I received a postcard in the mail earlier this week from the high school I attended, requesting that I call the 800 number to update my biographical information.  I called the number and updated all of my information (personal and professional) and heard the rep on the phone say “so can South High depend on you to support them financially by purchasing a copy of this directory”?  Huh?  Directory?  I asked the person, “You mean a directory is actually being printed, hard copy?”  His response?  “Well we are printing a soft cover version, too.”  My rebuttal was to point out that many websites and social networking sites exist where people can connect with former classmates for no cost so why would I purchase a directory? (My 20-year high school reunion was last year and the group that pulled it together created a site just for the reunion where pictures and messages could be posted, bios updated, etc.).  To which the rep says, “Well I have just the option for you that I think fits your needs.  We are creating a CD that you can buy that has the names and biographies of all South High graduates for over the past 50 years through to the graduating class of 2009.”  I could barely contain my laughter.  A CD?  Really?!?  It actually made me a little sad that this is one of the fundraising efforts underway — it’s so out of date.  Surely there are better ways to raise money — ways that incorporate social media and don’t waste money printing directories that will be out of date tomorrow.