Professional Documents
Culture Documents
uk
Introduction
Who's Who Publications PLC are the producers of the UK's most prestigious reference library. This
historic series is the definitive reference source on the UK's leading professionals and their
achievements.
Individuals selected for a biographical entry enjoy unprecedented recognition as our books are
highly acclaimed for their accuracy and editorial independence.
Membership is free to those individuals and the companies they represent that are featured in one
of our business titles.
Company Background
Who’s Who Publications was incorporated in 1998 by the previous owner and publisher, Robert
Nesbit, who spotted an interesting niche in publishing. Whilst there were a few well recognised
books in the UK documenting eminent individuals from all parts of society, there were few
publishers that noted the success of business people who were either well known in their particular
sector or well known in a certain geographical area. The basic premise of the company was
formed, and that was to research and recognise key business people and entrepreneurs in the UK
who create, inspire and lead the most successful companies. These achievements are then
recognised by the publication of a biographical reference book.
Operating from offices in London, the company produced 30 titles up until to 2002. A number of
these are market specific such as “Who’s Who of Architects”, “Who’s Who in Dentistry” or “Who’s
Who in Property”. The popular “County of Britain” series documented key people via region and
included museum creators, headmasters, sports personalities and members of the Government. It
is the “Business Elite” series that has proven to cover the most successful titles, focusing on
entrepreneurs and business leaders in the UK.
In 2004, the company was acquired by its present owners with a view to develop the Who’s Who
brand in the UK. Since then, the Company has continued to produce a range of biographical
reference books listing eminent individuals who drive the UK economy.
In developing the Who’s Who brand in the UK, the Company has expanded its product portfolio
outside of publishing and aims to develop the concept of the “Who’s Who Network”. This network
will allow like-minded people to communicate and trade with each other. Membership is free and
exclusive to those individuals and the companies they represent featured in one of our business
titles.
Company Philosophy
The Company mission is to build a business that researches and recognises people of outstanding
achievement. Emphasis is on documenting different groups of successful individuals, writing to
them and documenting their education and career achievements, together with personal interests.
These books are an important historic record of people’s achievements in business. They serve as
a message to the wider community of an individual’s success in the business world. For those not
included, it gives them something to aspire to.
Who’s Who are committed to having business titles located in Universities, libraries and other
organisations that research business leaders. Data integrity is of paramount importance and the
Company will not look to publish sensitive information or sell personal details or e-mail lists in soft
copy.
Who’s Who respects a number of individuals wish for privacy. As such, the Company will remove
anyone from the database with immediate effect, when asked to do so. These individuals will not
be contacted again by the organisation.
Who’s Who has never, and will not in the future, charge membership fees or levy any charges for
inclusion into one of its titles. Entry is by selection and cannot in any way be paid for. Income is
generated by sales of books and related products.
http://www.whoswhosa.co.za
Who's Who of Southern Africa (Who's Who SA) is a dynamic information tool and
networking site connecting professionals to grow their networks and explore collaborative
opportunities. For more than 100 years, Who's Who SA has been the leading source of
information about individuals of influence in the region. Our database currently features
more than 7500 noteworthy Southern Africans in various fields of expertise.
Focused on our local market, we have incorporated years of information and networking know-how
to develop what is now also set to become South Africa's foremost integrated professional
networking platform (We're getting closer every day...!)
We'd love to hear your thoughts...
The new site will be launched early in 2010, and membership will be FREE to all professionals (or
aspiring professionals!) 18 years and older. Sporting a brand new interface that is supported by a
robust online platform, members will be able to update and manage their own professional profiles
online, search for and follow profiles of noteworthy individuals, and dynamically interact with other
members in our Who's Who SA community.
Although we'd like to call the World Wide Web our home, our team operates from the Foreshore in
Cape Town, South Africa. We are a strategic business unit of the Naspers group of companies:
www.naspers.com Contact Us...
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q: I forgot my login information. How can I retrieve it?
A: In the event that you have forgotten or misplaced your username or password you can contact
Who’s Who SA directly by phone or email and you will be issued with a new username and
password as soon as possible.
Go to the sign in page> click on ‘forgot password’.
You will be directed to another page where you will have to enter your email address (the email
address you registered with).
You will receive an email with your new password. You can also change your password by clicking
on ‘request new password’.
*Tip: Choose password that you will find easy to remember.
2. Q: Does it cost money to create a Who’s Who SA profile?
A: No. You do not have to pay to register and create your profile on Who’s Who SA.
We will be introducing Who’s Who SA Premium membership benefits that will come at a cost. To
find out more about this you can click on the ‘Upgrade my account’ tab on the homepage.
4. Q: Who can view my Who’s Who profile? How much information can they see?
A: Anyone who searches your name by Google or Who’s Who SA can view your profile and all the
information that you have included. Therefore it is advised that you do not include any personal
contact information in your profile.
6. Q: I think someone has hacked onto my profile with my details, what can I do?
A: If you suspect that someone has hacked onto your profile with your chosen username and
password, you are advised to change your password when logging in by clicking on ‘request new
password’ in the accounts information login details.
7. Q: Why has my account been restricted?
A: Restriction is usually based on identified abuse of some sort whether the abuse is intentional or
unintentional. Often the restriction can be released after some education is provided by Who’s Who
SA and acknowledged by the member.
9. Q: Who can see my contact information? How can I edit my contact information?
A: Anyone can view the contact information that you have decided to publish it. You have the
option when filling in your contact details to publish or not publish it for the general public to see. If
you decide to not publish only yourself and the Who’s Who SA team will be able to see it. If you
would like to change your contact information you click on edit your profile and edit your contact
information.
13. Q: What are the best practices I can follow to protect my privacy?
A: Don't post your private email address, phone number, or other addresses on your Who’s Who
SA profile; if you do you'll have much less control over how your contact information can be used.
Use a password that only you will know and will not be easily guessed by others. If you use a
public or shared computer, make sure you log out properly when finished updating your profile.
15. Q: I’d like to receive notification when I get private messages on my Who’s Who SA
account. How can I do that?
A: You can get invitations and send invitation from members of the Who’s Who SA network. To
receive notification of these invitations, log on to the Who’s Who SA homepage and click on edit
your profile. Under the account information section, select the ‘Receive email notification for
incoming private messages’ field. Emails will be sent to the email address you provided in your
account information. Please make sure this email address is the one you’re currently using.
