Who's who?

Somehow this morning the topic of those "Who's Who in America" came up. In response, Andrew was kind enough to send a 1999 Forbes article by Tucker Carlson on the subject. Basically Who's Who compiles a giant list of people and then charges them for copies of the book (and lots of other stuff, like lapel pins which run $52.95 plus shipping and handling). Anyway it's an interesting read (though a bit old at this point -- it mentions computer tape) and left me undecided on whether I think it's totally scummy (which it is) or kind of nice for people who are looking for some recognition (which it also is).