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{{short description|American commercial infotainment website}}
{{short description|American commercial infotainment website}}
{{use mdy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Infobox website
{{Infobox website
|name = HowStuffWorks, Inc.
|name = HowStuffWorks, Inc.
|logo = Howstuffworks logo.svg
|logo = Howstuffworks logo.svg
|logo_size = 270px
|logo_size = 270px
|url = {{official URL}}
|screenshot = <!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:HowStuffWorks 2010.jpg|300px|]] -->
|url = [https://www.howstuffworks.com/ howstuffworks.com]
|alexa = {{Loss}} 682 ({{as of|2014|4|1|alt=April 2014}})<ref name="alexa">{{cite web|url= http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/howstuffworks.com |title= Howstuffworks.com Site Info | publisher= [[Alexa Internet]] |accessdate= 2014-04-01 }}</ref>
|commercial = Yes
|commercial = Yes
|type = Educational website
|type = [[Educational website]]
|country = [[Atlanta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], U. S.
| location_city = Atlanta, Georgia
| location_country = United States
| country_of_origin = United States
|language = [[English language|English]]
|language = [[English language|English]]
|registration = None
|registration = None
|owner = '''Podcasting:''' [[iHeartMedia]]<br>'''Website:'''{{spaces|7}}[[System1]] <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.openmail.com/job-listing/36322f29-ffa5-4d25-8f3e-135fcf83a350 |title=Content Writer, Ad Operations (Job Listing) |date=March 2019 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611201450/https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache%3AxE-szFSHZ4oJ%3Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.system1.com%2Fjob-listing%2F36322f29-ffa5-4d25-8f3e-135fcf83a350+&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=nl |archivedate=2019-06-11 |accessdate=2019-06-11 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>Previously called ''OpenMail''.</ref>
|owner = [[iHeartMedia]] (podcasting)<br />[[System1]] (website)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.openmail.com/job-listing/36322f29-ffa5-4d25-8f3e-135fcf83a350 |title=Content Writer, Ad Operations (Job Listing) |date=March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611201450/https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache%3AxE-szFSHZ4oJ%3Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.system1.com%2Fjob-listing%2F36322f29-ffa5-4d25-8f3e-135fcf83a350+&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=nl |archive-date=2019-06-11 |access-date=2019-06-11 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>Previously called ''OpenMail''.</ref>
|author = [[Marshall Brain]]
|author = [[Marshall Brain]]
|launch_date = {{start date and age|1998|7|11}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://whois.domaintools.com/howstuffworks.com|title=HowStuffWorks.com WHOIS, DNS, & Domain Info - DomainTools|work=[[WHOIS]]|date= |accessdate=2016-08-05}}</ref>
|launch_date = {{start date and age|1998|7|11}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://whois.domaintools.com/howstuffworks.com |title=Whois Record for HowStuffWorks.com |publisher=DomainTools|access-date=23 December 2020}}</ref>
|current_status = Active
|current_status = Active
|revenue =
}}
}}


'''HowStuffWorks'''<!-- Please don't add the abbreviation "HSW" here as it isn't used throughout the article and therefore isn't needed --> is an American commercial [[educational website|infotainment]] website founded by professor and author [[Marshall Brain]] to provide its target audience an insight into the way many things work. The site uses various media to explain complex concepts, terminology, and mechanisms—including photographs, diagrams, videos, animations, and articles.
'''HowStuffWorks'''<!-- Please don't add the abbreviation "HSW" here as it isn't used throughout the article and therefore isn't needed --> is an American commercial [[educational website|infotainment]] website founded by professor and author [[Marshall Brain]], to provide its target audience an insight into the way many things work. The site uses various media to explain complex concepts, terminology, and mechanisms—including photographs, diagrams, videos, animations, and articles.


The website was acquired by [[Discovery Communications]] in 2007, but was sold to different owners in 2014. The site has since expanded out into [[podcasting]], focusing on factual topics. In December 2016, HowStuffWorks, LLC became a subsidiary of OpenMail, LLC,<ref>[https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=38042079 HowStuffWorks, LLC: Private Company Information – Bloomberg]</ref> later renamed [[System1]].<ref name=BizJsys1/> In 2018, the podcast division of the company, which had been spun-off by System1 under the name Stuff Media, was acquired by [[iHeartMedia]] for $55 million.
The website was acquired by [[Discovery Communications]] in 2007, but was sold to [[Blucora]] in 2014. The site has since expanded out into [[podcasting]], focusing on factual topics. In December 2016, HowStuffWorks, LLC became a subsidiary of OpenMail, LLC,<ref>[https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=38042079 HowStuffWorks, LLC: Private Company Information – Bloomberg]</ref> later renamed [[System1]].<ref name=BizJsys1/> In 2018, the podcast division of the company, which had been spun-off by System1 under the name Stuff Media, was acquired by [[iHeartMedia]] for $55 million.


