There are proxy registrars for that, if you're worried about it. After all, it's not required that your actual contact information be present in the WHOIS record, only that you can be reached via the contact information provided there.
Absolutely, and I also make use of these when needed. But they cost extra money and for quick and dirty projects it's refreshing to not have to pay for privacy. We now live in a world of "real names" and "show me your passport to use my service".
