re: SEC'S EDGAR DATABASE

[Blair Sandler <blairs@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Well, I hate to display my ignorance, but... what can one do with
the kind of data in the EDGAR database? Or rather, what kind of
data is in the EDGAR database? I can see that if someone is doing
a company investigation this would be helpful.  I suppose I could
just download some files and see what kind of data they contain,
but that seems inefficient. I'm hoping someone or ones in the know
can easily give me a sense of what's available within.

For instance, I'm writing a dissertation on the economics of
corporate responses to environmentalism. But I'm looking at
general patterns, rather than focusing on a particular company or
industry. What might I find of use in EDGAR?

Thanks in advance to any and all who answer.

Blair