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Re: Grief on the Internet
Just some thoughts on the Grief for Princess Diana over the Internet:
One point I would add to Lainson's list of points is that this reflects
the ongoing debate about what is virtual and what is actual. There seems
to be a "virtual grieving" process that can take place alongside the
actual grieving process, but is not a substitute for it.
The Internet certainly might empower people to participate in *a* grief
process. But it is quite different from the *real* grieving process.
You could also argue that the media landscape of the 1990s, with its
immediacy and depth of information, creates such grief processes that were
not possible 20 years ago.
I think Loundy is off-base in expecting his site to be some central
commentary base. If the site is unmediated, then he can make no
promises about its content. Along with the comments by professional
representatives you will have the "hang the so-and-so's" comments.
Just my thoughts.
John Carvalho