Comments on: Why the Grateful Dead are the Pioneers of Social Media

By: Brenton

Brenton — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 05:16:13 +0000

Thanks for the love Maren. I actually stumbled across your site a while ago…really good stuff!

As for our moms…happy birthday to mine today…and happy birthday to yours whenever that day comes.

By: Maren Kate

Maren Kate — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 07:46:42 +0000

Awesome post! Just found your site & I like it This post cracked me up because it really is true the Grateful Dead not only rock (both literally & figuratively) but were amazing at growing a ‘following’.

p.s. Its also great that you love your mom I love my mom too!

By: Brenton

Brenton — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:15:24 +0000

Hey Deb,

I’m so happy you found this post and liked it. My mom would be proud to hear that the post represented the Dead well!

I think you’re right with DMB and Phish…however, I don’t think their anywhere close to the Dead…I guess I am bias

By: Deb

Deb — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 03:03:05 +0000

Hey Brenton-

Great comparison! I relate to the Deadhead Mom part (me), sharing bootleg tapes, etc. There was nothing like a Grateful Dead show (like it used to say on the bumper sticker.) And you’re absolutely right about the community part – except that it was REAL, not virtual.

Thanks for including that amazing clip of Ripple. It really brought me back in time and made me realize how much I miss seeing them, especially Garcia.

The closest comparison I can make to current fans creating that feeling is is with the Dave Matthews Band fans. (Probably PhishHeads too). They span ages/generations too, just like the Dead. I go to shows w/my 18 year old and love talking to people in the crowd.

By: Brenton

Brenton — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:36:52 +0000

Thanks for the comment Earl! Good insight on the community section. I think the Dead really understood social capital and how to keep on giving…that lead to an amazing community of die hard fans.

You’re right, real change is built on trust…it’s great to see more and more people doing it right!

How do we do it for the Ebook?

By: Earl

Earl — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:12:54 +0000

That’s a great post Brenton. While my parents were not deadheads, several of my friends’ parents were and I would never have made the connection without this post, that’s for sure!

It definitely is all about creating a community, not simply a customer and I think that’s an excellent point. Instead of focusing on trying to sell something to someone through social media, it is much more valuable to focus on creating the following, to build relationships and to build that trust. Without any of that, little in terms of real change can be made.

By: Brenton

Brenton — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:10:05 +0000

Thanks Bobby glad u like it. My mom helped me make the unlikely connection.

By: Bobby Ring

Bobby Ring — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:34:20 +0000

Great article. I am a big fan of the Grateful Dead and never put the two together…