17. Q: I would like to create or edit a profile on behalf of a client? Can I do this?
A: If you have a client who would like to have a profile created on Who’s Who SA you can do this
on their behalf. We however, need to verify that this is indeed your client and that you have
permission to do so. You can send us an email on info@whoswhosa.co.za. Once verified you can
follow the steps to registering your client as a user by clicking on the ‘Join now’ tab on the
homepage.
http://www.acblack.com/whoswho
Who’s Who contains biographies of all kinds of people from all parts of the world and from all walks
of life: the arts, business and finance, the church, the civil service, education, entertainment, sport,
government, the law, local government, the media, medicine, professional institutions, science and
the trade unions.
Each edition of Who’s Who now contains over 33,000 entries, with approximately one thousand
new names appearing for the first time each year.
Uniquely among biographical reference works, entries in Who’s Who are retained for the life of the
biographee (being transferred on his or her death to Who Was Who). Who’s Who therefore has an
unrivalled historical perspective, listing those who lead and influence the world today, side by side
with their living predecessors.
References
1. ^ Official Who's Who website
2. ^ Lord Lucan 'officially dead' BBC, 1999-10-27
3. ^ a b c Daily Telegraph, 1 December 2007 "Jeremy Paxman: Who's new in Who's Who?"
4. ^ Who was Who series:
1. 1897–1915, 1988 reprint: ISBN 0-7136-2670-4
2. 1916–1928, 1992 reprint: ISBN 0-7136-3143-0
3. 1929–1940, 1967 reprint: ISBN 0-7136-0171-X
4. 1941–1950, 1980 reprint: ISBN 0-7136-2131-1
5. 1951–1960, 1984 reprint: ISBN 0-7136-2598-8
6. 1961–1970, 1979 reprint: ISBN 0-7136-2008-0
7. 1971–1980, 1989 reprint: ISBN 0-7136-3227-5
8. 1981–1990: 1991 ISBN 0-7136-3336-0
9. 1991–1995: 1996 ISBN 0-7136-4496-6
10.1996–2000: 2001 ISBN 0-7136-5439-2
11.2001–2005: 2006 ISBN 0-7136-7601-9
• ^ What Price Fame? Be a Very Important Person - all it takes is money, David Vernon, The
Skeptic, 2007, Vol. 27, No. 2, p. 16
• ^ LA cemeteries a who's who of celebrities by Gary A. Warner, AP via The Orange County
Register, in USA Today, 28 December, 2005, accessed 27 June. 2007
External links
• Online version of publication
See also
• Marquis Who's Who
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who%27s_Who_(UK)"
Categories: 1849 books | British biographical dictionaries | Online person databases | Series of
books
Hidden categories: All articles with unsourced statements | Articles with unsourced statements
from January 2008 | Articles with unsourced statements from June 2010
Marquis Who's Who
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Marquis logo
Marquis Who's Who, a subsidiary of News Communications, Inc., is the American publisher of a
number of directories containing short biographies of influential persons. The books are usually
titled Who's Who in... followed by some subject, such as Who's Who in America, Who's Who of
American Women, Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in Science and Engineering, and so on.
Marquis Who's Who books are often found in the reference section of local libraries, at corporate
libraries, and are also used for research by universities.
Who's Who in America, its flagship publication, is a registered trademark of News
Communications, Inc. The New York Times referred to the 60th edition of Who's Who in America
as "a librarian's Vanity Fair".[1]
Marquis states in the Preface that Who's Who in America, "endeavors to profile the leaders of
American society; those men and women who are influencing their nation's development".[2]
Entries in Marquis Who's Who books list career and personal data for each biography, including
birth date and place, names of parents and family members, education, writings and creative
works, civic activities, awards, political affiliation, religion, and addresses.[3] The content is also now
provided online to libraries and other paid subscribers.
Marquis offers some features associated with the vanity press business models, such as selling
merchandise to persons selected as biographees, although this is not required to be listed.[4]
History
Founded in 1897 by Albert Nelson Marquis the first edition of the publication contained concise
biographies of more than 8,500 "distinguished Americans." Albert Marquis wrote that the book's
objective was to "chronicle the lives of individuals whose achievements and contributions to society
make them subjects of widespread reference interest and inquiry. "[2]
Today, the company publishes over a dozen different series and offers an online database with
information on 1.4 million individuals; Who's Who in America contains over 100,000 entries. In
2008, the company launched a second Web site (Who's Who in America) profiling the lives and
careers of America's most noteworthy men and women.[5]
Formerly owned by Reed Publishing, Marquis is now a subsidiary of News Communications, Inc.,
which also owns National Register Publishing and The Hill.[6]
Publications
General publications
• Who's Who in America
• Who's Who in the World2010- featuring the Biography of Suresh Kumar Mansukhani-New
Delhi -India
• Who's Who of American Women
• Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare
• Who's Who in Science and Engineering
• Who's Who in Finance and Business
• Who's Who in American Law
• Who's Who in American Politics
• Who's Who in American Art
• Who's Who in American Education
In March 2008, Marquis launched an online gallery version of Who's Who in American Art,
searchable by artist name and media.[6]
Regional publications
• Who's Who in the South and Southwest
• Who's Who in the East
• Who's Who in the Midwest
• Who's Who in the West
• Who's Who in Asia
Historical series
• Who Was Who in America
• Who's Who in 20th Century America
Selection process
Marquis Who's Who states that selection of individuals for listing in its publications "is based on
reference value. Individuals become eligible for listing by virtue of their positions and/or noteworthy
achievements that have proved to be of significant value to society. An individual's desire to be
listed is not sufficient reason for inclusion. Similarly, wealth or social position are not criteria.
Purchase of the book is never a factor in the selection of biographees".[2]
Some insight into the selection process can be obtained from William L Hamilton's article entitled
"Who Are You? Why Are You Here?" that appeared in the New York Times in 2005. He writes
about new owners acquiring Marquis in 2003, "an editorial team of 70, including 12 researchers,
make the call on who's notable and who's not," a book sales based business model. "A total of
25,000 copies have been sold for shipment for 2006."
Tucker Carlson, in an article entitled "The Hall of Lame" that appeared in Forbes Magazine in
1999, wrote that the selection process is neither rigorous nor meaningful, and self nominators and
thousands of people not particularly notable are included, such as bowling coaches and landscape
architects. Carlson also writes that Marquis makes money selling addresses to direct mail
marketers.[7] Note that in 2003 Marquis had new owners who might have changed this process.
Marquis calls its selection criteria "stringent" and says that biographical data on candidates for
listing are reviewed by its editors to confirm that its requirements are met. Once selected, a
biographical draft is sent to biographees for prepublication checking. In cases where notable
individuals decline to submit biographical data, Marquis compiles information itself.[2]
Footnotes
1. ^ Hamilton, William, L., "Who Are You? Why Are You Here?", The New York Times,
November 13, 2005 Available online
2. ^ a b c d Marquis Who's Who. Who's Who in America 1994. Chicago, Ill: Marquis Who's Who.
pp. vi. ISBN 0-8379-0151-0.
