I see dead people ... all over the Internet
A social network for the dead? Why do we need one of those when we've got Friendster? Actually, two such venues are going live (pun intended) online: Tributes.com, from Monster.com founder Jeff Taylor, and Footnote.com. Both offerings, particularly Footnote, go beyond simple obituaries/memorials by serving as repositories for images and information about those who've passed on. There's already some controversy over the notion of "monetizing the dead." (Footnote is subscription based; Tributes will sell its services to funeral homes.) But there's something truly "immortal" about an interactive and interconnected databank representing—even recreating—people's lives for later generations to learn from, study and share. It's an ancient idea—seeking guidance from one's ancestors, speaking to the dead. Perhaps we're reached the point where technology allows them to answer.
—Posted by David Gianatasio
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September 16, 2008 in Death, Gianatasio, Social networks | Permalink
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Comments
I think Footnotes is more about figuring out ways to monetize the data of dead people. Unclear to me how or if that is possible - leaving aside the ethics of such an endeavor.
In the case of Tributes.com, Jeff Taylor built Monster on the premise that more and more consumers would place and view content online - thus he was able to take major marketshare from newspapers in the employment/hiring space. He's using this sample principle to steal obituary marketshare from the newspapers now.
I have a similar site (Otrib.com) and in addition to virtual obituaries, we also feature articles/tips on planning a funeral as well as community forums for grief support. And unlike Tributes or Legacy.com, our products are free.
Posted by: Sam | Oct 13, 2008 9:58:48 AM
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