*incredulous headshake*

[novapsyche]

The phone book came today, & I marveled at how tiny it is compared to last year's. The latter is 8.5" x 10.5" x 1.5"; the former, 7" x 8.5" x 1

Comments

[simianpower]

I think the best option is to have the phone book become an opt-in rather than automatic delivery. For me, it's just extra landfill, but as you say there are still people who need it. I've tried several times to opt OUT of receiving it, but they never worked. Also, given the fact that I have moved fairly regularly, it's tough to make an opt-out scenario work.

Every time people fill out a mandatory yearly form, like a tax form for example, or voter registration (though that's not yearly?), there could be a box for "Do you wish to receive a paper copy of the phone book?"

An additional complication is that there are now several competing phone books, not just the single one from a couple of decades ago. :(

[davidfcooper]

I noticed the difference in size a year ago. Here in NYC that edition will be the last paper edition. Many poor people have given up their land lines and either use their cell phones as their computers or use the desktop computers in the public library (which when the next round of budget cuts take effect will be open only four days per week).

[netmouse]

phone books are supported by advertising. It's not hubris, just a dying industry.

[atdt1991]

That's what I came to say - poor people don't drive advertising.

[pstscrpt]

Is Yellowbook the real phone book that's published by the phone company?

[novapsyche]

It's not published by AT&T. Is the phone company contractually required to publish a full phone book every year?

[pstscrpt]

I'm not really sure, but I seem to have to get rid of one every year.