With the approach of Valentine's Day, I notice we are once more prone to radio advertisements for the International Star Registry and its ilk. Although some people defend the practice of "naming" stars for money on grounds that it's just for fun, most serious astronomers (amateur as well as professional) denounce the practice because it misleads the purchasers, who are often taken aback when they belatedly find out that all they have gotten for their money is a piece of paper. (Regrettably, our own Franklin Institute here in Philadelphia falls into the former camp; they carry a "star naming kit" in their gift shop.)
I would strongly urge anyone who is considering the "gift of a star" for Valentine's Day to reconsider.
The following web site has a good explanation with links to other resources:
http://www.morehead.unc.edu/PR/PR199...buy.html?print