Websites known as "virtual cemeteries" or "virtual memorial sites" provide space for photographs and biographical information about the dead. Visitors have opportunities to sign the guest book, even leave virtual flowers.
Publishing an Online Obituary or Virtual Memorial
There are many different options for publishing online obituaries or memorials. Some are offered by newspapers in conjunction with the printed newspaper obituaries or as an additional Online-only obituary option. Other options are offered by various companies.
Some companies and websites offer basic obituary publishing for free. Most Online Obituaries or Virtual Memorials require a fee to publish, however the fees for online obituaries are often significantly less and provide a virtual obituary for a much longer time period than publishing a newspaper obituary. The Online and Virtual Memorials are a more cost effective option.
Online Obituary/Virtual Memorial Options:
The offerings of Online Obituaries or Virtual Memorials vary depending on the company providing services. Many generally include:
- A place online where family, friends guests can visit and pay their respects 24/7.
- A certain number of words of text.
- A place for photos or photo gallery.
- A Guest Book or condolence book for visitors to submit their condolences, poems, images. (Entries may be screened for appropriate content before posting.)
- Links to funeral homes and florists.
- Ability to "send" virtual condolence flowers.
- Available for one year or longer depending on the fee chosen or the online service chosen.
- Option for visitors to sponsor (pay to host) a Guest book for a particular period of time.
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Sources:
DeSpelder LA. Strickland AL. 2005. The Last Dance: Encountering Death and Dying. 7th Edition. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill.
Sade-Beck L. 2004. Mourning and memorial culture on the Internet: The Israeli case. American Communication Journal. Vol. 7 At:
http://www.acjournal.org/holdings/vol7/liav_sade-beck/memorial_and_mourning.html