3. ^ "Marquis Who's Who Bluesheet". Thomson Reuters. 2008-04-21.
http://library.dialog.com/bluesheets/htmlaa/bl0234.html. Retrieved 2008-04-22.
4. ^ FAQ, Marquis Who's Who
5. ^ About us, Marquiswhoswho.com
6. ^ a b "Marquis Who's Who Launches Artists' Gallery Web Site (news release)". PR
Newswire. 2008-03-19. http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?
bryannkomoACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/03-19-2008/0004776717&EDATE=.
Retrieved 2008-04-26.
7. ^ Tucker Carlson (March 8, 1999). "The Hall of Lame". Forbes Magazine.
http://www.forbes.com/fyi/1999/0308/063.html. Retrieved 2007-10-17
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marquis_Who%27s_Who"
Categories: 1899 establishments | Book publishing companies of the United States | United States
biographical dictionaries
http://www.forbes.com/forbes-life-magazine/1999/0308/063.html
MICHAEL BOLANOS MADE IT INTO Who's Who in America last year. To celebrate, Bolanos, who
runs a celebrity-oriented website in New York, fired off a full-page press release to "entertainment
and business editors" heralding his triumph. "To be chosen for inclusion," read the release,
"candidates must have held a position of responsibility or have attained a significant achievement
in their field." Who's Who, Bolanos reminded the editors, is a "guide to today's most influential
people."
Congratulations, Mr. Bolanos. Now meet Anita Dawn Sawyer, a fellow influential person of
significant achievement who also recently earned a place in Who's Who in America. Sawyer, a
1986 graduate of the University of Central Arkansas, teaches junior high school special education
classes in Little Rock. Since 1991 she's coached bowling and floor hockey in the Alpena
(Arkansas) Special Olympics. According to Who's Who, her hobbies include cooking, reading,
crafts, playing piano and singing.
Or say hello to Stephen Geiman, who teaches gym at Wilson Memorial High School in Fishersville,
Virginia. From 1970 to 1972, Geiman, a graduate of the physical education program at
Appalachian State University, was the school's driver's ed instructor. Or David Dolsen, an
undertaker in Denver. Or Amy Fung, an accountant from Staten Island. And let's not forget Mary
Morgan, a 55-year-old social worker in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Or Lila Licens, an administrative
assistant from Tacoma, Washington, who has been president of the Mt. Rainier chapter of
Professional Secretaries International since 1994. Or Courtland Paul, a landscape architect in San
Juan Capistrano, who implores Who's Who readers to "Be on time, produce more than is expected
and always, ALWAYS be fair!!!" And of course there's Marguerite Gearhart, a school nurse in
Jupiter, Florida, who lists among her myriad accomplishments a 1968-69 stint as "co-leader" of a
Campfire Girls troupe. Never heard of these people? Then you haven't read Who's Who lately.
Not that anybody has read Who's Who lately, or ever, at least not very closely. The point of Who's
Who is not to read it, but to be in it. One hundred years after it was first published by Chicago
newspaper publisher Albert Nelson Marquis (who despite his ostensible commitment to accuracy
pronounced his name "Markwis"), Who's Who has been a fairly reliable guide to who has made it
and who has not. That's been the marketing strategy, anyway. Flip through the latest volume,
however, and it's hard not to conclude that something has changed, that the selection criteria for
"Honored Biographees" in Marquis's Who's Who have become--how to put it?--more democratic.
Though the number of entries in Who's Who in America has grown to over 100,000 in recent years,
the publication has tried hard to convey the impression that standards for inclusion have remained
the same. Being accepted into Who's Who is "an honor that only a select few ever enjoy," the
company boasts. Every person in the book is subjected to "painstaking selection, research,
rigorous nominee review, and thorough editorial review." And who does the painstaking nominating
and selecting? Marquis implies that members of the publication's Board of Advisors play a large
role in the nomination process, but they don't seem to know much about it.
"The reality is, I don't do anything," says John Fox Sullivan, publisher of National Journal and a
member of the board for the last decade. "There is almost no communication back and forth. Once
a year I get a piece of paper asking me if I want to recommend someone. It's not as if there's an
annual retreat somewhere where we sit around and decide who makes it this year. Or if there is, I
haven't been invited."
Mindy Aloff, a dance critic whose name is also on Who's Who letterhead, seems to have been left
off the guest list, too. "They didn't give us any guidelines for nominating people," says Aloff, who
rarely forwards names to the publication.
Then who is making the decisions? Paul Canning, the publication's editorial director from 1992 to
1997, wouldn't give a specific answer, though he did say that the admissions process is relatively
simple. According to Canning, in order to become an Honored Biographee in Who's Who in
America, the flagship Marquis publication, a person must meet "qualitative and quantitative
criteria." An artist, for instance, "will have to have pieces in multiple collections at recognized
museums and have one-person shows. For Fortune 500 companies, senior vice presidents and
above are listed." Some people, said Canning, make the cut automatically. "We have a thick binder
of all the people who must be included, like artistic directors at ballet companies in major U.S.
cities, or CEOs of Fortune 1000 companies. We look for writers on The New York Times best-
seller list. We have Nobel Prize winners, Oscar winners."
Fair enough. But Who's Who in America also appears to contain a lot of relatively unaccomplished
people who simply nominated themselves. To make the process of self-promotion easier, Reed
Elsevier, the publication's parent company and the owner of Lexis-Nexis, now has a site on the
Internet where would-be biographees can complete a "biographical data form." Spaces are
provided for "career history," as well as for "awards, honors, and grants." Applicants who are
uncomfortable with sending personal information over the Web are invited to fax their biographies
to a number provided on the screen.
There's not a word about qualitative or quantitative criteria. Does everyone who applies get into
Who's Who? "I'll say a majority," admitted Canning, "but I can't get any more detailed than that. I
think the majority are appropriate for one of our regional or topical publications. I think I need to
leave it at that." In other words, just about everyone who tries hard enough will get his name in
print.
