A Guest Post by
Rosemary O’Neill
Within the last year, I lost a cyber-friend unexpectedly. I use the âcyberâ qualifier only because I never met him in person, and I never even spoke with him on the phone. However, we frequently connected on several different social platforms, and he was a long-time customer as well. Imad Naffa was an intelligent, energetic, and prolific person, and I miss him still.
Even though he passed several months ago, I still see his face or his name pop up from time to time in notifications, buddy lists, and my old content. Each time this happens, I take a moment and offer a little prayer for his family.
But it really started me thinking about the consequences of our digital lifestyles. I donât use pre-scheduled content very often, so when I pass, my voice will stop rather abruptly. However, my hope is that Iâve built a legacy of relationships, useful content, and a company that endures. Imad built an amazing, valuable company and community for those who deal with building codes and permits (http://www.naffainc.com/).
I also want to ensure that those I leave behind can pick up the ball gracefully.
Here are some ideas and resources that can support your digital legacy planning.
Great blog post about digital wills
http://socialimprove.com/blog/can-you-profit-from-a-digital-will
Four steps to manage your digital afterlife, from CBS News
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505146_162-57368367/4-steps-to-manage-your-digital-afterlife/
How to notify Facebook of death & account memorials
http://blog.entrustet.com/digital-executor-toolbox/how-to-delete-and-memorialize-facebook-accounts/
Can your heirs inherit your digital downloads?
(Note the response from the anonymous iTunes support employee in the comments)
http://conversation.which.co.uk/technology/digital-download-legal-rights-after-death-amazon-itunes-apple/
How to notify Twitter of death
https://support.twitter.com/groups/33-report-a-violation/topics/122-reporting-violations/articles/87894-how-to-contact-twitter-about-a-deceased-user
Mega-resource list of digital death, memorial or afterlife services
http://www.thedigitalbeyond.com/online-services-list/
Have you created a plan to ensure your digital legacy endures?
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Author’s Bio: Rosemary OâNeill is an insightful spirit who works for social strata — a top ten company to work for on the Internet . Check out their blog. You can find her on Google+ and on Twitter as @rhogroupee
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