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 >[log in to unmask]