Donald Ray Grubbs of Portland, Texas, is proof that persistence pays off. From 1973 to 1986,
Donald Ray worked as a pipe fitter and welder for the Pipefitters Local 195 in Beaumont. Now an
employee of Longview Inspection, a company that assesses the structural integrity of industrial
sites, Grubbs has been appearing in various Who's Who publications for a decade or so. Only a
couple of years ago, he said, was he "elected" to Who's Who in America. "You work up the chain
of Who's Who documents," Grubbs explained. "I was in Who's Who in American Education, Who's
Who in the World, and then Who's Who in America." When we talked to Grubbs, he had just
received a letter indicating that he had been inducted into yet another volume, Who's Who in the
South and Southwest. He sounded pleased. "I have nothing but praise to say about them because
I think they're serving a good job. People like me who really don't get out there in the limelight, this
is one of our ways of getting a little bit of recognition. And it feels good." So good, Grubbs said, that
he has purchased a number of Who's Who products over the years, including a commemorative
wall plaque. (The plaque, he confided, wasn't of the highest quality.) Yet despite his achievements
in the world of Who's Who, Grubbs doesn't put on airs. "I don't profess to be a nationally
recognized welding instructor," he said. On the other hand, Grubbs pointed out, neither are a lot of
other people in the book. "Probably half of the welding staff at Ohio State University are members
of Who's Who."
Nationally recognized welding instructor or not, Donald Ray Grubbs seems like a fairly
straightforward person, which is more than can be said for many of his fellow biographees. As
most of those listed in the book know, entries in Who's Who are mostly self-reported and largely
unchecked, making it the ideal place to tidy up an uneven educational or work history. When Larry
Lawrence, the late ambassador to Switzerland, wanted to replace his years at Wilbur Wright Junior
College with a degree from the University of Arizona, he turned to Who's Who. Unfortunately for
Lawrence, he got greedy, giving himself a membership in a veterans association to back up his
spurious war history and a spot on the Nobel Peace Prize Nominating Commission before he was
finally caught (though not by Who's Who) and exhumed from his grave at Arlington cemetery.
Pamela Harriman, another deceased ambassador, never completed college, but claimed in Who's
Who to have done post-graduate work at the Sorbonne. To this day, columnist Carl Rowan lists 22
different college degrees in his entry, none of them identified as honorary. According to Who's
Who, Rowan graduated from three different colleges in 1966 alone, all while working as a
syndicated columnist.
Not all attempts at résumé laundering are so blatant, though some are considerably
more sinister. In 1995, someone at the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith noticed that Willis
Carto, founder of the lunatic Liberty Lobby, was listed in Who's Who as a "publishing executive."
Although the ADL promptly notified Marquis that Carto's publishing ventures consisted of printing
anti-Semitic tracts, his entry was not dropped until 1998. ("He never did buy the book," chuckles
Carto's spokesman.)
In the mid-1980s, Joe Queenan, then at American Business magazine, decided to test the Who's
Who fact-checking apparatus. Queenan submitted an application on behalf of a nonexistent
magazine editor named R.C. Webster. Webster, Queenan wrote, had graduated with a master of
fine arts degree from F&M T&A University and received doctorates from Quaker State University
and the University of Ron (Ron, France) before moving on to edit such magazines as American
Business, Latin-American Business, The Business of Business, Your Business and Our Business
Monthly. Webster and his wife, the former Trish Abigail Boogen, had children named Cassette,
Lothar, Skippy and Boo-Boo. A member of the Association of Men and the Bureau of People, he
listed his hobby as "managing editing." Who's Who printed most of the entry in its following edition.
It was an embarrassing episode for Marquis, and thanks to improved scrutiny, most of the people
listed in Who's Who in America these days almost certainly exist. But the book is still not edited
thoroughly, which means that many entries are printed at lengths curiously out of proportion to their
importance. Margaret Estelle Vorous, for example, an elementary school librarian in Berkeley
Springs, West Virginia, who counts among her achievements being a blood donor, receives 49
lines in Who's Who. Henry Kissinger gets only 34. Anita Dawn Sawyer of Harrison, Arkansas,
meanwhile, gets twice the space of Diane Sawyer of ABC News, who is listed three entries down.
Still, with 105,000 biographies, there are bound to be worthwhile tidbits buried in Who's Who in
America, and there are. Who, for instance, apart from girls who grew up in the '80s, knew that Pat
Benatar's real name was Pat Andrzejewski? Or that the rap singer Ice Cube was born O'Shea
Jackson? And it's undeniably interesting--if a little sad--to learn that Playboy founder Hugh Hefner
was first married way back in 1949. Other "facts" in the volume make for less scintillating reading.
Indeed, the first clue that Who's Who is a vanity publication is the "Thoughts on My Life" feature
that appears beneath some entries. This is the part where biographees are invited to reflect upon
their achievements using their own words. It's all pretty amusing, and it must be profitable, too,
because Marquis recently decided to expand the concept. For $150, those listed in Who's Who in
America can now write up to 200 words about themselves and their work. A 1997 direct-mail pitch
suggests that biographees use the "Enhanced Biography" option to draft their own personal
classified ads, sure to be seen by "industry leaders and executive recruiters." "Over 22 years of
progressively responsible experience in the food service industry in key decision-making sales and
marketing roles," reads one sample entry. "Recent accomplishments include successful product
introductions into local markets, which generated $12.3 million growth in annual incremental
sales." Perhaps "executive recruiters" really do pore over Who's Who looking to fill highly paid
CEO slots. Or perhaps not. Either way, it's hard to see how information like this is valuable to
reference librarians, the group for whom the volume is ostensibly written.
That is, until you notice the large number of librarians who are listed in Who's Who in America. "We
think librarians are important," explained Paul Canning. "We think they contribute to society." They
are certainly in a position to contribute to Who's Who. The ever-growing Marquis list now includes
20 different Who's Who volumes, including various CD-ROM versions, many of which are updated
annually. A single three-volume edition of Who's Who in America can cost more than $500. A
three-year subscription to the entire Who's Who product line goes for $5,686. Suddenly it becomes
clear how Ruth Ferro-Nyalka, a librarian at the Hinsdale (Illinois) public library, might have breezed
through "Marquis' unique and time-proven compilation process" to earn a spot in Who's Who in
America.
Which is not to imply that vain librarians are Marquis's only source of income. The company won't
say who buys its books, or even how many copies it prints. "I will not elaborate on anything about
Who's Who to someone over the phone," said publisher Randy Mysel, brusquely. "A fax won't do it,
either." A call to the company's business office proves more fruitful. Who's Who, it turns out, does
a pretty good business renting the names and addresses of its 250,000 Honored Biographees to
direct mail marketers. People who are listed in Who's Who, Marquis assures marketers in its
promotional literature, "are interested in many types of offers," including pitches for new credit
cards, magazine subscriptions, catalogues, association memberships and "fundraising
opportunities." The entire database can be rented on computer tape for about $22,000. Or, the
woman on the phone says, the list can be broken down by profession, sex, political affiliation or
religion. There are 17,600 self-identified Catholics in Who's Who, she explains by way of example,
and 5,300 Jews.
