I'm curious about the 'Where's George?' website. Can you tell me when it officially launched, how it is primarily funded, and provide at least two examples each of its public media coverage and academic recognition?
Navigate to the 'FAQs/About' section. Click on the 'FAQ Page' link. Locate the official launch date. Identify the primary funding sources. Navigate to the 'News' section (or 'Where's George? In the News'). Identify at least two examples of media coverage. Identify at least two examples of academic recognition. 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. Provide at least two specific examples of media coverage (e.g., NPR, Rocketboom, UPI.com). Provide at least two specific examples of academic recognition (e.g., PLOS | One, Community Structure in Multi-Scale Transportation Networks).