== History ==
== History ==
⚫
In 1998, [[North Carolina State University]] instructor [[Marshall Brain]] started the site as a hobby. In 1999, Brain raised [[venture capital]] and formed HowStuffWorks, Inc. In March 2002, HowStuffWorks was sold to the Convex Group, an Atlanta-based investment and media company founded by Jeff Arnold, founder and former [[chief executive officer]] (CEO) of [[WebMD]].<ref name ="BizJournals">[http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/stories/2002/09/02/story4.html HowStuffWorks sold to vulture fund] BizJournals 2002-09-02.</ref> The headquarters moved from [[Cary, North Carolina]], to [[Atlanta]]. HowStuffWorks originally focused on science and machines, ranging from submarines to common household gadgets and appliances. After adding a staff of writers, artists, and editors, content expanded to a larger array of topics.


On October 20, 2004,<ref>{{cite web |title=Whois Record for StuffO.com |url=https://whois.domaintools.com/stuffo.com |publisher=DomainTools |access-date=23 December 2020}}</ref> Stuffo.com was created, and HowStuffWorks moved its entertainment section over to the new website.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://stuffo.howstuffworks.com/ |title=Stuffo: Movies, Games, Web, World Domination |access-date=23 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041206090624/http://stuffo.howstuffworks.com/ |archive-date=6 December 2004}}</ref> In 2005, the team disbanded Stuffo.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Coustan |first1=Dave |title=Stuffo (2004-2005) |url=https://www.extraface.com/ |website=Extraface |access-date=23 December 2020}}</ref>
In 1999
⚫
, [[North Carolina State University]] instructor [[Marshall Brain]] started the site as a hobby. In 1999, Brain raised [[venture capital]] and formed HowStuffWorks, Inc. In March 2002, HowStuffWorks was sold to the Convex Group, an Atlanta-based investment and media company founded by Jeff Arnold, founder and former [[chief executive officer]] (CEO) of [[WebMD]].<ref name ="BizJournals">[http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/stories/2002/09/02/story4.html HowStuffWorks sold to vulture fund] BizJournals 2002-09-02.</ref> The headquarters moved from [[Cary, North Carolina]], to [[Atlanta]]. HowStuffWorks originally focused on science and machines, ranging from submarines to common household gadgets and appliances. After adding a staff of writers, artists, and editors, content expanded to a larger array of topics.


In November 2004, HowStuffWorks moved its entertainment section to Stuffo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.howstuffworks.com/ |title=HowStuffWorks - Stuffo |accessdate=2004-11-14 |url-status=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041114084142/http://www.howstuffworks.com/ |archivedate=2004-11-14 }}</ref> However, in 2006, the team disbanded and the site now redirects visitors to the site's entertainment channel.{{Citation needed|date=August 2008}}
The [[Domain name|domain]] HowStuffWorks.com attracted at least 58 million visitors annually by 2008, according to a [[Compete.com]] survey.<ref>[http://siteanalytics.compete.com/howstuffworks.com?metric=uv HowStuffWorks] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090406111439/http://siteanalytics.compete.com/howstuffworks.com/?metric=uv |date=April 6, 2009 }} at [[Compete.com]]</ref>


⚫
There have been four HowStuffWorks books—two illustrated hardcover [[coffee table book]]s, ''HowStuffWorks'' and ''More HowStuffWorks'', and two un-illustrated paperbacks, ''How Much Does the Earth Weigh?'' and ''What If?''. HowStuffWorks previously put out an educational magazine, ''HowStuffWorks Express'', for middle-school students. The company has also released a series of HowStuffWorks trivia "LidRock" discs—[[CD-ROM]]s sold on [[fountain drink]] lids at [[Regal Theaters]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Lidrock December 08 |url=http://www.ostechno.com.au/news/lidrock-december-08 |publisher=Optical Storage Technology |access-date=23 December 2020}}</ref>
The [[Domain name|domain]] HowStuffWorks.com attracted at least 58 million visitors annually by 2008, according to a [[Compete.com]] survey.<ref>[http://siteanalytics.compete.com/howstuffworks.com?metric=uv HowStuffWorks] at [[Compete.com]]</ref>


