Forever Networks, a firm run by Tyler and Brent Cassity, has found a way to encash on death a little earlier. The cemeteries owned and run by Forever Networks, apart from providing the usual cremation services, also exhibit touch-screen kiosks where one can scroll through photos, audio and video tapes of the deceased. The firm has a basic 10 photo package for ~$600 while a 115 photo-video biography costs the client ~$4500..This is in addition to normal funeral costs...Many clients contact the firm to make a profile for themselves which can be displayed after their death....
Many have criticized the firm's attempts at commercializing something so solemn as death (Forever's 2003 revenues were $19mn)..But I personally find the idea quite appealing...This can help relatives many generations from now to get to see their ancestors in action - must be a real good feeling. I for instance would love to see how my forefathers would have lived...I also agree with the viewpoint that cemeteries are for the living rather than the dead. In other words, I think it makes sense to have a drinking water dispenser in cemeteries...May be we are not yet ready for Pepsi-Cola dispensers or advertisements on coffins and pyres.
Tyler Cassity has also introduced other ideas like displaying DNA samples of the deceased in an illuminated globe and Green burial - burying the body in a biodegradable coffin with little embalming...(could be popular in Whole Foods-crazy california)...
When will Indian (Hindu) funeral pyres come with catalytic convertors adhering to Euro II emission norms?
Many have criticized the firm's attempts at commercializing something so solemn as death (Forever's 2003 revenues were $19mn)..But I personally find the idea quite appealing...This can help relatives many generations from now to get to see their ancestors in action - must be a real good feeling. I for instance would love to see how my forefathers would have lived...I also agree with the viewpoint that cemeteries are for the living rather than the dead. In other words, I think it makes sense to have a drinking water dispenser in cemeteries...May be we are not yet ready for Pepsi-Cola dispensers or advertisements on coffins and pyres.
Tyler Cassity has also introduced other ideas like displaying DNA samples of the deceased in an illuminated globe and Green burial - burying the body in a biodegradable coffin with little embalming...(could be popular in Whole Foods-crazy california)...
When will Indian (Hindu) funeral pyres come with catalytic convertors adhering to Euro II emission norms?
P.S. Read the New Yorker and Fortune for more details.
1 comment:
He he.. Sources mentioned in the post - New Yorker and Fortune...
These people came on Time and New York Times Magazine too...
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