Towards making this site more interactive, we are now soliciting and publishing short essays from our readers. Please contribute to any of the subjects listed below.
Phil & Friends 
- Phil is on the road, playing with an exciting variety of other musicians. We are interested in your impressions on any of the shows you attend including setlists, venue and audience observations, noteworthy events, and opinions on the music. (Posted 10/30/99)
Thoughts for Dick Latvala - Dick Latvala, the vault archivist for the Grateful Dead, died on August 6, 1999, at his home in Petaluma, California. Dick has been like a godfather to DeadBase since its inception. His advice, corrections, and reviews have been invaluable and it is quite likely that DeadBase would have withered early on without his support. This forum is for any stories, thoughts, comments about Dick Latvala or his work, including the Dick's Picks series of live Dead CDs. (Posted 7/30/99; Reworked 9/6/99)
Jerry Garcia Solo - Jerry Garcia was not only a driving force (many would say the driving force) behind the Grateful Dead, he was also an exceptional solo musician. His work spanned an exceptionally diverse repertoire, and frequently featured marathon solos that surpassed his work with the Grateful Dead.We would like your comments and recollections on Jerry Garcia's solo performances. You are welcome to draw on both live experiences and on tapes. We particularly interested in the color from live Jerry experiences, and in realistic reviews on your favorite recordings. (Posted 9/6/99)
Bob Weir Solo - Bob Weir has had an extensive solo career which continues to be prolific to this day. Through the sheer volume of his recent work, he is one of the driving forces keeping Grateful Dead's music alive. We would like your comments and recollections on Bobby's solo performances. You are welcome to draw on both live experiences and on tapes. We particularly interested in the color from live experiences, and in realistic reviews on your favorite recordings. Selected responses may be published in a future issue of DeadBase. (Posted 9/6/99)
Deadhead 101 - a formal introduction - Now that it is no longer possible to take someone to a Dead show, we would like to know which tape you would play for a friend to introduce them to the magic of the Grateful Dead. Please keep in mind that an accessable show may be more persuasive to a neophyte than your favorite melt-down jam. (Posted 4/21/96)
Reviews, Reviews, Reviews - We would like your comments and recollections on live experiences past, and on tapes present for shows which have not yet been covered in DeadBase. We are most interested in the color that coveys your live Dead experiences to those not so fortunate as to be there then, and in realistic reviews on tapes not yet in global circulation. (Posted 6/1/96; Reworked 9/6/99)
Synchronicity, Live! - We are looking for stories of synchronicity. What is the most outrageous coincidence that has happened to you at a Dead show? This is an opportunity to show off your writing skills, combining a vivid set-up with a punch-line only the Dead could deliver. (Posted 4/21/96)
Thought For Food - Many of us like to cook; most of us like to eat. Here is your chance to infulence Deadhead diet! We are interested in any favorite recipes you might have. (Posted 7/10/98; Reworked 9/6/99)
The Other Ones: Furthur? - The Bus came by (again), and you got on (again). So now you have been to an Other Ones concert. What did you think? What were your expectations for the Other Ones? Did they meet them? How was the scene? How was the music? Would you like to see more? What was your favorite part? What would make it better? Did it help fill the void? What are your hopes for the future? Address these or any other issues you find relevant. (Posted 7/10/98; Reworked 9/6/99)
What Now? - The Grateful Dead were a part of us, providing many with not only music, but with friends, lifestyles (have you ever scheduled vacation time around a Dead tour?), and to some even a purpouse in life. As we close in on the end of our first year without our beloved band, many Deadheads are still trying to cope with the loss, and are desparately searching for something to fill the void in our lives. Have you found any answers or substitutes? Are they sufficient? (Posted 6/29/96)
Wherefore The Grateful Dead - We would like to see your comments on whether the Dead could and should continue to tour as a band. Subjects which might be addressed might include if and how Jerry could be replaced; should the band change its name; musicians to recruit; changes in touring; the band's repertoire. (Posted 4/21/96)
Furthur Hints - Are you familiar with any of the venues that the Furthur Tour will be visiting this Summer? Please submit any suggestions -- ie: directions to the venue, parking, security, how good are the concessions, what do they allow in for food or drink, or any tips that might enhance a Deadhead's experience. (Posted 6/1/96.)
Furthur Comments - So now you have been to a Furthur Concert. What did you think? How was the scene? How was the music? Would you like to see more? What was your favorite part? What would make it better? Did it help fill the void? Address these or any other issues you find relevant. (Posted 6/29/96)