In 2005, HowStuffWorks became the exclusive online publisher for Publications International, Ltd., Consumer Guide and [[Mobil Travel Guide]].<ref>{{cite web |title=NYC Receives Mobil Travel Award |url=https://business.nycgo.com/press-and-media/press-releases/articles/post/press-release-nyc-receives-mobil-travel-award-11-09-06/ |publisher=[[NYC & Company]] |access-date=23 December 2020 |date=9 November 2006}}</ref>
⚫
There have been four HowStuffWorks books – two illustrated hardcover [[coffee table book]]s called ''HowStuffWorks'' and ''More HowStuffWorks'', and two un-illustrated paperbacks called ''How Much Does the Earth Weigh?'' and ''What If?''. HowStuffWorks previously put out an educational magazine called "HowStuffWorks Express" for middle school students. The company has also released a series of '''HowStuffWorks''' trivia "LidRock" discs – [[CD-ROM]]s sold on [[fountain drink]] lids at [[Regal Theaters]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2007}}


⚫
Howstuffworks.com spun off its international division when it went public ([http://www.nasdaq.com/symbol/hswi Nasdaq:HSWI]) via an acquisition of INTAC, a China-based company. In March 2007, [[Remark Media|HSW International]] launched its Portuguese website with headquarters in [[São Paulo, Brazil]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hsw.com.br |title=HowStuffWorks - como tudo funciona |publisher=Hsw.com.br |date=2000-04-01 |access-date=2009-07-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905045949/http://hsw.com.br/ |archive-date=2008-09-05 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Portuguese name of the site is Como Tudo Funciona ("how everything works"). In June 2008, the Chinese site was launched with new headquarters in [[Beijing, China]]. The URL roughly translates to "Knowledge Information Web".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bowenwang.com.cn |title=博闻网 知道就好! |publisher=Bowenwang.com.cn |date=2000-04-01 |access-date=2009-07-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318112421/http://www.bowenwang.com.cn/ |archive-date=2009-03-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Howstuffworks in 2007 acquired [[Mobil Travel Guide]] and Consumer Guide.{{Citation needed|date=October 2007}}


⚫
On October 15, 2007, [[Discovery Communications]] announced it had bought HowStuffWorks for $250 million.<ref>[https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB119240620469258721?mod=rss_whats_news_technology "Discovery Buys HowStuffWorks.com"] by the [[Wall Street Journal]]</ref> The company later chose to use the name HowStuffWorks as the title of a television series on its [[The Discovery Channel|Discovery Channel]]. The series, which focuses on [[Commodity|commodities]],<ref name="howstuffworks series page">- [http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/how-stuff-works/series.html "Precious Commodities"] . - ''[[Discovery Channel]]'' {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325003355/http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/how-stuff-works/series.html |date=March 25, 2009 }}</ref> premiered in November 2008 and is similar in style and content to other "how it works" programs, like [[Modern Marvels]].<ref name=WaskoJ-flowtv-2008-05-07>Wasko, Janet and Calderon, Carlos. - [http://flowtv.org/?p=1299 "Modern Marvels: Celebrating How It Works"]. - ''[[University of Oregon]]''. - May 7, 2008</ref>
⚫
Howstuffworks.com spun off its international division when they went public ([http://www.nasdaq.com/symbol/hswi Nasdaq:HSWI]) via an acquisition of INTAC, a China-based company. In March 2007, [[Remark Media|HSW International]] launched its [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] website with headquarters in [[São Paulo, Brazil]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hsw.com.br |title=HowStuffWorks - como tudo funciona |publisher=Hsw.com.br |date=2000-04-01 |accessdate=2009-07-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905045949/http://hsw.com.br/ |archive-date=2008-09-05 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Portuguese term for the site is Como Tudo Funciona, which means "how everything works." In June 2008, the Chinese site was launched with new headquarters placed in [[Beijing, China]]. The URL roughly translates to "Knowledge Information Web."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bowenwang.com.cn |title=博闻网 知道就好! |publisher=Bowenwang.com.cn |date=2000-04-01 |accessdate=2009-07-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318112421/http://www.bowenwang.com.cn/ |archive-date=2009-03-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


⚫
On November 2, 2009, [[Remark Media|HSW International]] co-founded [[Sharecare]], developing a social QA platform through which users ask health and wellness-related questions, receiving answers from industry experts. Other co-founders in Sharecare include Jeff Arnold, [[Dr. Mehmet Oz]], [[Harpo Productions]], Discovery Communications, and [[Sony Pictures Television]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=conewsstory&tkr=HSWI:US&sid=ac9dCGVDwxLU|title=Dr. Mehmet Oz and Internet Entrepreneur, Jeff Arnold, Announce Sharecare Inc., a Web 3.0 Platform, Organizing and Answering the Questions of Health|date=November 2, 2009|publisher=Bloomberg|access-date=2011-04-02}}</ref>
⚫
On October 15, 2007, [[Discovery Communications]] announced it had bought HowStuffWorks for US$250 million.<ref>[https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB119240620469258721?mod=rss_whats_news_technology "Discovery Buys HowStuffWorks.com"] by the [[Wall Street Journal]]</ref> The company later chose to use the name HowStuffWorks as the title of a [[television series]] on its [[The Discovery Channel|Discovery Channel]]. The series, which focuses on [[Commodity|commodities]],<ref name="howstuffworks series page">- [http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/how-stuff-works/series.html "Precious Commodities"] . - ''[[Discovery Channel]]'' {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325003355/http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/how-stuff-works/series.html |date=March 25, 2009 }}</ref> premiered in November 2008 and is similar in style and content to other "how it works" programs like [[Modern Marvels]].<ref name=WaskoJ-flowtv-2008-05-07>Wasko, Janet and Calderon, Carlos. - [http://flowtv.org/?p=1299 "Modern Marvels: Celebrating How It Works"]. - ''[[University of Oregon]]''. - May 7, 2008</ref>


