It's a mantra dating back years, before the age of Web sites and instant information.

It's a game with a simple goal for two simple guys: tell each other about celebrity deaths, and then tell our fans as fast as possible.

DeathWatch traces its roots back to 1993 -- two years before it made its debut on the Web. It developed by happenstance, from a fateful phone call between John Cowan and Jon Graney.

(Read more about the history of DeathWatch!)

Now, since the first DeathWatch notification, the game's founders discuss what makes DeathWatch so special...

Jon Graney on DeathWatch:

"To me, DeathWatch is a more than a game. It's become a tradition -- a rich tapestry, if you will, of biting satire steeped in the American way. That is: if it happens to somebody else, it's funny.

Critics may say DeathWatch is basically a way for two immature men to make fun of celebrities, but I disagree. It's a profound statement of democracy. It's saying, 'This is a profound, democratic way for two immature men to make fun of celebrities.' "

"I like how DeathWatch makes me feel; all happy and excited when somebody dies. If a celeb that I like croaks, it's not so bad if I get the point.

I also have a sense of joy when this game pisses off some schmuck. And no matter what, I know in the end, I'll be worth 100 points."

"A search engine brought me to your 'DeathWatch' subpage, where I was mistreated to your sick, twisted attempt at ill-conceived humor.

Perhaps, when you lose a loved one, you'll not appreciate someone characterizing their death in such a horrible way, and then you'll understand why what you've done in DeathWatch is wrong. Good Luck.

- A disgusted victim of your sick humor

Anonymous e-mail received via DeathWatch site, Oct. 28, 1999