Searching the Web
Lesson 4: Using Specialized Search Tools
Searching for People
As you learned in Lesson 1, white page tools can help you find somebody’s e-mail address, telephone number, snail-mail address, or webpage address. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that not everybody can be found in an Internet white page directory.
Most white pages tools build their indexes with information that people submit themselves, or with information that is obtained by using a computer that automatically trolls the Internet and collects pertinent information. For example, e-mail addresses may be found on company or personal web pages or on public discussion boards (if the person has posted messages there).
With snail-mail addresses and telephone numbers, most white page tools stock their indexes with information gathered from telephone or other paper-based directories. Since many people choose to be unlisted in paper-based directories, and may also not have their e-mail address posted anywhere publicly, it may be virtually impossible to find them using the Internet.
Getting Wild
Many white page tools permit the use of wildcards in a query. A wildcard character (typically an asterisk) can take the place of one or more letters in a name. This is especially useful if you are unsure of how to spell a name. For example, typing Kar* in a first name search field instructs the search to return any name beginning with those three letters, such as Karl, Karen, Karin, Karyn, Kari, Karla, etc.
Sometimes Less is More
Completing every single field on a white pages search form often results in less than perfect results. It’s usually best to start broadly and then narrow down your results one step at a time.
For example, you might start by completing the last name field and putting a single initial in the first name field. If the results are too large, then try narrowing it down by adding a few more distinguishing letters in the first name followed by the wildcard character. If you are still getting too many results, try adding the state, then the city, etc.
Other Helpful Tips
- When typing a city name, type the entire name without using abbreviations. For example, type Mount Vernon instead of Mt. Vernon.
- Always use two-letter state designations, with no punctuation.
- It’s best to use all lower-case letters in any search, include white page searches.
- Most directories will let you remove yourself from their database if you want to remain private. Read the help files or FAQ for instructions.
Try this!
Visit the Yahoo People Search white pages at http://people.yahoo.com/ and try the searches below.
- Type your last in the Last Name field and your city name in the City/Town field. Under the Search for heading, click in the Email Address button, and then click Search. Did you find yourself?
- Type your last in the Last Name field and your city name in the City/Town field. Under the Search for heading, click in the White Pages button, and then click Search. Did you find yourself?
- Try the above two searches for a few of your friends and/or family members. Add additional information (first letter of first name, state, etc.) if you need to narrow down your findings.
- Try these same searches in two or three of the search tools listed below.
White Pages to Explore
An alphabetical list of white page tools for you to explore follows. (Favorites are in bold type.)
Check it out!
- See pages 139 through 140 of The Extreme Searcher’s Internet Handbook for additional information on finding addresses and phone numbers.
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