Web-based Memorializing after 9/11

The primary focus of this article was to analyze specific characteristics of online memorials in order to see if there is a pattern associated with them in regards to who made them (individual vs. institution). It begins by discussing memorialization in general and its reasons for occurring. The article then discusses the Oklahoma City bombings in comparison to the WTC bombings. Next, the characteristics of the online memorial are discussed, such as their ability to be updated over time and the immediacy in which they can be posted. Finally, there is the analysis of eight specific web pages. There were 7 specific characteristics that were being analyzed on each webpage: 1) object/focus of commemoration; 2) co-production; 3) voice; 4) immediacy; 5) fixity; 6) intended audience; and 7) relational positioning of victims. In the end, it was found that there wasn’t exactly a clear pattern of results between websites created by individuals and those created by institutions.

What I found interesting from the article is that my perceived “attitude” of each of the individuals/corporations seemed to be a good indicator of how each website was characterized. For example: when I picture a computer scientist, I picture someone who is technical and to the point. Interestingly enough, the article states that the web memorial designed by a computer scientist, September 11, 2001, Victims (14), was described as straightforward and didn’t use any euphemisms. Additionally, the National Park Service is a service whose job includes running monuments, so I would assume that they would be able to do a good job in profiling a fallen monument and creating a memorial around it, and the article describes its memorial site as being “well planned and designed) (10). I am sure there is some sort of unconscious confirmation bias going on in my head that lead me to “notice” these “correlations” between my thoughts and the results, but it is interesting nonetheless. To wrap this up I have the following questions:

1) How do the results compare to what you would have imagined?

2) What other characteristics could you use to compare web based memorials, in addition to the ones used in this article?

3) The end of the article mentions the effect that time will have on each memorial site. Over time, do you think the findings of the study will stay roughly the same, or will they begin to change? (ex: Over time, will the Neil Casey site continue to have visitors/donators?)