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 [log in to unmask]