We're pretty sure that's not exactly what the folks behind YouDeparted had in mind when they created an "electronic safe deposit box." But that's what we'd use it for. That or leaving lots of MP3s telling everyone what we really think of them.
What the service is supposed to do is provide you with 5GB of encrypted storage space for $9.95 a year. When you're no longer able to read Download Squad, loved ones that you've selected will be able to access your information, including emails, letters, or other files. It's a way to share your final thoughts and/or wishes with your family.
It seems like there's a growing death-related industry growing online. The other day we profiled another company, Respectance, a social networking site that lets users create online memorials for lost loved ones. Perhaps this is a sign that the internet isn't just the domain of 12-24 year olds anymore.
Any way you look at it, the site's name is either an inappropriate attempt to sound like YouTube, or just a creepy way of reminding people that they're all going to die one day. In the past tense. You departed. As in you're not here any more. But you're still reading this. Spooky.
[via TechCrunch]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-28-2007 @ 8:31AM
leahjewel said...
(Response to "Scare your family after you're gone with YouDeparted", Posted Jul 27th 2007 11:00PM by Brad Linder)- Review of YouDeparted Website
WOW! This is ab-so-lute-ly amazingly frightening! I can't imagine being instructed to go to a blog to read and listen to comments from a loved one after their passing on... I wonder if we've gone a little bit too far with technology.
I happen to love discovering the latest technological advances, but this is most interesting... That's a euphemism. My mom and Dad told me to always be polite.
Is this sick or what? I know that death is something we must all undergo at one time or another, but for dear life, must we create a blog paradise and enterprise around it?!
Sheesh! I am creeped OUT! I think I'll just go dip my head in ice water now...
Next, will we have Affiliate Death Marketing? Pay Per Body Advertising? Stiff Stick Comedy? Eh? What say you? We have GOT to talk about this.
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-6jaA9fM9fqfBivq8WFZWN_zd;_ylt=AoMKeADSR1SnpZeEAMKgA3GsAOJ3
http://getrichfromhome.blogspot.com
http://www.income4dummies.com/index.php?uid=1087
Tags: Pinch,Respectance, TechCrunch,departed, Download Squad, Death, Internet, Web services, web 2.0, Brad Linder
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7-28-2007 @ 12:34PM
Rob said...
Dang Leah,.. sensitive much? Personally I think this is a great idea. I've been looking for something like this for a while, although I'm still not sure if this fits my needs. I'm looking for a way to document all of my important information like various account info, passwords, last wishes, etc. for my wife when we die. The point is, I'm so 'invested' in the on-line realm that my wife can't keep up (nor wants to). I have several online bank accounts, insurance sites, and credit cards that I oversee for our family, but she wouldn't know where to start if/when I pass away. This way I could save some directions for her so she isn't so lost. And yes,.. I know that's what attorneys are for, but I'm 30 and don't think I'm at that point yet.
This just may be the ticket.
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7-28-2007 @ 10:08PM
Collin Harris said...
Brad,
You hit the nail on the head when it came to the name. I came up with it by thinking of all of the following at the same time.
1) I had just seen the move The Departed.
2) I was thinking about youtube
3) I wanted something a bit spooky too.
Actually I was surprised youdeparted.com was still available. I thought a travel site would be using it.
leahjewel, if you have ever had someone pass away with no information, it's pretty discouraging. Take a look at the site again and hopefully you see what it's really about. It is a personal organizer with a way to get important information out if something does happen to you. You can store your passport, travel documents, home inventory. Again, think of youdeparted.com as a very secure storage site, helping you organize and can be made available to others.
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