Besides the obvious “troll” remarks, this is actually a serious question and post: What happens when a blogger dies?
The recent passing of a well-known Christian blogger, The Internet Monk, has a lot of the community talking, responding, praying, and thinking about the future of a blog where the chief blogger is no longer blogging.
I suppose a few things have typically happened and I’ve seen these 4 scenarios happen:
- The blog just “sits” and collects digital-dust. The last blog entry is the last digital footprint ever recorded.
- The blog is accessed by someone close to the person (friend, family member) and a digital memorial (or something like it) blog post is published. Comments are turned on or off depending on content, intent, etc.
- The blog is inherited by another blogger(s) and continues publishing content with a new author(s).
- The blog is shut down and disappears from the internet, only to be accessed through digital archives.
These four are just the ones that I’ve seen take place the most. I’m sure there are other “ends” that can occur, so I ask: What have you seen happen? Is there a “best” practice here (that sounds so cold…)?
Finally, one thing it does make me think about is whether I should have a “plan” if I suddenly find myself facing the throne of the Almighty… Do you have plan for your blog when you leave this place?
Regardless, let’s honor the lives of those that have left us and pray for the families that are in mourning, and my thoughts and prayers go out to The Internet Monk, his family, his friends, and his online community.
Dave says
I don’t have any big answers for you, except to say that I’m interested in this from the perspective of Internet Monk. He had a really active, and INTER-active blog. Chaplain Mike has done a great job in Spencer’s absence. He’s had good, engaging content, so I could see him continuing the endeavor. However, it seems almost like he would be assuming someone else’s identity if he did. So perhaps it’s best to leave it in memorial to internet monk, but let everyone know, “Hey, I’ll be blogging over here on “.
Great question. I guess this should be in our estate planning, huh?
John Saddington says
cool. that’s what i’ve heard. amazing community…!
Andrew Mason says
Thought about this too.
Possibly tape a “if you’re watching this…” video for a final post?
John Saddington says
perhaps… be interesting to put it in your last will and testament..
Nick Shoemaker says
I think we’ll see things like this. Stuff like “and my online properties I leave to my beloved so-and-so because you know how I role”.
I’m putting this in my will. Word.
Stephen Bateman says
Hmm wow. tough topic, sort of at least. I think blogs like this, especially ones that will become infinitely more established brand-wise than what we currently have (just b/c of time) will need to have some sort of baton passing.
I believe the wonderful part of the internet is the ability to seamlessly pass on content creation to the next generation and to be absolutely certain of what the next person is going to be like. Eventually we’ll learn how to utilize that well…
John Saddington says
good points.
Dewitt says
Succession plans are key…..especially, living in the digital age!
Tyler says
Wouldn’t it be better to honor his life focusing on the things he cared about rather than talking about how a blog evolves after someone dies?
John Saddington says
yes, of course. this post was by no means even a hint at being disrespectful. the thing is that i was never really a part of that community but from what i hear it was amazing.
these were just some personal thoughts on where a blog heads next. good reminder though tyler.
Tyler says
Thanks for your response John. Just wanted to share a different perspective.
dave miers says
i’ve been thinking about this a lot lately.
nothing extra to contribute at the moment.
(mainly wanting to subscribe to comments)
Don says
One could look to the TV evangelists who have passed on, but their work continues on in a couple of different ways. Looking at my local Christian TV station, there are two examples that come to mind. Adrian Rogers passed away in 2005, yet his TV program still airs previous messages. Another example would be Zola Levitt. He passed away in 2006, yet his program continues through his wife and a trusted colleague that had a similar vision.
In the case of IM, I suspect that it is too early to talk about what happens to the site, as people are going to want to have time to more and pay respects to the family. Chaplain Mike, as stated by Dave, has done a good job in continuing the dialog on the site in Michael Spencer’s absence. While not the same voice, he does seem to have the same vision. Perhaps like in the case of Zola Levitt’s program, a trusted colleague can continue the dialog on IM.
John Saddington says
great thoughts here don. seriuosly.
PhillipGibb says
Sadness
Graham Brenna says
Hmm… things to think about for sure. Mine would probably collect digital dust since I am the only author and it is quite specific to my life.
Graham Brenna says
Thinking more about it… I suppose it begs the question, should we have a “will” in place for our internet properties in the same way we do for our junk? Should we have a file somewhere that has all our passwords and stuff for all the websites we belong to so that our loved ones can either delete our accounts and stop automatic payments for URL renewals and things of that nature? I’ve never thought about who would get my MacBook… haha. I don’t mean to make light of the situation like that but seriously. I suppose my sister or my future wife would be the person to “take over” that kind of stuff. It’s weird to think about. It of course reminds me of Zac Smith at NewSpring and his blog.
Dewitt says
Indeed death is difficult for many to handle.
Here’s a thought: what if the blog was generating revenue via ads? Who does the money belong to?
I think for those that want the “conversation” of their blog to continue. A clear succession plan should be in place place about ads, guest bloggers, etc.
Wills should include digital content.
JayCaruso says
It was interesting to see these replies. My mother’s Facebook account is still active despite the fact she passed away in January. I know FB doesn’t know but it still gives me the creeps when they suggest I “re-connect” with her.
I don’t how to answer this question really. The only instance I can remember was when a blogger died, his son posted the last entry and said he would merely keep it active (no more posting, but leaving up the archives, maintaining the domain and hosting) so that his virtual friends could reflect back from time to time.
Stuart says
I guess part of the beauty in having family is that someone can decide that future. Certainly it’s beyond ones control in the after life!
Dave says
John,
I know you didn’t mean for this post to be specific to iMonk, but that his passing merely posed the opportunity for the question you asked. However, I think this latest post at iMonk is useful in this discussion: http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/and-now-for-something-completely-the-same
Dave
brett barner says
This is sad. I know a friend of mine who passed at a young age, and her Facebook account remained active. People posted a lot of nice things. I’ll stop by every once in a while to remember and to read what other people wrote. It’s actually kind of nice. Like an internet tombstone where people can leave their memories.
Nick Shoemaker says
A friend of mine died recently as well. His friends had set up a group for him and people pay their respects there.
It’s pretty interesting stuff.
Stuart says
I understand the group thing – at least someone is still in charge of a group and in the case of imonk there is someone there to continue / maintain.
But would keeping my FB profile active when I move on (will FB still be the thing even?) is something I’d hope would not happen – but equally I won’t care by then.
Stuart says
Here’s my plan …
I have no care what happens to my blog(s) when I shuffle on. I do care that my family may not be able to gain access to the stuff so that they can decide what to do with it all …. so I have already created a sealed envelope, placed with my will, that details how to access all of my accounts, etc…
However, I want to believe that things will have moved way beyond FB, blogs, etc by then.
Adele McAlear says
For over a year, I’ve been researching this very thing and strongly advocate for people to appoint a digital executor to take care of their digital affairs. The biggest problem with an online presence after someone dies, is access. More often than not, families simply don’t have a way to access online accounts. Appointing a digital executor, and making arrangements to make passwords available after death, are important for anyone who has a presence online. You can read more about my view of what a digital executor does, and other tips on managing your digital assets, here: http://www.deathanddigitallegacy.com/2010/01/08/what-is-a-digital-executor/