2008 Woodie Awards
MyDeathSpace causes
Daniella Langianese
Issue date: 9/19/06 Section: Features
Most generations have heard of the controversies that surround MySpace.com. From the vast media coverage about the site many spin-offs have been generated, one of which includes an uprising phenomena called MyDeathSpace.com.
MyDeathSpace is "an archival site, containing news articles, online obituaries, and other publicly available information," according to the generators of the site. The Web site primarily gives friends and family of deceased MySpace members a chance to pay respect and tribute through comments and online blogs.
Anyone can submit a death notice or obituary with minimal information. A current MySpace account link, an obituary or other online articles about the death of the person and e-mail address of the submitter are all that is needed. A directory of the deceased members' names is also available.
Some people believe that the site is a morbid way to remember loved ones, and there is a forum within the site where the generators post hate-mail they have received condemning them for the creation of the site.
"As a mother of a murdered daughter and grandson I can tell you that this place sickens me! I am a member of Parents of Murdered Children and I can assure you I will actively work at making this place disappear before any other parent of a murdered/deceased child stumbles on it," said Lisa, a mother of a murdered girl currently on MyDeathSpace.
Other complaints have been filed to the headquarters of MyDeathSpace creating much media coverage from sources such as USA Today, New York Times, VH1's Best Week Ever and The Washington Post. But generators of the site, left unnamed, simply evoke their right to the First Amendment.
Deaths are recorded on the site ranging from murder, automobile accidents and suicide. Not only are the names of the deceased posted on MyDeathSpace, but MySpace account holders who have been found guilty of murder are also listed on MyDeathSpace. One of the cases is about a 22- year-old male, Robert Bryant, Jr., who was convicted of murder for shaking his infant son to death. Not only is Bryant on MyDeathSpace, but so is his murdered 7-month-old child.
MyDeathSpace is "an archival site, containing news articles, online obituaries, and other publicly available information," according to the generators of the site. The Web site primarily gives friends and family of deceased MySpace members a chance to pay respect and tribute through comments and online blogs.
Anyone can submit a death notice or obituary with minimal information. A current MySpace account link, an obituary or other online articles about the death of the person and e-mail address of the submitter are all that is needed. A directory of the deceased members' names is also available.
Some people believe that the site is a morbid way to remember loved ones, and there is a forum within the site where the generators post hate-mail they have received condemning them for the creation of the site.
"As a mother of a murdered daughter and grandson I can tell you that this place sickens me! I am a member of Parents of Murdered Children and I can assure you I will actively work at making this place disappear before any other parent of a murdered/deceased child stumbles on it," said Lisa, a mother of a murdered girl currently on MyDeathSpace.
Other complaints have been filed to the headquarters of MyDeathSpace creating much media coverage from sources such as USA Today, New York Times, VH1's Best Week Ever and The Washington Post. But generators of the site, left unnamed, simply evoke their right to the First Amendment.
Deaths are recorded on the site ranging from murder, automobile accidents and suicide. Not only are the names of the deceased posted on MyDeathSpace, but MySpace account holders who have been found guilty of murder are also listed on MyDeathSpace. One of the cases is about a 22- year-old male, Robert Bryant, Jr., who was convicted of murder for shaking his infant son to death. Not only is Bryant on MyDeathSpace, but so is his murdered 7-month-old child.
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