When this email came and linked the story, I thought it was satire. Then other people started sending the same story from different news sources. So, yes, the story is valid:

“An undertaker in Northern Ireland has started showing its funerals live on its website.”

I guess when you don’t care enough to be there in person, now it will be possible to click on a link and be there virtually. But, wait, can you imagine the possibilities? In such an emotionally charged scenario, just think what side bar and banner advertisement there could be. Ads for flowers are a natural. Perhaps there could be a link for some touching e-sympathy cards. And, of course, there could be donation links to the appropriate charities. The possibilities are endless.

However, let’s not limit ourselves. There could be the virtual Bar or Bat Mitzvah - the virtual Thanksgiving family online dinner - the virtual wedding shower with a few thousand of your closest online friends. One wonders how far Google has developed this possible marketing juggernaut.

Marissa, call me. We’ll do lunch - perhaps virtually, if you are too busy.

Catherine Forsythe
Director of Operations
FlyingHamster: http://flyinghamster.com/

[tags]virtual, advertising, Google, Marissa Mayer, Catherine Forsythe[/tags]