⚫
On April 21, 2014, Discovery Communications announced that it had sold HowStuffWorks to [[Blucora]] for $45 million.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-04-21/discovery-sells-howstuffworks-at-82-loss-after-seven-years.html | title=Discovery Sells HowStuffWorks at 82% Loss After Seven Years | work=Bloomberg | date=April 21, 2014 | access-date=April 22, 2014}}</ref> In July 2016, Blucora announced the sale of its Infospace business, including HowStuffWorks, to OpenMail for $45 million.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/blucora-to-sell-infospace-business-for-45-million/ |title=Blucora to sell InfoSpace business for $45 million | work=Seattle Times | date=July 5, 2016}}</ref> OpenMail was later renamed System1.<ref name=BizJsys1>{{Cite web| title = System1 raises $270 million for 'consumer intent' advertising| work = L.A. Biz| access-date = 2017-12-01| url = https://www.bizjournals.com/losangeles/news/2017/09/20/system1-raises-270-million-for-consumer-intent.html}}</ref>
⚫
On November 2, 2009, [[Remark Media|HSW International]] co-founded [[Sharecare]], developing a social QA platform through which users ask health and wellness-related questions, receiving answers from industry experts. Other co-founders in Sharecare include Jeff Arnold, [[Dr. Mehmet Oz]], [[Harpo Productions]], Discovery Communications and [[Sony Pictures Television]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=conewsstory&tkr=HSWI:US&sid=ac9dCGVDwxLU|title=Dr. Mehmet Oz and Internet Entrepreneur, Jeff Arnold, Announce Sharecare Inc.,a Web 3.0 Platform, Organizing and Answering the Questions of Health|date=November 2, 2009|publisher=Bloomberg|accessdate=2011-04-02}}</ref>


⚫
In 2014, HowStuffWorks moved its headquarters from [[Buckhead]] to [[Ponce City Market]], a new [[mixed-use development]] in the [[Old Fourth Ward]] neighborhood of Atlanta.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/real_talk/2014/10/howstuffworks-moves-headquarters-to-ponce-city.html |title=HowStuffWorks moves headquarters to Ponce City Market |first=Douglas |last=Sams |work=[[Atlanta Business Chronicle]] |date=October 28, 2014}}</ref> In June 2017, it announced the hiring of [[Cracked.com]] founder and former editor-in-chief Jack O'Brien for its new comedy podcasting division.<ref name="variety1">{{cite web |year= 2017|url = https://variety.com/2017/digital/news/cracked-founder-exits-to-create-comedy-division-at-howstuffworks-1202473006/ |title = Cracked Founder Exits to Create Comedy Division at HowStuffWorks |publisher = Variety | access-date = July 19, 2017}}</ref>
⚫
On April 21, 2014, Discovery Communications announced that they had sold HowStuffWorks to [[Blucora]] for $45 million.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-04-21/discovery-sells-howstuffworks-at-82-loss-after-seven-years.html | title=Discovery Sells HowStuffWorks at 82% Loss After Seven Years | work=Bloomberg | date=April 21, 2014 | accessdate=April 22, 2014}}</ref> In July 2016, Blucora announced the sale of its Infospace business, including HowStuffWorks, to OpenMail for $45 million in cash.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/blucora-to-sell-infospace-business-for-45-million/ |title=Blucora to sell InfoSpace business for $45 million | work=Seattle Times | date=July 5, 2016}}</ref> OpenMail was later renamed System1.<ref name=BizJsys1>{{Cite web| title = System1 raises $270 million for ‘consumer intent’ advertising| work = L.A. Biz| accessdate = 2017-12-01| url = https://www.bizjournals.com/losangeles/news/2017/09/20/system1-raises-270-million-for-consumer-intent.html}}</ref>


