Here’s one startup that’s already swimming in the dead pool – and a gruesome announcement on which to end the week. Just-out-of-beta FarAwayFish.com says it will send your post-dated emails and SMS to family, and grant them access to your social web profile after you pop your clogs – basic service free, or premium for £20 a year (“no payment necessary post-death”).
The outfit was founded and bankrolled by former Virgin Group marketer Nick Annetts. Worried about people staying in touch whilst you’re still alive? Don’t worry: “Nobody can see your web profile until you die.” The potential user base is vast (after all, there are more dead people than those still living), and Annetts has hit on a brilliant business model – the longer customers stay alive, the longer they must keep paying that £20 a year. The mailouts will only stay online for 10 years after a member dies – but hey, loved ones can always “extend the life” of the deceased’s profile by themselves paying £10 a year.
More nuggets from the press release: “The internet is now beyond interacting with real friends in real-time … (The site is) especially helpful for those in the military, those suffering from terminal illness or in high-risk jobs … It