This recent article on Earthzine from three members of the IPY Data Management Committee presents the opportunities and the challenges of meeting IPY's data goals in both historical and global contexts. The article reminded me, again, of the powerful impact IPY can have on the future of scientific information, and that achieving that impact requires resources (of course) but more importantly commitment and cooperation from the IPY participants. If you wonder why you continue to hear, from the IPO, from your funding agencies, and from the IPY Data and Information Services, reminders about the importance of metadata and data registration and data archiving, this article provides the reasons and the context. Thanks to Ellsworth, Mark, and Taco for producing a clear and compelling report.