Nobody could have predicted the end would come so soon. But then, no one ever can. Which is why it's probably pointless to keep things private until the last moment. People find different ways of leaving messages that will stay on after them. Some write diaries, others attempt putting their thoughts in verse. Most hesitate to do either fearing the possibility of someone chancing upon their most personal writing.

For them, the Internet now offers safer options.

Timeless mail allows users to write email messages that are maintained in complete privacy during their lifetime. It lets them update and modify these and, with their passing on, sends the messages to specified recipients. How does it know when they should be sent? By keeping track of the user's Social Security Number, which means the service is limited to US citizens alone.

Robert Walker, the man behind it, admits the concept sounds depressing at first, but says that "as we consider the idea -- and especially what an act of compassion this is for those we leave behind -- it seems the right thing to do."

The suggestion originated after the untimely death of Walker's father. "It became apparent that if I were to pass on, there would be many of my friends who would never learn about it until years later, since I am separated from most of them by thousands of miles." He sympathises with the families of those who lost their lives during the recent terrorist attacks, and hopes his service brings solace to many.

Timeless mail has three levels of service to choose from, costing between US$12 and $24. Photographs can be attached, and the premium service lets users upload a digital video as well. As each message can be sent to around 25 different email addresses, Walker suggests starting out by writing a general message that includes the addresses of all you eventually plan to write to or, alternatively, creating one email for family members and another for friends. At your leisure, you can then "give a good deal of thought to what you would say to individuals, and what you might say to groups of people".

Another option: the dead letter office. "Write one letter to the world," it encourages you. "You may say anything you want. What will you say?"

You can jot down yearnings, advice, unfulfilled desires, lessons learned, things you want remembered or even angry thoughts. After you've written your letter, double check to ensure it is exactly the way you want it because once you submit it, "like death, it is permanent". Your letter is then posted on a private URL that you can circulate or keep secret for as long as you wish.

This service is free, but considerably less private as it lets visitors browse posted messages. However, it does guarantee complete anonymity, which means you could also be reading a letter from someone you know.

One more option: Willsindex, which lets you store information about your last will and testament. "You or your legal advisor can register your will and the details stay safe forever." Although you can't upload the contents of the will, the site indicates where it is kept, which helps. It also tells you why you need a will.

That's it, then. Now you can die in peace.

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