Audio obituary tributes
Starting July 31, we're adding audio to our online obituaries as part of Legacy.com. This feature will be available in the online guest books of all paid obituaries appearing on the site.
According to Kathy Lambeth, who is in charge of our business development, "Audio entries can be up to 60 seconds in length and are submitted through an easy to use voicemail system, accessible via a toll-free number. After recording, the message can be played back, edited or re-recorded by the sender prior to submitting. The message is reviewed for appropriateness and then posted to the guest book where it can be heard by visitors. There is no charge to submit or listen to an audio entry."
Here's an example from Boston.com.
Comments (6)
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Eeuuuuuwwwwww. You LIKE this idea?
Posted on July 27, 2006 10:28 PM
As you may or may not know, obits are a big part of what people look for on our site, and I think anything we can do to help them interact and connect with those notices is good. I would imagine it's probably a huge personal thing for someone to leave an audio comment, and I'm happy we can provide that outlet for them.
Posted on July 27, 2006 10:52 PM
There's lots people do that I wouldn't personally do, Sue. I can't imagine leaving a vocal message for a dearly departed, but I understand how some can find solace in it.
Posted on July 28, 2006 8:48 AM
Without going into the magnitude of the differences with which cultures celebrate and memorialize death, I *do* read the obituaries every day. My dad used to do the same thing and said,
"If I don't find my name there, I make coffee and go to work."
(Maybe he's not the first who said something similar, but I lived with him.)
Are you going to edit or censor or (choose a verb) those that may be histrionic or in bad taste (whose bad taste?) or use language like, "You scum! I'm glad you're dead!"
(not sure where to put the "?" in that sentence, but it WAS a question)
Posted on July 28, 2006 6:01 PM
Yes, they will be previewed before posting, although not by me, thank goodness. I'm waiting for the caller who poses as Elvis speaking from beyond the grave.
Posted on July 28, 2006 6:16 PM
John,
You should just stick to doing the basics really well. Like spelling in an obit, that kind of thing.
Posted on August 3, 2006 3:29 PM