Everybody likes to rag on the "talking tombstones" that will allow the deceased to leave messages for their loved ones on augmented tombstones with LCD screens.
The snark was palpable:
Sarah said: "going to the graveyard could become just like watching tv! only it would mostly be bad programming...and commercials."
Lev said: "Function and form fit with this one. Graveyards are an incredible vanity in a world that's being paved over."
Josh said: "anyone who thinks those touchscreen tombstones will still be working and elegant in a decade is smoking something."
And Ganesh pointed out that he didn't care, because "I'm gonna be cremated and the ashes thrown in some river."
Which are all good points. But talking to the future -- and conversely, hearing from the past -- is one of those ideas whose time is always coming. FutureMe.org has been around for a while. It sends emails to the future, promising delivery at any date you want in the future. There have been 36320 letters written, so far. I've browsed some of their public entries and find them sad and silly and sweet:
Did you quit smoking like you said you would? Probably not. Set a date and QUIT! You know you have to if you want to have a long life with your beautiful wife, Ewa. SPeaking of...how is she?...Kiss Ewa for me.(written Mon Jan 5, 2004, sent Sat Jun 5, 2004)
I hope mom is still alive. Her death scares me everyday. I can't imagine living in a world without her. Her light is the only thing that keeps me alive anymore.....Well, dinner is ready (lazana) and Conan is coming on in four minutes. I know you hate the monologue, but Conan is Conan, right? Right....Hope thing have gotten better, Your Past. (written Thu Jan 8, 2004, to be delivered Sun Jan 8, 2006)
People remind themselves to quit smoking, and to stay with their lovers, and to just keep on going. And you know, I don't think the problem with messages from the dead would be their banality. Quite the opposite. These messages from the living are poignant enough already.
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