K3V3N
So, I was just reading an article which I thought was an important consideration for people who conduct business, shop or socialize on the internets.
It suggested that one includes a digital testament so that one's accounts and such can be closed after one's passing. That the social networks some people have online is as important and real life contacts. And I thought of the few people we have known over the years that have passed. Some we found out about and some we are just left hanging. So I must say I think this is a great idea.
What should be included? Well all your accounts including passwords and emails if possible. As I think about it, since if you are like me and like to change your password every now and then, making your default email for those accounts should be enough to retrieve passwords from almost all your accounts online since most websites have that "forgot your password?" feature and it emails to your email contact to give you the password or reset it.
The social websites I think should be included and I don't think you need me to tell you why. I remember my efforts when my sister passed as I knew she was involved in a global strategy game and after first getting into her pc by correctly guessing her password, I was able to notify the people she played with of her passing. They indeed had become worried as they hadn't heard from her in almost 3 weeks and no one knew her real name or phone number. The response was so profound that I included some of it in my eulogy.
Fortunately for me, I do use my real name here and there are a good number of you who I've spoken to on the phone, mailed or communicate in such a way I know at least 3 or 5 people that could look me up and phone. But how long might that take?
So, I for one am starting to make that digital will so the electronic aspect of my life can be closed. Social networks, shopping accounts, banking and even a contact list.
With my sister, her email account (I couldn't believe I figured out her password for that! A miracle truly!) provided a lot of contacts that I never would have been able to find or notify those people. Indeed, not everyone reads the newspaper obits and with the distance we maintain relationships, there is no way to expect the paper ad to be fully inclusive. It was amazing when people I never knew, heard of, etc appeared and greeted me at my sister's funeral.
So... I hope you too will consider a digital will to go with your estate will. Cheers.
K3V3N 10:15:41 03/09/2010 (4)
LMcG 17:48:41 03/10/2010
randy(always) 21:04:40 03/09/2010
lady cassandra 20:48:49 03/09/2010
