Were you aware that some news media write obituaries about famous people before they die? What do you think of this practice?

Were you aware that some news media write obituaries about famous people before they die? What do you think of this practice? Is it practical or morbid?

I was aware of this practice, but I am not sure where that knowledge came from. I think it is a smart idea, so that a more complete look at the life the person led is provided to the reader.I have friends who have already written their own obituaries, even though they are not expecting to die in the near future. Getting it right for those who valued the life now lost is a gift to family and friends.

I was aware of the practice, but was surprised there were several people devoted to it. It certainly seems like a daunting task to keep every single famous person's bio up-to-date! I think it's a prudent thing to do, if a little morbid around the edges.

I think I grew up being aware of this practice - maybe learned it from family or older family friends. I think now, with news going to online and social media release almost immediately, it becomes even more necessary to be prepared. I see it as a nice tribute to people - something thoughtfully prepared rather than quickly thrown together.

I, too, was aware of this practice, and it only makes sense. Particularly in today's world where we have news availability and media sources are attempting to "get the jump" on one another, having pre-written obituaries makes sense. These can always be pulled out as soon as they are needed, updated and prepared for publication quickly. Even in our family - certainly no one is famous - we have all written a "starter" piece to be shared upon death so that family has something to amend or work from if they choose. This saves them from having to start from scratch at what may be a particularly difficult timel.

Absolutely! This is a longstanding process with celebrities and people of interest

Was not aware of it, but it’s a sensible idea

Yes, I was aware that they did this. I think it is good practice. It allows the writer to do a thorough investigation of the person's life rather than just quickly throwing something together to meet a deadline.

I was aware but I was surprised how many folks in Leo’s office shared the job. I assumed there were less people doing that job, not more. This is a necessary practice as it would be difficult to pull together all the info needed on the fly, something would be left out.

With a background in journalism, I was definitely aware that news outlets have prepared obituaries for people who are still alive. I vaguely remember about 5 years ago when a news outlet accidentally released 1 or 2 obits for celebs who were still alive (one was definitely Britney Spears). The organization had to apologize for the mistake and explain that obits are often prepared in advance for some high profile people. I guarantee virtually every news organization had an obit prepared for Queen Elizabeth II.

Anyone who was watching tv around the time of barbara walters death had to be aware that all media had prepared material about her life and career. Within minutes of the announcement they had it on air

I was aware of this practice but it was not something that I ever thought too much about. It makes sense since information must be disseminated as soon as something happens. Having an obituary already written ensures that it is complete and not done in a rush.

I never knew this fact but it makes sense in how fast some newspapers have an obit published hours after a famous person's death.