I live in Rochester but am originally from Schenectady. When I had heard about an old family friend who had passed away this weekend, I assumed the paper's website (like virtually every other paper's website) would have the obituary. Then I would be able to send flowers, etc. to the funeral home rather than having to call the family directly and add a bit of aggravation to their grief. Luckily the Times Union had the obit. Shameful that my "hometown" paper and that of the deceased couldn't be bothered to list the obits, not even an archive. Thank you to the Times Union for posting obits online, and creating a search feature.
I understand the need to reserve some items for the print version, but obituaries? Why does the Gazette publish birth notices online? As a teaser to those of us who may be grieving, or who wish to send our condolences to family and friends back home? I believe I can buy the Gazette here in Rochester, but since the obit was printed in yesterday's paper, I have no way of getting a print copy.
I realize the Gazette has no financial interest in providing this service; after all, unless I return to Schenectady, I will certainly not be subscribing to the paper. Nevertheless, of all services a paper offers, I am just stunned that this is one which would be denied to people from out of town.
January 8, 2009
Posted on March 25 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I live in Rochester but am originally from Schenectady. When I had heard about an old family friend who had passed away this weekend, I assumed the paper's website (like virtually every other paper's website) would have the obituary. Then I would be able to send flowers, etc. to the funeral home rather than having to call the family directly and add a bit of aggravation to their grief. Luckily the Times Union had the obit. Shameful that my "hometown" paper and that of the deceased couldn't be bothered to list the obits, not even an archive. Thank you to the Times Union for posting obits online, and creating a search feature.
I understand the need to reserve some items for the print version, but obituaries? Why does the Gazette publish birth notices online? As a teaser to those of us who may be grieving, or who wish to send our condolences to family and friends back home? I believe I can buy the Gazette here in Rochester, but since the obit was printed in yesterday's paper, I have no way of getting a print copy.
I realize the Gazette has no financial interest in providing this service; after all, unless I return to Schenectady, I will certainly not be subscribing to the paper. Nevertheless, of all services a paper offers, I am just stunned that this is one which would be denied to people from out of town.
-Michael Kutny
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