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| World Almanac 2013 |
As I thumbed through the thousand fact filled pages, I
realized nothing like this is duplicated on the internet. Even
in these days when most of our knowledge can come through our computer screen,
there is no comparison to the feel of a book that you can easily leaf through. To
research on the computer everything that is found in the World Almanac, would
take years.
America
has been able to trust the information contained in the World Almanac since
1868, when it was owned by Pulitzer. The
first edition was 100 pages and focused mainly on New York issues. Since then it has branched
out to national and international, with coverage of every nation on earth.
I have had a relationship with the World Almanac since I was a child, I always took for granted all of the knowledge compiled in it as reliable and the last word on any subject I could think of. I never thought about talking to the principal behind the production of such a monumental work, until I was contacted by their publicist and asked if I would like to talk to their senior editor.
I was able to spend time with the senior editor of
the World Almanac, Sarah Janssen and ask her a few questions about this impressive work of knowledge. Of course anyone associated with the compilation of this
much information,; I have deep respect
for and would never challenge them in a game of trivial pursuit…ever.
Sarah and I both shared the common bond of reading the Almanac since we
were children; she just took it to another level.
Sarah, you cover everything, from the US economy to the Pro Rodeo Cowboys
Associations championships; there must be tremendous pressure to check your
facts… “We thoroughly investigate all new
information and send it out to an independent party for verification-separate
from our original investigation. It’s a double blind device to ensure accuracy.”
There is so much in this book, how do you gather this
information? Most sources are very receptive
to giving the World Almanac information.
We have been around so long and we have standing relationships built up
over decades.
“Every edition has a
copy of the US
Constitution, a history of the world in 30 pages or less, plus the granular
information people look for such as phone numbers, addresses and websites for
places. We try to pack as much
information as possible between the book covers.”
You thoroughly cover our election process as well and
explain quite clearly how it works: “We
have all results if this last election in this latest edition as well as all of
the information on the 2012 Academy awards, we try to cover everything.”
How do you compare yourself to an online search engine where
you can get information for free? “About
half of the information found in the Almanac is available for free in online
search engines. Our value is in the
curation and reliability of the information we provide. All of our statistics are in one place and
you can rely on everything we print.”
Do you have electronic versions of the World Almanac? “Yes we do have versions available for
Kindle, iPad or any electronic device
you would like to load it on.” “We also
have online content available by subscription for schools and libraries.”
Sarah also reminded me that the World Almanac has a presence
on Twitter and Facebook as well.
Something the Pulitzer family could have never envisioned when they
printed the first Almanac 144 years ago.
The World Almanac is a must have for every household.