It must be a good list, since many Honored Biographees clearly have a weakness for ordering
schlocky products through the mail. Marquis makes certain they have plenty to buy. The
company's "Reflections of Success" catalog advertises an entire line of Who's Who-related junk,
from Who's Who lapel pins (at $52.95 plus shipping and handling, they "quietly declare your
accomplishments") to Who's Who key rings, paperweights and crystal boxes. The home office
seems to do a particularly brisk business in commemorative wall plaques, which at close to $100
apiece doubtless make for a profitable little sideline.
One of the latest offerings from Marquis is the Who's Who/Chevy Chase Bank MasterCard.
Cardholders are eligible for a discount on any merchandise they buy from the Who's Who
catalogue, which brings the entire enterprise full circle. I'm not listed in any of the Who's Who
volumes, but I decided to order one anyway, mostly to see if I could. I could. The moment my
MasterCard arrived, I called Who's Who. "One sterling lapel pin, please," I said. "I'm interested in
quietly declaring some of my achievements." "Which book are you included in?" the woman asked.
None, I said. She didn't seem fazed in the slightest. "Well, you have to be listed," she said brightly.
"But you can talk to the editorial department about that. I'll transfer you."
November 13, 2005
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9507E0D6123EF930A25752C1A9639C8B63
THE 60th edition of Who's Who in America, that venerable guide to American achievement, was
published last week. The familiar two-volume ''big red book,'' a librarian's Vanity Fair, recognizes
109,000 people and, by their inclusion, recommends them to posterity and to America's collective
memory. Kind of like a magazine cover that stays on the stands forever.
But in the era of the Internet and Google, of reality television, gangsta rap stars, celebrity
publicists, incarcerated domestic divas and the famous 15 minutes of fame (probably closer to 5
now), who is who?
''I think about this every day,'' said Jon Gelberg, managing director for special projects at Marquis
Who's Who, the book's publisher. He was speaking at the company's offices in New Providence,
N.J., where an editorial team of 70, including 12 researchers, make the call on who's notable and
who's not. Talking about his work, Mr. Gelberg sometimes looked as stoical as Hercules.
Who's Who, traditionally a polite old-boys' club of state supreme court justices, clergymen,
explorer/authors, botany professors and other conservatively distinguished academic, government
and professional figures, is now -- under a two-year-old management team that wants to recognize
popular culture just as emphatically -- Who's In and Who's Out as well. The crowd squeezed into
the latest edition is as much V.I.P. room as reference room. Think of going down in history as the
ultimate afterparty.
Who's newly who for 2006? Kanye West, the hip-hop artist; Joel Osteen, the televangelist; Eva
Longoria, the actress who plays Gabrielle Solis in ''Desperate Housewives''; Ken Jennings, who
holds the record for the longest winning streak on the game show ''Jeopardy''; and Tony Hawk, the
skateboarder. They take their places in American culture's carved stone with presidents, Nobel
Prize winners, the entertainment elite and the titans of industry. Back after a one-year hiatus is
Martha Stewart, whose stint in jail disqualified her in 2005.
Who isn't who yet? Alice Waters, the mother of new American cuisine. Who was who but isn't for
2006? Beck. Who isn't who, as in ''Who?'' Rod Strickland, the basketball player, and Linda Evans,
a star of ''Dynasty,'' the popular 1980's evening soap opera.
And who will never be who? Victoria Gotti, the author, television personality and daughter of John
Gotti. She is ineligible because of the Gotti family's associations with organized crime, what
Marquis's editors term ''notorious'' or ''infamous'' achievement.
''My life is going to go on without it, believe me,'' Ms. Gotti said of a Who's Who citation, speaking
by telephone from California.
Monica Lewinsky? Never had a chance.
But with the often upside-down nature of who is celebrated today, or why, occupational categories
like organized crime are under review. Socialites, with a few exceptions, like the late, ubiquitous
Nan Kempner, are kept out. Paris Hilton, the celebutante, was included last year, distinguished,
Mr. Gelberg said, by her achievements in three industries: fashion, film and television.
''Popular culture has expanded and grown coarser, so there's no reason not to include Paris
Hilton,'' said Matthew Boylan, a reference librarian at the Donnell Library Center of the New York
Public Library. And librarians, to judge from several spoken to, are an egalitarian but tough crew
when it comes to reference materials, exhibiting a protective ferocity that might impress the Gottis.
''Are we trying to make it more relevant? Absolutely,'' Mr. Gelberg said. ''Who are people talking
about? Who is on magazine covers? People in the hip-hop world, X-Games types. We're adding
them in greater numbers. This is a part of culture.''
Hard calls, like activists, are subject to debate. Cindy Sheehan, opposing the war in Iraq, is a Who
by sheer volume of news coverage in the last year; Randall Terry, the anti-abortionist, is not,
largely through oversight and not lack of newsworthiness, Mr. Gelberg said. Mr. Terry is being
discussed for inclusion in 2007.
Part of the company's three-year plan to make Who's Who more relevant is to reflect the
leadership among African-, Asian- and Hispanic-Americans. Brigida Benitez, a lawyer and
president of the Hispanic Bar Association of the District of Columbia, is one example. The guide is
also applying a brisk sweep of the broom to names that have gathered dust, not laurels. For 2006,
37,000 names were dropped while 20,000 were added. Marquis Who's Who also maintains a
database, available by subscription, of 1.2 million names, including those in the book, those
dropped, those being considered and those of the deceased.
For those included, it is a brutal world of column inches: George W. Bush, one and a quarter;
Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, two and a half between them; Stephen Hawking and Cher, one and
three-quarters each; Madonna, two; Noam Chomsky, six.
Though entertainers and other well-publicized figures are not new to Who's Who, which first
appeared in 1898, its acceptance of popular culture has evolved. Professional athletes, who were
considered laborers, were excluded until 1927, when Bill Tilden, the tennis star and social
celebrity, was admitted. When Mae West was denied entrance to the big red book, she told
reporters that its editors would not be included in her little black book. In the 1968-'69 edition of
Who's Who, John Lennon is present but Mick Jagger is not, reflecting parental attitudes toward the
Beatles and the Rolling Stones more than professional objectivity.
If Who's Who in America has created, by mosaic, a portrait of America and its tectonic shifts, its
latest edition, with its new recognition of popular culture, is a picture that some might find startling
to see -- like an unintended look in the mirror. Who's Who is a dry reminder that celebrity for
celebrity's sake is now a seasoned American industry as powerful and internationally recognized
as steel once was, driven by CD's, movies, fragrances, tabloid romances and the weightless
gravitas of pure appearance.
''Hilary Duff, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera -- they have enormous staying power,'' said Kerry
Morrison, Marquis's managing research editor. ''Compared with Debbie Gibson?'' Ouch. Ms.
