I'm curious about the 'Where's George?' project. When did it start, and how is it primarily funded? Has it received any notable media coverage or been featured in academic research? Provide a brief overview of its origins, funding, and general recognition.
Navigate to the 'FAQs/About' section. Click on the 'FAQ Page' link. Locate and extract the official launch date of the website. Identify and extract the primary funding sources from the FAQ page. Navigate to the 'Where's George? In the News' section. Identify if there are entries for media coverage and academic research. Synthesize all gathered information into a concise answer.
State the official launch date as December 23, 1998. List the primary funding sources as the creator's personal funds, banner ads, and the 'Friends of Where's George?' program/merchandise sales. Confirm that the website has received both media coverage (e.g., NPR, Rocketboom) and academic recognition (e.g., PLOS | One, Community Structure in Multi-Scale Transportation Networks). Do not require specific examples for media or academic recognition, but acknowledge their presence.