Quote Investigator

Quote Investigator is an online blog that records the investigatory work of Garson O’Toole, who seeks the truth about quotations. The website has been cited by journalists and writers at The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The Economist, The Washington Post, Slate, The Chicago Tribune, The Guardian, Real Clear Politics, The Jacksonville Times-Union, A Way with Words, ABC Television News, ABC, and more. People share discoveries from the site via multiple social media channels, including Twitter, Reddit, Google+, YCombinator News, Quora, StumbleUpon, FaceBook, Pinterest, Tumblr, Slashdot, and Metafilter.

The website currently features more than 2,100 quotations explored, with a total word count exceeding 2.5 million words, including bibliographic notes. This extensive collection allows users to find a wide variety of sayings, from famous quotes to obscure ones, all accompanied by detailed background information and context. The site's search functionality is designed to make finding specific quotes easy for visitors.

Reviewers praise the website for being a treasure trove of carefully researched quotes that provide background information and context, giving each quote a deeper meaning. Users also appreciate the clean, simple, and efficient design that provides a wealth of information without overwhelming the user. Many find the site intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to browse and discover new gems.

Some reviewers mention that the site is a fantastic resource for quote enthusiasts, while others describe it as a go-to website for finding accurate and well-sourced quotes. The sheer depth and breadth of the quote collection is described as mind-boggling, ensuring users can find inspiration or motivation whenever needed. The search feature is frequently highlighted as top-notch and a breeze to use.

The website was created by Garson O’Toole, who diligently seeks the truth about quotations and has been able to help more than two thousand people with their queries. However, due to the high volume of requests, QI maintains more than four thousand open files representing partial investigations that are often ongoing. New requests arrive every day, and the contact address is provided at the bottom of the about page for those who wish to submit a query.

The site is unrelated to the BBC comedy panel game 'Quite Interesting', but it has established its own identity as a dedicated resource for tracing quotations. Articles on the site have been cited by numerous prominent publications, demonstrating its credibility and reach in the field of quotation research. The website also provides a way for users to double-check the accuracy of articles through numerous citations and verification labels.

The Trustburn rating for Quote Investigator is 3.9 out of 5 from 10 reviews, with the most recent reviews dating back to November 2023. The rating split includes several 5-star and 4-star reviews, along with some 3-star ratings, reflecting a generally positive reception. Reviewers often highlight the reliability and thought-provoking nature of the quotes as key strengths.

Some users on Reddit have shared passages from articles on the website, such as one discussing François Truffaut and anti-war films. The site's content is also referenced in discussions about character types and philosophical concepts, showing its broad appeal across different topics. Reddit users often cite the website as a source for direct quotations and detailed investigations.

The website allows users to ask questions about quotations, and QI greatly enjoys receiving these requests. Although the team is unable to research all queries due to the sheer number of requests, they maintain a queue system where new requests can jump to the top. The contact address for submitting requests is available on the about page.

The website is described as having a simple yet elegant design, making it easy to navigate and browse through different categories. Users appreciate the absence of unnecessary clutter, which allows them to focus on the wealth of information provided. The search functionality is also noted as excellent and intuitive, enhancing the overall user experience.

The website has been around since at least 2021, as evidenced by the Google Analytics data showing visitor numbers from June 1, 2021. The team has been actively working on the site, with new requests arriving every day and ongoing investigations being maintained. The site continues to grow, with more than 2,100 quotations explored and a word count exceeding 2.5 million words.

The website is based in the US, as indicated by the country code provided in the Trustburn listing. It serves a global audience, with visitors coming from around the globe, including the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and Canada. The site is accessible via multiple social media channels, including Twitter, Reddit, Google+, YCombinator News, Quora, StumbleUpon, FaceBook, Pinterest, Tumblr, Slashdot, and Metafilter.