Not only that, but cops and, perhaps, others have access to reverse
phone books, that is, they list the numbers in order with the
corresponding name and address; if you find yourself with a phone number
scrawled but no corresponding explanation, it can be very useful.
 
On Tue, 2 Aug 1994 09:31:57 CST, Nan Lawler wrote:
 
>I wonder if you all are aware that various outfits have been
>compiling city directories (and other directories) for years,
>usually without the knowledge, let alone consent, of people being
>listed.  The classic city directory includes (or at least used to)
>listings by name of person, by address, sometimes by telephone
>number.  I know there are directories just by telephone number, in
>order of the numbers.  The has been compiled from all sorts of
>sources:  phone company, tax records, maybe lists of voters,
>sometimes questionnaires, etc.  There's a lot of information about
>all of us that is a matter of public record, and much of it has been
>compiled into directories for years.  No, these directories are not
>necessarily accurate and not necessarily inclusive (or exclusive,
>depending on what you want), but they are handy for (yes) advertisers
>and other businesses.  Long after they are "obsolete" they continue
>to be handy for all sorts of historical research.  I guess I'm
>saying, let's not be naive--the "Washington City Directory" has
>already been compiled--it's out there.  We're probably all in a lot of
>directories that we've never even heard about.  I'm inclined to agree
>with Jim Czarniecki--it's an aspect of being part of a community.
>
>(Mind you, I like privacy, too.  These things are never easy.)
>
> Nan Lawler, Special Collections
>University of Arkansas Libraries
>Fayetteville, AR  72701-1201
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