Would you view a funeral via Webcast?
It seems every technological advance we see brings the following debate: is this cool, or just wildly depressing?
Texting, for example, is a pretty neat advent, but it means our faces have to be plastered to our phones half the day. Or there is Facebook, which keeps us connected but is often nothing more than a portal for half-nude photos and misguided “Leno is a crook!!!!!” status updates.
Sometimes, though, there are new tech initiatives that are tied to the economy. They arrive out of necessity, for better or worse.
And here’s one that’s sure to spark some contention amongst the people.
The Consumerist reports there are methods in place now for grieving families to view the funeral of a loved one via Webcast.
Funeralresource.com offers the service, billing it as means for “geographically scattered modern families (with) recession-era meager travel budgets” to pay their last respects, according to the Consumerist.
“Let’s face it, today the economy is tough,” notes Chris Hill, FuneralResouces.com founder, on the company's website.
The only requirement to view a funeral service is an Internet connection. While there isn’t a price listed on the site (you’re to contact them for a consultation), it claims the process can be completed at a “low cost,” for whatever that’s worth.
So, let’s revisit the original question: is this a modern convenience, or downright creepy?
You can see immediately how, well, weird all this is. On the other hand, there must be some appeal to families unable to pull the finances together to attend a distant funeral.
Or, if you’re close but not that close with the deceased, this is an option you might prefer.
Would anyone consider viewing the funeral of a loved one via Webcast?
By Jason Buckland, MSN Money
Posted by: Roxy | Jan 21, 2022 10:35:18 AM
I had never heard of such a thing until early last year, when my Grandfather passed away. I have a very big extended family, whom live all over North America. Those of who could not attend did view the service online, as offered through the funeral home's service. It was thier personal website, not the one you mention. I think it was absoluetly an exceptional service to offer friends and family members who are not only grieving, but also riddled with a small guilt or remource of not being able to attend. It is a brilliant and very thoughtful branch of how technology really can bring people together. At the service I never noticed any cameras, or anything that stood out. So it was still very discreet, and didn't take away from any of the somberness.
Anyway, that is my two cents. If I ever can't attend a funeral in which I would have like to have, I will be thankful that such a service exists.
Posted by: fb | Jan 21, 2022 11:37:44 AM
I think this is a reality of globalization, not necessarily recession. As families continue to spread across the world this option becomes a necessity, not a morbid social networking device. And besides, why is death considered so morbid to share? It is natural and inevitable. My husband is a Funeral Director and prides himself on offering whatever most comforts the families he serves. Thanks for the intriguing query.
Posted by: AP | Jan 21, 2022 12:12:17 PM
This is a great option especially if one is unable to attend due to proximity or geographic considerations including budgetary limitations too (i.e, cost of travel). Funeral is a celebration of someone's life. It is also an opportunity to reunite with relatives and friends. Through this means, reunion can also be made virtual!
Posted by: RGB | Jan 21, 2022 12:29:49 PM
It is time to revisit this application, now that we have the effective means to provide live broadcast. When the concept was first introduced 10 years ago it was met, for the most part, with positive acceptance by the general public. The naysayers would generally change their views after discussion, when they realized that this was not a "morbid" web app where one could view dead bodies, but a service that allowed family and friends far and wide to share and celebrate the life of a dear one that had passed on.
Back then the technology didn't allow effective live broadcasts, only store and view (which has its benefits as well). Funeral Directors were uncomfortable with the technology, believing the families they served would not like the product. It is now 10 years later, the application is even more viable, and it does provide those of us that want to be present, but can't, an opportunity to share and gain closure.
Posted by: Wendy Turney | Jan 21, 2022 5:03:54 PM
We have all watched several of these services. Princess Di, any of the high and mighty, including Michael Jackson's. What is so weird about it? Is it because we know some of the people there or that are involved?
Personally, I think its a great idea, especially in this recession.
Posted by: M | Jan 27, 2022 12:54:27 PM
what's more important - family youll never see again or money? everyones in debt anyway so why not put that money into something like this than a big screen tv. LEARN WHAT LIFE IS REALLY ABOUT!