New map, old twist: where the names have no streets

Looking for Ryan Way?

Travel east on Broadway, take a left on K Street, and then your first right. You're there. Or are you? The green-and-white sign that marks the private way reads K Street Place. No ''Ryan." No ''Way." So what was a certain cartographer thinking about?

His four children and copyright violations -- and not necessarily in that order.

Jim Brock, a Southie native who in five years has designed all four editions of the South Boston Chamber of Commerce street directory, has rechristened a few generically named or unnamed alleys and ways: one for each of his sons and daughter.

''There's Christine Street," said Brock, pointing to a corner of the map unfolded on the Mul's Diner counter. ''She's a comfortable distance from her younger brothers."

Meticulous in every other detail, the map's few fictitious places are a way to ward off copyright violators.

''I took a business-law course in college," said Brock, a home inspector. ''I remember the professor talking about copyrights and how map-makers protect their work by including a couple of made-up details."

Brock's trap has worked well, he says, exposing plagiarists here and there.

''Over the years, I've had to send a few letters to people telling them to stop using my work," he said. ''They did and that was that."

Beyond the practical lies some fatherly pride.

''The kids, especially the boys, enjoy knowing there's a place in town named after them. It gives them some bragging rights. Christine finds it a little embarrassing."

''She should be the happy one," added Brock, with a laugh. ''Her street is the only one leading somewhere. Her brothers all have dead-ends."

RON FLETCHER