⚫
In 2017, System1 spun off the podcast department of HowStuffWorks as Stuff Media, retaining the HowStuffWorks website. In September 2018, Stuff Media announced its sale to radio broadcaster [[iHeartMedia]] for $55 million.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/iheartmedia-stuff-media-howstuffworks-podcast-acquisition-1202939938/|title=iHeartMedia to Buy HowStuffWorks Podcasting Parent for $55 Million|last=Spangler|first=Todd|date=2018-09-13|work=Variety|access-date=2018-09-15|language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫
In 2014, HowStuffWorks moved its headquarters from [[Buckhead]] to [[Ponce City Market]], a new [[mixed-use development]] in the [[Old Fourth Ward]] neighborhood of Atlanta.<ref>[http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/real_talk/2014/10/howstuffworks-moves-headquarters-to-ponce-city.html]</ref> In June 2017, they announced the hiring of [[Cracked.com]] founder and former editor-in-chief Jack O'Brien for their new comedy podcasting division.<ref name="variety1">{{cite web |ref=harv|year= 2017|url = https://variety.com/2017/digital/news/cracked-founder-exits-to-create-comedy-division-at-howstuffworks-1202473006/ |title = Cracked Founder Exits to Create Comedy Division at HowStuffWorks |publisher = Variety.com| accessdate = July 19, 2017| last=| first= |quote=}}</ref>

⚫
In 2017, System1 spun-off the podcast department of HowStuffWorks as '''Stuff Media''', retaining the HowStuffWorks website howstuffworks.com. In September 2018, Stuff Media announced its sale to radio broadcaster [[iHeartMedia]] for $55 million.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/iheartmedia-stuff-media-howstuffworks-podcast-acquisition-1202939938/|title=iHeartMedia to Buy HowStuffWorks Podcasting Parent for $55 Million|last=Spangler|first=Todd|date=2018-09-13|work=Variety|access-date=2018-09-15|language=en-US}}</ref>


== Podcasts ==
== Podcasts ==
HowStuffWorks maintains a large number of [[podcasts]], hosted by its staff writers and editors.
HowStuffWorks maintained a large number of [[podcasts]], hosted by its staff writers and editors, but now all former HSW podcasts are owned and operated by [[iHeartRadio]].