Gibson, whom Ms. Morrison characterized as a ''flash in the pan'' -- Who's Who's worst egg-on-
the-face nightmare -- was never in the book or the database.
At greatest issue at Marquis is whether Who's Who in America itself is still ''Who.'' With the
information highway now an international Interstate, is a 5,919-page, $749 reference book an
authoritative tool and valid portrait of society, or a dinosaur from the print age?
''It had a great name, but the product needed great improvement,'' said James A. Finkelstein, who
with Wilbur L. Ross Jr. bought Marquis Who's Who in 2003. Appearing every other year until 1992,
it is now an annual publication. People will fall in and out of the print edition more quickly than they
have in the past, to make it more reflexive as a reference work, Mr. Finkelstein said. The company
publishes 16 Who's Who titles, including volumes devoted to American women and to those in
education, which are purchased primarily by libraries. A total of 25,000 copies have been sold for
shipment for 2006.
How does a who become a Who? There are 73 categories and 800 occupations that constitute
guidelines for admission, said Fred Marks, senior managing director. To shake out nominees, his
staff reviews lists like the Forbes Celebrity 100 and the Fortune 500, as well as lists specific to
various industries and professions. Researchers also compile names from general interest
magazines like Time and special interest magazines like The American Lawyer, looking for new
candidates or verifying that people included in the last edition are still Who.
''The fundamental standards here are position and accomplishment,'' said Gene M. McGovern,
Marquis's chief executive. ''The book fills up fast -- Pulitzers, the Fortune 1,000, Congress.''
Ms. Morrison added, ''With an Oscar, you could stay in until you're dead.''
In 2006, 26 percent of those included are women, up from 14 percent 10 years ago.
Those selected are sketched biographically, then contacted for additional information or asked to
fill out a form. Finished entries are not uniformly fact-checked.
''How far do they go to verify the information?'' asked Susan Newson, head of reference at the East
Meadow Public Library on Long Island. ''That's the question. You have to assume those selected
will not fudge the information or aggrandize themselves, because the list is fairly distinguished.''
Speaking for librarians, Ms. Newson added, ''We're a little suspicious, but on lesser-known people,
we have nothing else.'' Robert Homer Simpson, for example, the first meteorologist to fly over a
hurricane, in 1947, can still be found in Who's Who.
For many of those whose fame is in full bloom, like the hip-hop star Missy Elliott, being included in
the book is not just another piece of publicity. She entered the book last year. ''I'm more than
happy to be in company with Oprah and Hillary Clinton,'' she said on Thursday in a telephone
interview. ''Looking at those accomplishments, it makes mine look very small. It makes you sit
back.''
Ms. Elliott added: ''Reporters always ask me, 'What are the highlights of my career?' This would
definitely be a first.''
http://www.marquiswhoswho.com
Our History
Since 1899, Marquis Who's Who has remained the standard for reliable and comprehensive
biographical data. Each year, we strive to continue the tradition established by our founder, Albert
Nelson Marquis, over 110 years ago with the first publication of Who's Who in America.
The family of Marquis Who's Who publications presents unmatched coverage of the lives of today's
leaders and achievers from both the United States and around the world, and from every
significant field of endeavor. Librarians, students, researchers, corporate executives, journalists,
personnel recruiters, and many others rely on Marquis Who's Who every day for in-depth
biographical information they can use with confidence.
As the needs of our patrons have evolved, we have strived to develop new and more convenient
ways of providing access to our biographical data while maintaining its quality. While we continue
the time-honored tradition of publishing our family of print publications, we are excited to introduce
Marquis Who's Who on the Web, a powerful, web product that offers real-time access to our
database of over one million biographies!
Marquis Who's Who on the Web has the added capability of allowing for targeted searches based
on a variety of criteria such as name, occupation, gender, education, geographic location, and
more. Each biography is clearly and concisely presented under subject headings for fast online
viewing! Now you can make a choice between our classic print volumes and our new online
product based on your biographical data needs.
Please take a moment to browse through our family of biographical references. You'll find a
comprehensive selection of Marquis Who's Who titles with the most accurate, up-to-date
information available.
People Search
Top of Form
First Name Last Name
Bottom of Form
About Us
Listees
Reference
Booksellers
Online Database
Sample Biography
1 MOONVES, LESLIE, 2 broadcast executive; 3 b. NYC, Oct. 6, 1949; 4 s. Herman and Josephine
(Schleifer) Moonves; m. Nancy Wiesenfeld, Dec. 17, 1978 (div. ); children: Adam, Sara, Michael;
m. Julie Chen, Dec. 23, 2004; 1 child, Charlie. 5 BA, Bucknell U., Lewisburg, Pa., 1971. 6 Devel.
exec. Catalina Prodns., Burbank, Calif., 1980–81; v.p. devel. Saul Ilson Prodns. Columbia Pictures
TV, Burbank, 1981–82; v.p. movies and mini-series 20th Century Fox, LA, 1982–85, Lorimar, Inc.,
Culver City, Calif., 1985–88; exec. v.p. creative affairs Lorimar-Telepictures, Culver City, 1988–90;
pres. Lorimar TV, Burbank, 1989–93, Warner Bros. TV, Burbank, 1993–95, CBS Entertainment,
LA, 1995–97; exec. v.p. CBS/Broadcast Group, 1995–97; pres., CEO CBS TV, 1998–2003, chmn.,
CEO, 2003–04; co-pres., co-COO Viacom Inc., NYC, 2004–06; pres., CEO CBS Corp., 2006–. Bd.
dirs. KB Home, 2004–. Westwood One, 2004-06. 7 Developer, prodr. (TV series) Dallas, Dark
Justice, Guns of Paradise, Knots Landing, Midnight Caller, Sisters, Family Matters, Full House,
Perfect Strangers, Family Man, I'll Fly Away, Reasonable Doubts, Step by Step, Hangin' with Mr.
Cooper, The Jackie Thomas Show, Crossroads, Homefront, Going to Extremes, Shaky Ground, It
Had To Be You, Time Trax, Against the Grain, Lois & Clark: The Adventures of Superman, Cafe
Americain, How'd They Do That, Living Single, Family Album, Getting By. 8 Bd. dirs. LA Free
Clinic; co-chair LA bd. govs. Paley Ctr. for Media (formerly Mus. of TV and Radio); bd. trustees
Entertainment Industries Coun.; trustee Nat. Coun. for Families and TV, Am. Film Inst.; mem.
leadership adv. bd. NCAA. Recipient Gold Medal award, Internat. Radio and TV Soc., 2003,
Career Achievement award, Casting Soc. Am., Sherrill Corwin award, Am. Jewish Com.; named
Showman of Yr., Variety, Most Powerful Man in Hollywood, Entertainment Weekly. Mem.: NATAS
(exec. com.), Hollywood Radio & TV Soc. (bd. dirs. 1988–91, pres. 1991). Democrat. Jewish. 9
Office: CBS Corp 51 W 52nd St New York NY 10019-6188 Office Phone: 212-975-4321.
