Not to be morbid...

[sherrold]

But I've been thinking about dying a little, recently -- mostly because I've been doing Fanlore articles on fans that have moved on. And I realize that I talked to wickedwords years ago about taking care of my stuff when I died (I have 20 linear feet of zines, still), but she doesn't have my passwords.

Poll #3999 Fannish Executor

Open to: Registered Users, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 108

View Respondents

Have you heard of the idea of a Fannish Executor?

View Answers

Yes
85 (78.7%)

No
23 (21.3%)

What do think your Fannish Executor would do?

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Have your LJ/DW/AOO password
98 (91.6%)

Have your fannish website(s) info
81 (75.7%)

Go through your zines and fannish toys
62 (57.9%)

Be mentioned in your actual will as taking care of your fannish stuff
60 (56.1%)

More that I'll put in comments
13 (12.1%)

Do you have a Fannish Executor?

View Answers

Yes
24 (22.6%)

No
49 (46.2%)

Dammit, Sandy, I'm thinking about it; don't be so pushy
33 (31.1%)

Comments

[jackiekjono]

I didn't call it fannish executor but, last year, I did put together some trust documentation that puts Carol in charge of disposing of my computer equipment, books and video collections.

[melina]

I actually decided to get my stuff in order before I had surgery in May. I drafted and signed a proper will, and also filled out an "Instructions for Survivors" form, which is a detailed list of everything the people who survive you need to know, from a list of all your credit cards and insurance policies to the name of your vet, and a list of everyone who should be notified.

Doing this, while a pain, was a pretty useful exercise in making sure my own address book was up to date. Now that it's done, it will be relatively simple to update, and unlike your actual will, it doesn't need to be re-executed. It just accompanies your will, but IMO, anyone who lives on their own should do one of these, even if they don't have a will.

In the same manila file (my dad knows where it is) is a sealed letter to my fannish executor, asking her to do a few things (like transfer the mediafans domain name to wickedwords), post to LJ/DW, and let some people know. Also in the envelope is a USB thumb drive with a copy of the password management program I use (it's eWallet, I recommend), and instructions how to get the actual password file (it's stored online so it stays updated). So once she installed the program and downloaded the file, she will have all my passwords. I will probably have to update this every few years, as software and operating systems change, but the basics are done. In the letter to my actual executor, I included a line that says, "I've asked [fannish executor] to handle certain things for me. Please give her whatever help she asks for." Fortunately, none of this was needed for this particular surgery!

I will be thinking of you at VVC this week, Sandy! We'll miss you so much.

[scrollgirl]

I wrote up a will a few years back, mostly because my parents were writing theirs and I figured, hey, what about *my* stuff?? I gave my sister what little jewellery I had, gave my university roommmate all my DVDs, and gave my computer/external hard drive to two fellow LJers/DWers, and I think I wrote down my LJ password too, but it must have changed since then. And this was pre-DW! So really, I should update it.

Just remembered where I read about this...

[nyssa23]

Well, I read about Legacy Locker (www.legacylocker.com) on cnn.com last year.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/05/18/death.online/index.html

It's kind of a virtual safe-deposit box where you can leave your passwords, as well as online "letters," for your beneficiaries.

It costs $30/year. I'm considering doing this myself, since it means not having to give anyone my passwords while I'm alive.

[gattagrigia]

Whew! good thing you already took care of all my zines! Thank you!

Now i just have to get around to filling out the paperwork for the rest of it, if i had the paperwork, that is. Dynamic inertia at work here.

[brewsternorth]

I hadn't heard of the notion of a fannish executor until jonquil blogged about it in response to your post, but very good point indeed about keeping fanworks in preservation/generally managing the remains of the fan's presence.

I haven't one, but will consider it.

[ex_akemi42294]

In my will, I have a digital executor who has access to a secure web site with all my passwords. This is an evolving area of law and I am not sure how each state will handle it. If you find out more or want some very basic language written by an IP attorney, let me know.

[darthhellokitty]

I feel lucky in that my husband knows even the most embarrassing details of my fannish-ness, one of my sisters got me into slash in the first place, and nobody else in the family would be in the least surprised.

The couple of times I've been in the hospital, he's posted to my LJ and kept everyone updated; not sure if he knows my (fairly predictable, to him, I suspect) password, or if I was logged in already. Time to make sure he has it.

As for stuff like zines - I guess I need to think what to ask him to do with them. Maybe designate a fan to send them to? So, another person you've made think!

[maygra]

Late and nothing to add to this except I love you and I'm thinking about you a lot.