I was incredibly saddened to learn that Brad Graham, founder of the infamous Break Bread with Brad feasts at SXSW, theater publicist and social networking pioneer who is credited with coining the term “blogosphere,” had died in his sleep.

He was so young, vibrant, wonderful, and so beloved by everyone who ever came into contact with him. It is hardly a fair universe that takes people like Brad, when he did so much and was so important to so many people.

He was one of the original members of MetaFilter, and a heartbreaking memorial thread with links and stories provides a fine example of an online wake. I think Brad would have been pleased.

My deepest sympathies go out to his mother and to everyone who was touched by him.