Guinness World Records is an organization that maintains a collection of world records, both human and natural, across various categories such as entertainment, sports, science, and more.

The organization was founded in 1955 by Sir Hugh Beaver, the managing director of the Guinness Brewery, and was originally created as a reference book for settling arguments over facts and figures.

Since then, the organization has grown to become a global phenomenon, with its annual book, Guinness World Records, being translated into over 30 languages and distributed in over 100 countries worldwide.

In addition to its book, Guinness World Records also has a website and a TV series that showcases some of the most impressive world records in real-time.

To establish a new world record, a person or a group of people must submit an application to Guinness World Records, providing evidence that the record has been broken.

The application is then reviewed by a team of experts who determine whether the record has indeed been broken and whether the evidence submitted is sufficient.

Once a record is approved, it is added to the official Guinness World Records database.

Some of the most popular world records include the tallest and shortest people in the world, the fastest and slowest runners, the largest and smallest animals, the longest and shortest marriages, and many more.

However, Guinness World Records also features some more unusual records, such as the largest collection of rubber ducks, the most tattoos of a single cartoon character, and the longest distance swam by a dog in open water.

Guinness World Records also recognizes records set by organizations, businesses, and governments. For example, the world's largest pizza was made in Italy in 2012, weighing over 51,000 pounds.

In 2017, the city of Dubai set a world record for the largest light and sound show on a single building, with over 1.4 million LED lights illuminating the Burj Khalifa.

Overall, Guinness World Records serves as a source of entertainment, education, and inspiration, showcasing the incredible feats that human beings are capable of achieving.

Guinness World Records has also expanded beyond just recognizing records and has become involved in a variety of other activities. It hosts live events and challenges, such as the annual Guinness World Records Day, where people around the world attempt to break records simultaneously.

It also provides consultancy services to businesses and organizations that want to create world record attempts as part of their marketing campaigns.

In addition to the traditional print book, Guinness World Records has also embraced digital media and social platforms, with an active presence on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The organization has also launched several mobile apps, including the Guinness World Records Gamers Edition app, which features records related to video games.

Over the years, Guinness World Records has faced criticism from some quarters, with some arguing that the focus on breaking records can be harmful, leading people to take risks or engage in dangerous behavior in order to achieve recognition.

Guinness World Records has responded by emphasizing safety and responsibility in all record attempts, and by ensuring that each record is reviewed carefully before it is approved.

Despite these concerns, Guinness World Records remains an iconic and beloved institution, with its annual book eagerly anticipated by readers around the world.

Its records continue to inspire and captivate people of all ages, showcasing the amazing achievements that humans are capable of.

Decision process
Guinness World Records has a laborious and standardized process for deciding which records to recognize and how to verify them. Here are the main steps involved:

Application
Anyone can apply to set a new record or break an existing one. The applicant must provide evidence to support their claim, such as photographs, videos, witness statements, and measurements. The application is then reviewed by the Guinness World Records team.

Criteria
Guinness World Records has specific criteria for each category of record, such as the fastest time to run a mile or the longest hair on a cat. The criteria outline what is required to achieve the record and how it will be measured and verified.

Verification
Guinness World Records has a team of experts who verify each application and determine whether the record has been broken. The team may request additional evidence or conduct their own investigations to ensure that the record is genuine.

Adjudication
If the record is verified, it is then subject to adjudication, which is a formal review process to ensure that the rules were followed and the evidence is valid. The adjudication process includes a detailed review of the evidence and may involve independent witnesses or experts.

Approval
If the record is confirmed, it is then officially recognized by Guinness World Records and added to the database. The record holder may receive a certificate or other recognition of their achievement.

Guinness World Records takes its role as an arbiter of records very seriously and works hard to ensure that all records are verified and recognized in a fair and transparent manner.

Prize money
No, Guinness World Records does not offer prize money for breaking records. Instead, the organization focuses on recognizing and celebrating the achievements of record holders through the publication of their records in the annual book, online platforms, and other media.

In some cases, record holders may receive certificates or other recognition of their achievement, and they may also have the opportunity to participate in live events or promotional activities.

However, these are typically offered as a form of recognition and celebration, rather than as a financial reward.

That being said, some organizations or companies may offer their own prizes or incentives for breaking records, particularly in the case of sponsored or promotional records.

For example, a sports brand may offer a prize for the fastest runner in a marathon wearing their shoes.

However, these prizes are not offered directly by Guinness World Records and are separate from the official record recognition process.

How you communicate
To communicate with Guinness World Records, there are a few different options available:

Online contact form
The easiest way to get in touch with Guinness World Records is through their online contact form, which can be found on their website.

This form allows you to submit a message to their customer service team and request assistance with any questions or issues you may have.

Email
If you prefer to communicate by email, you can send a message to Guinness World Records at [email protected]. This is the general customer service email address, and you can use it to ask questions, request information, or provide feedback.

Social media
Guinness World Records has an active presence on social media, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and other platforms. You can send them a message or tag them in a post to ask a question or share your thoughts.

Mail
If you prefer to send a physical letter, you can address it to Guinness World Records, Ground Floor, The Rookery, 2 Dyott Street, London, WC1A 1DE, United Kingdom.

Regardless of which method you choose, be sure to provide as much information as possible and clearly state your reason for contacting Guinness World Records. The organization receives a large volume of messages, so providing clear and concise information can help ensure that your message is handled promptly and effectively.