Okay, I exaggerate, but what I mean is that most Fray posts on this topic seem to be phone book boosters, and that's interesting because we are all, posters, readers alike, using a purely electronic environment to discuss this.

I don't think this points to the limitations of the internet when it comes to finding phone numbers in a structural sense. I think eventually we will be able to find personal and business phone numbers on the internet as easily and quickly as we can find the current weather in Beijing. But that day has not yet come. Finding personal numbers is sometimes slow and erratic, and finding business numbers can be a downright chore.

Anyone remember when modems connected at 2.4 baud?

Right, so this too shall pass. I don't think any time soon, but sure, maybe some day.

As for the recycling issue, that's bogus. In our area, recycling is mandatory and you have to pay per bag to throw away trash. Unrecycled phone books here are no more. There's no reason why that can't be the case everywhere.

Finding numbers on the internet "slow", "erratic", and a "chore". What method of search are you using? I'd be willing to wager that if we had a race to find a business number I could beat you armed with a highspeed connection vs you and a phone book. As for personal numbers, in this age of cell phones I haven't used a directory (online or printed book) in over ten years. If you don't have any way to get in contact with the person (number saved on your phone, email address, IM, social networking site, a mutual friend you can call or email), I think maybe the person doesn't want to hear from you! If all those fail you still have 411 as an option.

I realize everyone is not the same in their habits. But I'm 29 and do not consider myself overly tech savvy (I was one of the last of my friends to get a cell phone back in 2001), and I never, ever, ever think of using a phone book. It may take longer than the 10 years Gates predicted, but they will surely go away as people in their 20's now hit their 30's and 40's.