Social Media - Memorial Pages

It is common for someone to start a memorial page on a social media site. There can be advantages and disadvantages to you being the person who begins and owns a site. If you set up your own site, it allows you to delete comments that are negative or untrue, however, it can become an all-consuming task.

Information on social media sites can and most likely will be viewed by the media and perhaps even those who committed the murder. A site can go viral very quickly, meaning many people have access to viewing and posting on it.

Comments posted can be true and comforting to family or they may be negative, hurtful, false and devastating to family. Only you can decide what is best for your family.

If you decide to go ahead you may want to think about the following:

> Develop a strong presence by:

• Enabling people to feel something (love, anger, compassion etc.). Successful social media plays on emotions which inspire people to get involved or interact.

• Ensuring each post has value - do not go overboard.

• Thinking carefully about the message you want to send. Information moves quickly online and is impossible to erase.

• Keeping your posts short and try not to repeat yourself

• Avoiding sarcasm or satirical humor - as it does not translate well online.

> When responding to comments.

• Avoid bad tone, engaging in personal attacks or using offensive, abrasive, or condescending language. If followers attack or blame, try not to attack back.

• You do not have to respond to every comment, especially negative comments. If the same issue is brought up more than once you may choose to respond or ignore.

> Removal of comments - Comments can be removed at your discretion. You may want to remove a comment if it:

• Contains inappropriate or vulgar language.

• Is not relevant to the subject matter.

• Is spam or a form of advertising.

• Is degrading to your loved one or family.

> Make it easy for people

• Add “Share This/Add This” buttons

• Provide “follow us/like” links.

> Remember, posted information and material can impact the investigation and/or future court proceedings.

The video clip below features Vinesh Pratap a well known Edmonton reporter provides some advice and tips for using Social Media.