like How Much Does the Earth Weigh? and What If?.
- Magazine: Published HowStuffWorks Express, an educational magazine targeted at middle-school students.
- LidRock Discs: Released CD-ROMs containing trivia content, distributed on fountain drink lids at movie theaters like Regal Cinemas.
- Sharecare: Co-founded Sharecare in 2009, a social Q&A platform focused on health and wellness, in partnership with entities like Dr. Mehmet Oz and Harpo Productions.
External Resources & Authority
Official Website
The primary online presence for HowStuffWorks, offering a vast repository of articles, videos, and other content explaining how things work.
Visit HowStuffWorks.com โก๏ธ
Authority Control
Identifiers linking to structured data about HowStuffWorks across various databases, facilitating research and cataloging.
- ISNI: 0000000404339669
- VIAF: 129201405
- Library of Congress: n2002117060
- National Diet Library: 01032101
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References
References
- HowStuffWorks, LLC: Private Company Information รขยย Bloomberg
- HowStuffWorks sold to vulture fund BizJournals 2002-09-02.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding media, technology, or educational content strategy. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.