It’s official: after 13 years, Bill Gates is no longer the world’s wealthiest person. The news arrives courtesy of Forbes magazine. This week it published its 2008 rich list, putting Warren Buffett in the top spot, while the Microsoft co-founder trails in third behind Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim. Though it makes a great story, there are reasons to dislike such compilations. Here is a list:

1. It is disappointing not to appear in them.