I got an email. It wasn’t picked up by my spam filter but that’s exactly what it was. Spam spammity spam.

Apparently I’ve been accepted into the 2013 Worldwide Who’s Who. (You can’t see me falling around laughing can you?)

You were recently chosen as a potential candidate to represent 2013 Worldwide Who’s Who.

We are pleased to inform you that your candidacy was formally approved April 2nd. Congratulations! The Publishing Committee selects potential candidates based not only upon their current standing, but focusing as well on criteria from executive and professional directories, associations, and trade journals.

Given your background, the Director believes your profile makes a fitting addition to our publication. There is no fee nor obligation to be listed. As we are working off of secondary sources, we must receive verification from you that your profile is accurate. After receiving verification, we will validate your registry listing within seven business days.

Once finalized, your listing will share prominent registry space with thousands of fellow accomplished individuals across the globe, each representing accomplishments within their own geographical area.

Spam works by hooking in to a want or desire. If the person who sends out the spam can make the topic connect with the recipient, the recipient is more likely to click the link.

Spammers have used the promise of a new job, sex, travel, money and fulfilling various other human desires. The idea is to make an offer attractive enough that the person who receives the email ignores the dangers of clicking on potentially damaging links.

The Promise of Fame

This time around they’re using the bait of fame. If I believe the email, I’ve finally been recognised as someone important. I just need to approve my profile and then everyone will know about me. Clicking that link will assure my place in history. The Worldwide Who’s Who knows who I am. The fact that I’ve never done anything worthy of being listed in a Who’s Who shouldn’t deter me. I’m a click away from fame and recognition.

We live in a world obsessed with fame so I’m sure that there’ll be plenty of clicks on that link. I don’t know if those clicks will infect computers or just lead people on to requests for money but I know that many people will take the bait. So many people are desperate for the world to validate them. They want fame for fame’s sake.

What about me?

I want to be in my family’s Who’s Who. I want to be listed as husband and dad. That’s what matters to me. Whether I’m known beyond my home is not what matters. My job does give me a wider profile in the community but I’m not interested in chasing fame.

Outside my family I’ll put my energies towards making a difference in the world that doesn’t depend on people knowing who I am but in knowing who God is. The verse below is probably a good way to start.

But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do,
what God is looking for in men and women.
It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don’t take yourself too seriously—
take God seriously. -Micah 6:8 (The Message)