Coding the Dead

I have blogged about how the addition of QR barcodes on tombstones now allows loved ones to access a website tribute page for the decedent. Some say these codes are the next step in the internet footprint we will leave behind.

One company in Seattle, Washington charges $65 for a QR barcode, but includes them free with any monument. Another company in Orem, Utah is talking with national cemeteries and war memorials about the inclusion of QR bar codes on tombstones.

For the most part, the demand for this technology is national, but some companies have sold barcodes to Asia, Australia, and Europe.

One has to wonder, however, that with the constant technological advances, updates, and changes how long the technology to use these barcodes will stay relevant and continue to exist.   

See Quentin Fottrell, With a gravestone Barcode, Tomorrow Never Dies, SmartMoney Blogs, Oct. 20, 2011.

Jim Hillhouse (WealthCounsel) for bringing this article to my attention.