I am incredibly honored that for the first time one of my posts was chosen for syndication on BlogHer. Today it went live in the Blogging and Social Media section. It is a post that I am very proud of and it means a lot to me that it will gain a wider audience being syndicated on BlogHer.
My original post was called Bereavement & Social Media. I wrote it last month, on August 17, the day of a funeral for a fellow blogger’s husband who had died unexpectedly. As some of you know, one of the widow and my mutual friend’s “live tweeted” the funeral and my post talks about my experience following her tweets. The syndicated version is called Tweeting a Funeral: A Step Too Far or a Space for Comfort? The new title reflects the differing views on this topic and there is an interesting discussion going on in the comment section.
I had planned to post this blog entry earlier today, however I ended up having a very busy day. By the time I got around to checking in on my post on BlogHer late this morning, I was surprised and excited to see how many people had already commented on the post on BlogHer, as well as a links that were posted on the BlogHer Facebook page and tweeted.
As the day went on I stole moments when ever could to see what was happening with the discussion, but did not have time to join in. I look forward to following up tomorrow and replying to some of the comments on BlogHer, Facebook and Twitter, as people definitely seem to have strong opinions on this topic and I have been fascinated to read what they have to say.
I appreciate why “live tweeting” a funeral is controversial and appreciate the varying perspectives the commenters have shared. That said, I stand by what I wrote in my post about why I believe that live tweeting a funeral, at least in this instance, was an incredibly beautiful, thoughtful and compassionate thing for my friend to do for her friend and a fellow blogger.
I hope that the syndication of my post will encourage those who think there is no place for social media in an event such as a funeral (as I did when I first heard about this), to consider the ways it can bring comfort, peace and healing to those who are grieving the loss of their loved one(s).
Lastly, to those who are here via IComLeavWe, a warm welcome to you! Thank you for being here and for your thoughtful comments. I have enjoyed visiting and commenting on many of your blogs already and look forward to stopping by many more this week!
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Congrats Kathy! I remember that post well. I just went over there and it seems to have generated a lot of comments and discussion. More than I have ever seen on a post over there!
It seemed like most of the people who were disagreeing with you over there didn't read the post.
Congratulations on your syndication! That's awesome.
jjraffe – Thank you! 🙂 I look forward to joining the discussion (replying to comments and such) later today when I have more time to do so.
Jen – That's what it seems like to me too. They were reacting to the idea and not the actual blog entry. Thank you for your congrats! It is such a huge honor for me! 🙂
Congratulations! I am late to the discussion but can't wait to catch up. I am enjoying watching your influence in the WWW and blogosphere.
Thank you Farah! I would love to have your input and take on the discussion. I am humbled by your kind words. xoxo
Many congrats on your post being sindicated! That is awesome!
I'm not really sure what my thoughts on "live tweeting" an event such as a funeral are. I know the situation you're describing and I could relate to the situation somewhat (my dad passed on August 16th and his funeral was on August 18th). I don't think I would have been comfortable with my dad's funeral being live tweeted, but I can't say for sure. It is an interesting topic though!
Happy ICLW!
ICLW #12
Congratulations on the syndication!! That's awesome!!
Wonderful to be spreading the word on grief with social media… congratulations on your syndication 🙂 Looking forward to following along with you xoxo
Lynn – Thank you! I appreciate your uncertainty about this topic, especially when it hits so close to home. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that you are able to do what works for you and brings you some peace, comfort and strength as you grieve your dad's death. I agree that it is an interesting topic. Thanks for visiting and happy ICLW to you too!
Michelle – Thank you! It has been a wonderful experience!
NYM2 – I agree. Thank you for visiting and for your kind words!