Local Site Allows Fans to Thank Musicians; No Word if Musicians Are Actually Listening

Avid music fans have always longed for ways to get closer to their idols. But today’s social media playground gives them no way of knowing whether the beloved artist — or just some flunky, or perhaps nobody — even reads their heartfelt posts.

Enter Cleveland State psychology student Melissa Gentile, who has found a better way of online stalking … er, adoration: It’s called dearartists.com, and it encourages fans to create their own pieces of art in messages addressed to the very artists who have touched their lives.

“The website is a way to reach out to musicians and artists who have influenced us or helped us through difficult times,” Gentile offers hopefully.

This article appears in Jun 15-21, 2011.