The Post website even invites readers into a dialogue with the obit writing staff.

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Just the jokes and the winners... and the obit-reel, which is always a heart-tugger.

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The Post reporter with whom I spoke informed me the paper had a standard form for obit facts.

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Although I was a reporter for a big-city newspaper, I had never written an obit, except maybe for a journalism class.

FORBES: Burying a Life in My Mother's Obit

Only then did the obit mention the Cub Scouts, PTA, League of Women Voters and some of her many volunteer activities.

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We start paying more attention to the ages on the obit page.

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"He only stayed in the finest quality AAA-rated campgrounds, " the obit reads.

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The Post obituary page, when not chronicling the passage of the once-powerful and politically connected, headlined each obit with a concise job title.

FORBES: Burying a Life in My Mother's Obit

The obituary didn't jar the stock: Even though it was an official obit, there were plenty of disclaimers on top from the reporter who was warning editors not to press the "print" button.

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But in general, when your death is of more interest to family, friends, colleagues and your immediate community, the text of an obit is written by the loved ones themselves, who make no pretense of (and have to reason to aspire to) objectivity.

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