Key:
1 Full Name ensures the proper spelling of 7 Writings and Creative Works list books
the biographee name for correspondence published, contributions to professional
and other written work. journals, exhibits, and commissioned works.
2 Occupation describes the subject's
current profession and identifies areas of 8 Civic and Political Activities, Military
expertise. Service, Awards, Memberships, Political
3 Date/Place of Birth indicate age and Affiliation, Religion and Avocations,
national origin. where available, complete your knowledge
4 Family Background provides the names of an individual's accomplishments and
of parents, spouse and children. highlight vital interests.
5 Education Summary reveals the level of 9 Address provides vital contact information
education and areas of expertise, including
professional certifications.
6 Career Summary details full career
history to indicate areas of expertise and
facilitate contact.
FAQs
Yes. You can send us your revisions via e-mail provided you indicate the revisions on the update
form. You can e-mail your update form back to us by scanning the form. The form requires a
signature, which we must have in our records; it is also scanned into our database for accurate
record-keeping purposes.
Do I need to send back my update form even if I have no corrections?
Yes. We need to receive all forms back so that we can record your response. Please note final
selections can be based on update response.
Did you receive my update or information via fax or mail?
Due to the high quantity of faxes/mailings we receive each day, we are unable to track
faxed/mailed copies until they go through the mailroom process.
How can I be removed from Third Party mailings
We honor all biographee requests to be removed from receiving third party mail. A biographee can
be removed from placement on third party email lists, postal mail lists, and telemarketing lists.
Simply notify us via e-mail at optout@marquiswhoswho.comThis e-mail address is being protected
from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Which publications has my profile appeared in?
Yes. Marquis Who’s Who on the Web, featuring over 1.4 million biographies and updated daily, is
available as a yearly subscription service. Please contact Carmine Pietroluongo for further
information:
carmine.pietroluongo@marquiswhoswho.comThis e-mail address is being protected from
spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
New Candidates
Who nominated me? What is the selection process?
There is never a fee to be considered for or included in any Marquis Who's Who publication.
Listings are free in our reference publications as well as our online database. Listees are under no
obligation to purchase anything at any time.
How do I access the online submission site if the link is not working?
We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the link. If you would like to submit your biography
online, please go to the Submit Your Biography page.
If you would like to submit your biography via fax or email, please download a blank submission
PDF form here.
What is the status of my application?
Submissions are screened within a 4-6 week timeframe. The entire process can take a few
months. If your profile passes screening you will receive a notification via postal mail or e-mail
giving you the opportunity to make revisions.
Can I submit my CV instead of filling out the data form?
While we prefer individuals to use the data form, you can attach a CV to the data form and send it
back to us. Please note that this will delay the reviewing and final selection process.
When will I know if I’ve been selected for inclusion?
Final decisions are made at the galley stage approximately three months before the book is
published. Proofs will be provided shortly thereafter to those selected to appear.
I'm concerned about privacy issues. Is there any way to keep certain information out of my
profile?
Yes. We can suppress any addresses, contact information, birth information, and family
information. Remember, this is your profile and you can include only the information of your choice.
Nothing is mandatory.
Who's Who website terms of use
http://www.whoswhosa.co.za/terms_and_conditions
Introduction
• Manage your Web presence: Control your "professional brand" by creating an accurate, up-
to-date online profile that can be found all in one place and edited regularly.
• Increase your visibility: Your Who's Who SA profile is made available to major search
engines for publishing online.
• Searchability: Recruiters, business associates and colleagues can access your profile to
come to you with opportunities
• Network: Connect with or add colleagues to expand your professional network
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You are required to register on this website if you wish to create a new profile and/or manage an
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In order to successfully complete the registration process, you are required to submit information
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Should you not agree to the verification process as contemplated above or withhold your consent,
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is".
Although we take steps to verify information presented on or through this website, we do not
represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any advice, opinion, statement, or other
information contained in, displayed on, linked to or distributed through this website or the content
other users may publish to this website. You acknowledge that any reliance upon any such
opinion, advice, statement or information shall be at your sole risk. We reserve the right, in our sole
discretion, to correct any errors or omissions on this website without notice to you.
Information, ideas and opinions expressed on or through this website should not be regarded as
professional advice or our official opinion and you are strongly advised to seek professional advice
before acting on such information.
To the fullest extent permissible by law, we disclaim all warranties of any kind, whether express or
implied, including without limitation to the implied warranties that the content published to this
website (or this website itself, for that matter) is fit for any purpose.
Whilst we take reasonable precautions in our operation of this website, neither we or our agents or
representatives will assume any responsibility and neither we or our agents or representatives (in
whose favour this constitutes a stipulatio alteri or stipulation for another) shall be liable for any
damages to or for viruses that may infect your computer equipment or software or other property
on account of your access to, use of or browsing of this website or the content or your downloading
of any content. Any content you access through the use of this website or the content is done at
your own discretion and risk and you will be solely responsible for any damage to your computer
system or loss of data that results from accessing any such content.
We will use reasonable endeavours to make this website available to you, and keep this website
available to you at all times. However, you agree that we shall not be liable in respect of any loss
or damage caused by or arising from the unavailability of, any interruption in or your access to this
website (either in part or as a whole) for any reason whatever.
You further agree that -
• under no circumstances whatsoever, including as a result of our negligent acts or
omissions or those of our servants, agents or contractors or other persons for whom in law
we may be liable, shall we or our servants, agents or contractors or other persons for whom
in law we may be liable (in whose favour this constitutes a stipulatio alteri or stipulation for
another), be liable for any direct, indirect, extrinsic, special, penal, punitive, exemplary or
consequential loss, damage or damages of any kind whatsoever or howsoever caused
(whether arising under contract, delict or otherwise and whether the loss was actually
foreseen or reasonably foreseeable), including but not limited to any loss of profits, loss of
revenue, loss of operation time, corruption or loss of information, content or data and/or
loss of contracts sustained by you, your directors, servants, dealers or customers, resulting
from your use of or inability to use this website;
• you waive and may not bring any claims or legal action arising out of, or related to, the use
of this website, the content or these terms of use more than 1 (one) year after the cause of
action relating to such claim or legal action arose.
Indemnity
You hereby indemnify us and our officers, directors, employees, servants, agents and/or
contractors and/or other persons for whom in law we may be liable (in whose favour this
constitutes a stipulatio alteri or stipulation for another) from any loss, damage, damages, liability,
claim or demand due to or arising out of your use of this website or your breach of these terms of
use.