* ''[[Stuff You Should Know]]'': an audio podcast and video series on various topics from all fields of interest
* ''The Daily Zeitgeist'': a daily podcast, humorously self-described as "second-rate," that discusses what is trending in daily. It is co-hosted by Jack O'Brien and Miles Gray, and features a rotating guest.
⚫
* {{anchor|TechStuff}}''TechStuff'': dedicated to demystifying technology and discussing its impact on society, originally hosted by technology editor Chris Pollette and senior staff writer Jonathan Strickland. In January 2013, Chris Pollette was replaced as co-host by Social Media Editor Lauren Vogelbaum. Vogelbaum left the program in 2015 and Strickland became a solo host.
* ''[[Stuff You Should Know]]'': an audio podcast and video series on various topics from all fields of interest, co-hosted by senior staff writers Josh Clark and Charles W. "Chuck" Bryant. In older episodes, editors Candace Keener and Chris Pollette co-hosted with Clark before Bryant became the permanent co-host. The podcast falls under the category of "Society and Culture". It was granted recognition as one of [[iTunes]]' Best of 2008 podcasts.{{Citation needed|date=June 2010}}
* ''Stuff You Missed in History Class'', originally called ''Fact or Fiction? History Stuff for the History Buff'': important historical events originally hosted by Candace Keener and Josh Clark. He was replaced by Jane McGrath in November 2008, who in turn was replaced in June 2009 by Katie Lambert. In August 2009, Keener was replaced by Sarah Dowdey. In November 2010, Deblina Chakraborty replaced Lambert, Candace Keener guest co-hosting for three episodes between Lambert's departure and Chakraborty's arrival. In February 2013, Chakraborty left the podcast and was replaced by editor Holly Frey. In March 2013, Dowdey was replaced by Tracy Wilson.
⚫
* {{anchor|TechStuff}}''TechStuff'': dedicated to demystifying technology and discussing its impact on society, originally hosted by technology editor Chris Pollette and senior staff writer Jonathan Strickland. In January 2013 Chris Pollette was replaced as co-host by Social Media Editor Lauren Vogelbaum. Vogelbaum left the program in 2015 and Strickland became a solo host. Topics range from the history of tech companies (i.e. the recent [[Research In Motion|RIM Podcast]]) to the way a piece of technology works (I.e. a podcast on micropayments) to the way things work to fictional tech ("[[Doctor Who|The Tech Of Doctor Who]]").
* ''Brainstuff'': a podcast originally hosted by Marshall Brain. It was formerly hosted by a rotating cast of HSW editors, then Christian Sager and now Lauren Vogelbaum, and deals with natural sciences. Usually is a 5 to 10-minute podcast.
* ''Stuff Mom Never Told You'': explores feminism and gender roles, and highlights notable pioneering women, hosted by staff writers Caroline Ervin and Cristen Conger. Ervin replaced original host Molly Edmonds in 2011. The final episode of the podcast was published December 28, 2016. The podcast resumed on May 17, 2017, with new hosts Emilie Aries and Bridget Todd. Host Anney Reese replaced Aries in early 2018, and Todd left the show in late 2018.
* ''Stuff of Genius'': was a short video format podcast that focuses on an inventor or innovator (i.e., genius) for each episode. The video features humorous animation with a voice over originally provided by site founder Marshall Brain with later episodes narrated by Jonathan Strickland.
*''Stuff They Don't Want You To Know'': a video and audio podcast that focuses on conspiracy theories and the evidence and arguments for or against them. Hosted by Ben Bowlin, Matt Frederick and Noel Brown.
* ''Stuff To Blow Your Mind'' (formerly ''Stuff From the Science Lab''): focuses on natural science. It is hosted by Robert Lamb, one of the site's senior writers, and Joe McCormick. They replaced Julie Douglas, a writer and editor, who launched the "Stuff of Life" podcast in 2015. Christian Sager left the show in December 2017.
*''Savor'': a food podcast hosted by Lauren Vogelbaum and Anney Reese. Formerly FoodStuff.
* ''Part-Time Genius:'': a general interest podcast hosted by Mental Floss founders Will Pearson and Mangesh Hattikudur.
* ''[[Atlanta Monster]]'': in cooperation with Tenderfoot TV, a crime podcast about the [[Atlanta murders of 1979–81]]. Hosted by Payne Lindsey of podcast Up and Vanished.
* ''[[Atlanta Monster]]'': in cooperation with Tenderfoot TV, a crime podcast about the [[Atlanta murders of 1979–81]]. Hosted by Payne Lindsey of podcast Up and Vanished.
* ''Movie Crush'': is a movie discussion podcast hosted by senior staff writer Charles "Chuck" Bryant where he interviews celebrities about their favourite movie.
* ''[[Behind the Bastards]]'': is a weekly comedic history podcast hosted by [[Robert Evans (journalist)|Robert Evans]] exploring the lives of deplorable historical figures.
* ''Drawn: The Story of Animation'': a co-production of HowStuffWorks and [[Cartoon Network]], a weekly podcast hosted by Holly Frey discussing the history of [[animated cartoons]].
* ''Couples Therapy'': a podcast hosted by Naomi Ekperigin and Andy Beckerman which examines relationships.
* ''Behind the Bastards'': is a weekly comedic history podcast hosted by Robert Evans exploring the lives of deplorable historical figures.
*''Ridiculous History'': is a semiweekly comedy history podcast about the more unknown, ridiculous and unbelievable parts of history. Hosted by Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown.
*[[Hysteria 51]]: a weekly comedy podcast that focuses on conspiracy theories, aliens, and the paranormal. Hosted by [[Brent Hand]] and John Goforth
*[https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/food-360-with-marc-murphy/id1458545350 <u>''Food 360 with Marc Murphy''</u>]: The Chopped judge and restaurateur examines food culture from every possible angle, shedding new light on even the most familiar culinary topics.

=== Canceled ===

* ''CarStuff'' (formerly ''High Speed Stuff''): dealing with automotive topics and is hosted by editor Scott Benjamin and writer Ben Bowlin.
* ''HowStuffWorks NOW'': an audio podcast that draws from the weekly NOW video series. It was hosted by Lauren Vogelbaum and featured rotating contributors.
*''The Stuff of Life'': a podcast hosted by Julie Douglas that focuses on a different question each week. There is a regular guest roundtable segment as well as interviews with researchers and experts.
*''The Coolest Stuff on the Planet'': was a video podcast that highlights a specific location and features geographic-specific facts and trivia.
*''Stuff To Make You Smarter'': was a podcast focusing mainly on general topics and their impact on the human body. Hosted by writers Rob and Chris.
*''Stuff From the B-Side'': was a podcast originally hosted by senior staff writer Charles "Chuck" Bryant and staff writer John Fuller and deals with music. Later episodes feature Mark Larson taking Charles Bryant's place as host. No new episodes have been released since December 2009.
*''PopStuff'': was an opinion based podcast, featuring Pop culture related topics, including televisions shows and movies. Hosted by Holly and Tracy. The last episode aired on March 18, 2013, with reruns of certain epsidoes airing until June 3, 2013.
*''Stuff for a Stylish Home'': was a podcast on home decor, DIY, and home style.
*''Fw: Thinking:'' a podcast that focuses on the future of science and technology. It is hosted by Jonathan Strickland, Lauren Vogelbaum and Joe McCormick.


