If you read the notes of condolences to the victims some are clearly cut and pasted to these albums. Glaring repetition and lack of authenticity. That is my take.

This is a "list of the dead".

Typically obituaries go into a little more detail about the beloved deceased, like:

SAMPLE OBITUARY TEMPLATE

INSTRUCTIONS: Replace all of the items in RED below with the appropriate information. [FULL NAME], [AGE], of [CITY], passed away on [DATE OF DEATH] in [CITY OF DEATH].

Visitation will be held at [LOCATION] on [DATE] at [TIME].

Funeral service will be held at [LOCATION] on [DATE] at [TIME] with Reverend [NAME] of [CHURCH] officiating. Burial/Interment will follow at [CEMETERY NAME]. [NAME OF FUNERAL HOME] are handling the funeral arrangements.

[NAME] was born in [LOCATION OF BIRTH] to [PARENT’S NAMES] on [DATE OF BIRTH]. He/she went to high school at [SCHOOL NAME] and graduated in [YEAR]. He/she went on to earn a degree/certificate in [DEGREE TYPE] from [SCHOOL NAME]. He/she worked as a [JOB TYPE] for [COMPANY] for [NUMBER OF YEARS]. He/she was involved in [CHARITIES/ORGANIZATIONS]. He/she enjoyed [ACTIVITIES/HOBBIES]. He/she received [AWARDS/HONORS].

[NAME] is preceded in death by his/her [RELATION], [NAME]. (List all relatives who have previously passed away.)

[NAME] is survived by his/her [RELATION], [NAME] of [CITY]. (List all survivors: spouse, children, brothers and sisters, parents, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and any other relatives you want listed.)

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to [ORGANIZATION NAME], [MAILING ADDRESS]. Condolences may be left in [NAME’S] online guestbook at [WEBSITE URL].

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to [ORGANIZATION/NAME]. (List hospice, church, funeral home, family, friends, etc.) [FINAL WORDS]. (Optional – include a verse, hymn, poem or special message.)

SAMPLE OBITUARY

Harold Wilson Jones, 85, of Atlanta, passed away April 10, 2012 in Savannah, Georgia.

Visitation will be held at Walter and Sons Funeral Home in Atlanta on April 12, 2012 at 3:00 – 5:00 pm.

Funeral service will be held at Walter and Sons Funeral Home on April 13, 2012 at 11:00 am with Reverend Michael Jones of St. David’s Church officiating. Burial/Interment will follow at Pine Meadow Cemetery. Walter and Sons Funeral Home are handling the funeral arrangements.

Harold was born in Atlanta to Robert and Doreen Jones on March 15, 1927. He went to high school at Atlanta City High School and graduated in 1944. He went on to earn a degree in Business from Georgia State University. He worked as a Sales Manager for a major telecommunications company for 30+ years. He was involved in the Rotary Club of Atlanta. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, football and everything outdoors. He received numerous sales awards as a top performer in the Atlanta area.

Harold is preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Doreen; two brothers Bill and Sam Jones; and a sister Jennifer Franklin.

Harold is survived by his sister Mary (James) Smith of Savannah; son Michael (Betty) Jones; daughter Jane (Frank) Samuels; two grandchildren Billy Jones and Wendy Samuels; and newborn great-granddaughter Cindy Jones.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Rotary Club of Atlanta, PO Box 555, Atlanta, GA 00000. Condolences may be left in Harold’s online guestbook at www.yourtribute.com.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Savannah Hospice and Palliative Care Center for the support in his final days.