As far as Gelf can tell, the word 'unGoogleable' first entered our lexicon in late November of 2002, when technology writer Clive Thomson asked readers of his blog to nominate a term for people whose names do not appear on the world's most popular search engine. Of the terms proposed, 'unGoogleable' seems to have taken off, but as a recent article in Wired News shows, the meaning has changed. Instead of simply referring to people whose names do not appear in Google (which could include most of the world's population), the term now seems to be reserved for those people who actively try to stay off of the search engine grid. Gelf emailed the writer, Ann Harrison, to ask some follow-up questions about the piece.

Here's the exchange, edited for clarity.

Gelf Magazine: How did you locate your sources if you couldn't find them online?

Ann Harrison: I did what most reporters do. I asked my friends and associates if they knew anybody who did not show up on the search engine. I also asked people I know who are outlaws for various reasons. They tend to lead quiet lives and know others who are also good at flying under the radar.

GM: What do you think of people who don't want to appear on search engines? Some of them seem to have good reason, but most of the sources in your article seemed a bit paranoid about it.

AH: People have good reasons to maintain their privacy. One woman in my story is a Navy wife. Her husband was told by his commander to keep a low profile in case he was targeted by terrorists. Seems extreme, but many military people got the same advice after 9/11. This woman has also been the victim of identity theft. Another person in my story has been arrested many times for civil disobedience and just wants to keep the cops away from his current activism projects. Others simply value their privacy. The homeless man I quoted didn't want to be hassled by authorities. Women who are stalked by abusive partners have very compelling reasons to remain hidden from view.

GM: How do people with common names (like David Goldenberg and Ann Harrison) fit into this?

AH: It is easier to hide in the data. But if someone can link your name to your profession, they can locate you quite easily. I'm the only Ann Harrison who is a reporter. My blog, www.ontherecord.org is the fourth Google listing under my name.

GM: What do you say to people—like Gary Price over at SearchEngineWatch—who claim you're unfairly picking on Google (since a lot of search engines collect this sort of information)?

AH: Google has the largest market share of any search engine. I note in the story that even if they don't appear on Google, they could show up on other search engines or have their information listed by information brokers.

Gelf is not sure that attempting to stay off of search engines is the best way to protect one's identity. As of last year, the large majority of identity theft occurred offline (Better Business Bureau). But, as Harrison points out, it can certainly reduce embarrassing situations—as when an enterprising CNET reporter used the search engine to dig up personal and financial details on Google CEO Eric Schmidt.