== See also ==
== See also ==
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== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
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* {{official website|http://www.howstuffworks.com/}}
* {{official website}}
* {{IMDb title|id=1352532|description=TV series hosted by Gabe Doran, Mike Senese and David Heber}}
* [http://now.howstuffworks.com HowStuffWorks NOW]
* {{IMDb title|id=12791930|description=Podcast series hosted by Josh Clark, Charles W. Bryant and Chris Pollette}}
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130204011107/http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/how-stuff-works/how-stuff-works.html ''How Stuff Works''] at [[Discovery Channel]]
* {{IMDb title|id=2560780|description=TV series hosted by Charles W. Bryant, Josh Clark and Caitlin Bitzegaio}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20081119143638/http://www.convexgroup.com/ Convex Group]
⚫
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130204011107/http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/how-stuff-works/how-stuff-works.html ''How Stuff Works''] at [[Discovery Channel]] (archived 4 February 2013)
* [http://www.hswinternational.com/ HSW International]
* [http://www.remarkmedia.com/ Remark Media]
* {{IMDb title|1352532}}


{{iHeartMedia}}
{{iHeartMedia}}
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{{authority control}}


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Revision as of 18:38, 28 May 2024

HowStuffWorks, Inc.
Type of site
Educational website
Available inEnglisch
Hauptsitz
Atlanta, Georgia
,
Vereinigte Staaten
Country of originVereinigte Staaten
OwneriHeartMedia (podcasting)
System1 (website)[1][2]
Created byMarshall Brain
URLwww.howstuffworks.com Edit this at Wikidata
CommercialYes
RegistrationNone
LaunchedJuly 11, 1998; 26 years ago (1998-07-11)[3]
Current statusActive

HowStuffWorks is an American commercial infotainment website founded by professor and author Marshall Brain, to provide its target audience an insight into the way many things work. The site uses various media to explain complex concepts, terminology, and mechanisms—including photographs, diagrams, videos, animations, and articles.

The website was acquired by Discovery Communications in 2007, but was sold to Blucora in 2014. The site has since expanded out into podcasting, focusing on factual topics. In December 2016, HowStuffWorks, LLC became a subsidiary of OpenMail, LLC,[4] later renamed System1.[5] In 2018, the podcast division of the company, which had been spun-off by System1 under the name Stuff Media, was acquired by iHeartMedia for $55 million.

History

In 1998, North Carolina State University instructor Marshall Brain started the site as a hobby. In 1999, Brain raised venture capital and formed HowStuffWorks, Inc. In March 2002, HowStuffWorks was sold to the Convex Group, an Atlanta-based investment and media company founded by Jeff Arnold, founder and former chief executive officer (CEO) of WebMD.[6] The headquarters moved from Cary, North Carolina, to Atlanta. HowStuffWorks originally focused on science and machines, ranging from submarines to common household gadgets and appliances. After adding a staff of writers, artists, and editors, content expanded to a larger array of topics.

On October 20, 2004,[7] Stuffo.com was created, and HowStuffWorks moved its entertainment section over to the new website.[8] In 2005, the team disbanded Stuffo.[9]

The domain HowStuffWorks.com attracted at least 58 million visitors annually by 2008, according to a Compete.com survey.[10]

There have been four HowStuffWorks books—two illustrated hardcover coffee table books, HowStuffWorks and More HowStuffWorks, and two un-illustrated paperbacks, How Much Does the Earth Weigh? and What If?. HowStuffWorks previously put out an educational magazine, HowStuffWorks Express, for middle-school students. The company has also released a series of HowStuffWorks trivia "LidRock" discs—CD-ROMs sold on fountain drink lids at Regal Theaters.[11]

In 2005, HowStuffWorks became the exclusive online publisher for Publications International, Ltd., Consumer Guide and Mobil Travel Guide.[12]

Howstuffworks.com spun off its international division when it went public (Nasdaq:HSWI) via an acquisition of INTAC, a China-based company. In March 2007, HSW International launched its Portuguese website with headquarters in São Paulo, Brazil.[13] The Portuguese name of the site is Como Tudo Funciona ("how everything works"). In June 2008, the Chinese site was launched with new headquarters in Beijing, China. The URL roughly translates to "Knowledge Information Web".[14]

On October 15, 2007, Discovery Communications announced it had bought HowStuffWorks for $250 million.[15] The company later chose to use the name HowStuffWorks as the title of a television series on its Discovery Channel. The series, which focuses on commodities,[16] premiered in November 2008 and is similar in style and content to other "how it works" programs, like Modern Marvels.[17]

On November 2, 2009, HSW International co-founded Sharecare, developing a social QA platform through which users ask health and wellness-related questions, receiving answers from industry experts. Other co-founders in Sharecare include Jeff Arnold, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Harpo Productions, Discovery Communications, and Sony Pictures Television.[18]

