The general tenor of these columns is lighthearted, and one can readily understand that death isn't an obvious topic for a lighthearted column. I certainly don't intend to give the impression that I suggest we relate to death comically, nor, more importantly, that we make light of the mourning of others. On the other hand, any attempt to examine the various ways in which the internet influences our lives should logically include the ways in which "internet culture" relates to death. Thus, though I feel a certain discomfort in examining this topic in this column, ultimately it's a wholly legitimate topic.