There are ways and ways of treating fansites (I): Grateful Dead

As promised in a previous entry, I think it's well worth to have a look at other artists/bands and see how is their relationship with their fans.

An interesting (and exemplary, in my view) case is that of Grateful Dead. I had heard about their very friendly and supporting attitude regarding their fans, but after having a look, I am just stunned.

At their official webpage, you can see a number of interesting features.

The first one you notice (if you are a Prince fan) is a feature entitled "Taper's Section" (!!!!!!!), with this heading:

"Taper's Section

In this space, every Monday, you will find information on the recorded history of the Grateful Dead’s music as it pertains to that week, specifically focusing on the shows for that week, through the band’s 30 year performing history, that reside in the Grateful Dead’s storied tape vault. Although not everything is in there, with more than 1,600 of the band’s 2,400-odd shows represented, there is plenty about which to talk. Check back weekly for new entries and insight into the vault, as well as exclusive audio clips relating to that week in the Grateful Dead’s recorded history.

Please note that beginning today all Taper’s Section audio streams are served via a new media player in both Windows Media Audio and QuickTime Audio formats."

Yes, I am no joking: they are offering at the official website a sampling of their huge career of live shows. Can you imagine that??? It would be a dream come true for any hardcore Prince fan, if it happened one day for us.

But wait: there is much more. Among other things, in the "Community" section, there is another interesting  link:

Guess which one?

Yeah, you got it:

FAN PICTURES (!!!!!!). Look:

"Share your memories with the rest of us! Upload your photos by clicking the button below. Add your story, link the photo to a show, or just put it where we can all see it. File size limit is 1.2m. (Photo may take between 1-12hrs to appear on the site.)"

Is anybody listening near Paisley Park?

Other bands welcome fans to upload their own pictures of shows AT THE OFFICIAL SITE of the band.