On April 21, 2014, Discovery Communications announced that it had sold HowStuffWorks to Blucora for $45 million.[19] In July 2016, Blucora announced the sale of its Infospace business, including HowStuffWorks, to OpenMail for $45 million.[20] OpenMail was later renamed System1.[5]

In 2014, HowStuffWorks moved its headquarters from Buckhead to Ponce City Market, a new mixed-use development in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood of Atlanta.[21] In June 2017, it announced the hiring of Cracked.com founder and former editor-in-chief Jack O'Brien for its new comedy podcasting division.[22]

In 2017, System1 spun off the podcast department of HowStuffWorks as Stuff Media, retaining the HowStuffWorks website. In September 2018, Stuff Media announced its sale to radio broadcaster iHeartMedia for $55 million.[23]

Podcasts

HowStuffWorks maintained a large number of podcasts, hosted by its staff writers and editors, but now all former HSW podcasts are owned and operated by iHeartRadio.

  • Stuff You Should Know: an audio podcast and video series on various topics from all fields of interest
  • TechStuff: dedicated to demystifying technology and discussing its impact on society, originally hosted by technology editor Chris Pollette and senior staff writer Jonathan Strickland. In January 2013, Chris Pollette was replaced as co-host by Social Media Editor Lauren Vogelbaum. Vogelbaum left the program in 2015 and Strickland became a solo host.
  • Atlanta Monster: in cooperation with Tenderfoot TV, a crime podcast about the Atlanta murders of 1979–81. Hosted by Payne Lindsey of podcast Up and Vanished.
  • Behind the Bastards: is a weekly comedic history podcast hosted by Robert Evans exploring the lives of deplorable historical figures.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Content Writer, Ad Operations (Job Listing)". March 2019. Archived from the original on June 11, 2019. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  2. ^ Previously called OpenMail.
  3. ^ "Whois Record for HowStuffWorks.com". DomainTools. Retrieved December 23, 2020.
  4. ^ HowStuffWorks, LLC: Private Company Information – Bloomberg
  5. ^ a b "System1 raises $270 million for 'consumer intent' advertising". L.A. Biz. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  6. ^ HowStuffWorks sold to vulture fund BizJournals 2002-09-02.
  7. ^ "Whois Record for StuffO.com". DomainTools. Retrieved December 23, 2020.
  8. ^ "Stuffo: Movies, Games, Web, World Domination". Archived from the original on December 6, 2004. Retrieved December 23, 2020.
  9. ^ Coustan, Dave. "Stuffo (2004-2005)". Extraface. Retrieved December 23, 2020.
  10. ^ HowStuffWorks Archived April 6, 2009, at the Wayback Machine at Compete.com
  11. ^ "Lidrock December 08". Optical Storage Technology. Retrieved December 23, 2020.
  12. ^ "NYC Receives Mobil Travel Award". NYC & Company. November 9, 2006. Retrieved December 23, 2020.
  13. ^ "HowStuffWorks - como tudo funciona". Hsw.com.br. April 1, 2000. Archived from the original on September 5, 2008. Retrieved July 29, 2009.
  14. ^ "博闻网 知道就好!". Bowenwang.com.cn. April 1, 2000. Archived from the original on March 18, 2009. Retrieved July 29, 2009.
  15. ^ "Discovery Buys HowStuffWorks.com" by the Wall Street Journal
  16. ^ - "Precious Commodities" . - Discovery Channel Archived March 25, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  17. ^ Wasko, Janet and Calderon, Carlos. - "Modern Marvels: Celebrating How It Works". - University of Oregon. - May 7, 2008
  18. ^ "Dr. Mehmet Oz and Internet Entrepreneur, Jeff Arnold, Announce Sharecare Inc., a Web 3.0 Platform, Organizing and Answering the Questions of Health". Bloomberg. November 2, 2009. Retrieved April 2, 2011.
  19. ^ "Discovery Sells HowStuffWorks at 82% Loss After Seven Years". Bloomberg. April 21, 2014. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
  20. ^ "Blucora to sell InfoSpace business for $45 million". Seattle Times. July 5, 2016.
  21. ^ Sams, Douglas (October 28, 2014). "HowStuffWorks moves headquarters to Ponce City Market". Atlanta Business Chronicle.
  22. ^ "Cracked Founder Exits to Create Comedy Division at HowStuffWorks". Variety. 2017. Retrieved July 19, 2017.
  23. ^ Spangler, Todd (September 13, 2018). "iHeartMedia to Buy HowStuffWorks Podcasting Parent for $55 Million". Variety. Retrieved September 15, 2018.
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