the advent of the do-not-contact active member

[MikeWaters]

When I was a kid, we had a ward directory. It was printed on paper. It was a physical thing that you could keep in a drawer next to the phone.

These days we use lds.org. We use laptops, desktops, phones, and tablets to access the ward directory. But the interesting thing is that members can opt out of showing up on the ward directory. And control the information that is there. For example, by removing phone numbers and address.

I was trying to contact an active member the other day, I went to consult the ward directory, and he wasn't there at all. Nor his wife. I asked my wife if they had moved out. No, they hadn't. They just apparently don't like to be contacted by ward members. Screw them.

Another brother asked for help with a move. I was trying to help out by getting information out, and realized last last night that I don't know his address because it is not in the directory. Well I guess people can contact him individually and ask for his address. If they can reach him. This same guy's email doesn't contain any part of his name (he uses a pseudonym for the name attached to the actual email address). So when he emails you, you have no idea it's him.

Can you imagine back in the old days, active members with callings asking to be removed from the ward directory?

I do a fair amount of thankless shiz, and this is just another barrier that is pissing me off.

[RedHeadGal]

i should try this. it hadn't occurred to me.