http://www.aol.com
Use America Online software to sign on to America Online. Go to keyword: Dead

If you're looking for community on any online service, just look for a Grateful Dead area. Wherever that name appears there's a little bit of the communal spirit of the '60s--even when the inhabitants are young enough to regard the '70s as ancient history. The pattern holds true on America Online, where a peek into the Dead chat area reveals a roomful of fans trading tapes, cards, insights and memories. The affection they have for each other is palpable. "Warm Fuzzies to all" writes one on her way out the door. "Your warm fuzzies make me feel like I've taken codeine" another writes back (okay, so they wouldn't have talked about codeine in the '60s). But the same spirit holds in the bulletin boards. Where else would you find people posting to buy or sell vans and bread trucks specially set up for traveling to concerts? Or a message folder filled with discussion of tie dyed wear? There's even a Deadhead dating connection and discussions on raising kids in a Deadhead household. I've seen religious forums with less depth and fervor. If anyone thought Jerry Garcia's death might change the degree of devotion felt by Deadheads, they haven't been online lately. - E.L.

subject matter: music

regional affiliation: North America, Europe

format: conferencing, chat

language: English

cost: 19.95 per month for unlimited usage.