Jon Hein (born 1975) is an American internet entrepreneur, writer, and media producer. He is best known for creating and maintaining J! Archive, a fan‑run database that catalogues every episode of the television quiz show Jeopardy! since its inception. The site provides detailed information on clues, categories, contestant performance, and broadcast dates, and it is widely used by fans, contestants, and researchers.
Early life and education
Hein was born in the United States in 1975. Details about his early education and personal background are not extensively documented in reliable public sources.
Career
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J! Archive (1999–present): In 1999, Hein launched J! Archive as a personal project to record Jeopardy! episodes. The site quickly expanded through contributions from a volunteer community, becoming one of the most comprehensive archives of the program’s history. By the 2020s, it hosted data on thousands of episodes and served as a reference for the show’s producers and contestants.
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Writing and publishing: Hein has co‑authored or contributed to several publications related to Jeopardy! and popular culture, including The Jeopardy! Book (2006), which offers insights into the show's format and strategies for contestants. He has also written articles for various online media outlets on topics ranging from television trivia to internet culture.
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Media production: Beyond the archive, Hein has been involved in television and digital media projects, including consulting on trivia‑related programming and participating as a commentator on fan‑focused podcasts.
Public recognition
Hein’s work on J! Archive has been acknowledged by Jeopardy! creator and host Alex Trebek, who praised the site’s thoroughness. The archive is frequently cited by news outlets covering Jeopardy! milestones and record‑setting performances.
Personal life
Hein maintains a low public profile; limited information about his personal life is available in reputable sources.
References
- "J! Archive." Official website. Accessed 2024.
- The Jeopardy! Book, co‑author Jon Hein, 2006.
- Various news articles referencing J! Archive as a resource for Jeopardy! statistics (e.g., The New York Times, 2020).