We are not responsible for files and data residing on your account. You agree to take full
responsibility for files and data transferred and to maintain all appropriate backup of files and data
stored on our servers.
Rights infringment
If you are of the view that your rights have been infringed through the unlawful use of this website
by registrants or third parties, you may address a complaint to us which satisfies the following
requirements and/or contains the following information:
• the full names and address of the complainant;
• the written or electronic signature of the complainant;
• identification of the right that has allegedly been infringed;
• identification of the material or activity that is claimed to be the subject of unlawful activity;
• the remedial action required to be taken by the service provider in respect of the complaint;
• telephonic and electronic contact details, if any, of the complainant;
• a statement that the complainant is acting in good faith;
• a statement by the complainant that the information in the take-down notification is to his or
her knowledge true and correct.
Please either contact us on this website or address your communications to:
• Channel Manager and/or Content Manager
• Email: info@whoswhosa.co.za
We will investigate the complaint on receipt of a complete and properly formulated complaint notice
and will take appropriate action where necessary. Such action may include, but is not limited to,
removing the offending content from this website and/or suspension or termination of the offending
registrant or third party.
Dealings with 3rd parties
Links to and from this website from and to other websites belonging to or operated by 3rd parties
("linked websites") do not constitute our endorsement of such linked websites or their contents nor
do we necessarily associate ourselves with their owners or operators. You are solely responsible
for identifying and familiarising yourself with any terms of use which will govern your relationship
with such third party.
We have no control over linked websites and you agree that we are not responsible or liable for
any content, information, goods or services available on or through any such linked websites or for
any damage, damages or any other loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with
your use of or reliance on any such content, information, goods or services available on or through
any such linked websites. You agree that where you access linked websites, you do so entirely at
your own risk.
Your interaction, correspondence or business dealings with 3rd parties which are referred to or
linked from or to this website is similarly entirely at your own risk and are solely between you and
such 3rd party including the acquisition, disposal, payment and delivery of any goods or services,
and any terms, conditions, warranties or representations associated with such interaction,
correspondence or business dealings.
Arbitration
If any dispute arises between us regarding any provision of these terms of use, or its application or
termination, then we agree that we will attempt to resolve our dispute informally by means of joint
co-operation or discussion between the parties directly involved in the dispute within 5 days after
that dispute arises or such extended time period as we may agree to.
In the event we are unable to informally resolve our dispute, that dispute shall be finally resolved in
accordance with the Rules of the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa by an arbitrator
appointed by the Foundation. Arbitration proceedings shall take place in Cape Town.
This clause shall constitute your irrevocable consent to the arbitration proceedings, and you shall
not be entitled to withdraw your consent or to claim that you are not bound by this clause. We may,
at our discretion, waive this clause and permit our dispute to be resolved using an alternate dispute
resolution process.
Any award that may be made by the arbitrator -
• shall be final and binding;
• will be carried into effect; and
• may be made an order of any court to whose jurisdiction the parties to the dispute are
subject.
Notwithstanding the aforegoing, nothing in this clause shall be construed as precluding either party
from applying to court for a temporary interdict or other relief of an urgent nature, pending the
decision of the award of the arbitrator in terms of this clause.
This clause is severable from the rest of this agreement and shall therefore remain of full force and
effect even if this agreement is terminated or cancelled for any reason at any time.
Governing law and jurisdiction
This website is controlled and maintained from our facilities in the Western Cape province of the
Republic of South Africa. You irrevocably agree that the law of the Republic of South Africa shall
govern this website and these terms of use.
You consent to the jurisdiction of the Western Cape High Court, Cape Town, South Africa in
respect of disputes which may arise out of your access to this website and these terms of use.
You also irrevocably and unconditionally consent to the jurisdiction of the Magistrates Court even
though the value of a claim which we may have against you may exceed the ordinary monetary
jurisdiction of the Magistrates Court.
Legal service of documents and notices
We choose the addresses below for all communication purposes under these terms of use,
whether in respect of court process, notices or other documents or communications of whatsoever
nature.
We may monitor your communications
Subject to the provisions of the RIC Act, you agree to permit us to intercept, block, filter, read,
delete, disclose and use all communications you send or post to or using this website and/or to our
staff and/or employees.
You agree and acknowledge that the consent you provide above satisfies the "writing" requirement
specified in the ECT Act and in the RIC Act.
Severability
Any provision in these terms of use which is or may become illegal, invalid or unenforceable shall
be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability and shall be treated pro non
scripto (as if it were not written) and severed from these terms of use, without invalidating the
remaining provisions of these terms of use.
Termination
If you breach any of these terms of use, we may immediately, automatically and without notice to
you, terminate your use of and access to our website, and/or prohibit your future access to use of
our website, and/or take appropriate legal action against you (including without limitation, applying
for urgent and/or interim relief or claiming damages), without incurring any liability to you of any
nature whatsoever and howsoever arising, and all of our rights in this regard are expressly
reserved.
Disclosures required by the ECT Act
Access to the content on or through this website and this website itself are classified as "electronic
transactions" in terms of the ECT Act and therefore you have the rights detailed in Chapter VII of
the ECT Act and we have the duty to the disclose the following information:
Naspers Limited, a public company incorporated
Our full name and legal status: under the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
Registration number: 1925/001431/06
Manual in terms of the Promotion of Access to Our Promotion of Access to Information Act
Information Act 2 of 2000: manual can be found here.
General terms
You agree that:
• you are bound by these terms of use;
• this agreement shall be deemed to have been concluded in Cape Town at the time you
access this website for the first time;
• data messages addressed by you to us shall be deemed to have been -
○ received if and when responded to;
○ sent by you within the geographical boundaries of the Republic of South Africa;
○ you shall be deemed to have been received data messages we address to you as detailed
in section 23(b) of the ECT Act;
○ electronic signatures, encryption and/or authentication are not required for valid electronic
communications between you and us;
○ as well as warrant that data messages that you send to us from a computer, IP address or
mobile device normally used by you, was sent and/or authorised by you personally.
These terms of use constitute the whole agreement between you and us relating to your access to
and use of this website.
No indulgence, extension of time, waiver or relaxation of any of the provisions or terms of these
terms of use which we may show, grant or allow you shall operate as an estoppel against us in
respect of its rights under these terms of use nor shall it constitute a waiver by us of any of our
rights and we shall not thereby be prejudiced or stopped from exercising any of its rights against
you which may have arisen in the past or which might arise in the future.
Nothing in this agreement shall create any relationship of agency, partnership or joint venture
between you and Naspers and you shall not hold itself out as the agent or partner of Naspers or as
being in a joint venture with Naspers.