What is The WELL?

Welcome to a gathering that's like none other — remarkably uninhibited, intelligent and iconoclastic.

The regulars in this place include noted authors, programmers, journalists, activists and other creative people who swap info, test their convictions and banter with one another in wide-ranging conversations.

The WELL, originally the Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link, provides a literate watering hole for some articulate and unpretentious thinkers. [more about The WELL...]

Fresh Conversations

Karl Rove Unmasked
Examining Karl Rove's path to the White House and his fall from grace. (Guests welcome)

Hypermiling Hellions
How far is too far in the quest for better mileage? (Members only)

Plastics - Environmental Friend or Foe?
Is your water bottle a serious health threat, or a hypochondriac's bogeyman? (Members only)

More discussions...

Membership is not for everyone: partly because we are non-anonymous here. This means that as a member, you know the names of the people you're talking with and they know you, leading to real relationships. Here's how to decide whether The WELL is for you, and whether you're for The WELL. [more on how to join...]

Jessica Merz, Usability Architect:
The Cooking conference sucked me in with its friendly camaraderie, witty banter, depth of knowledge of cooking, and, of course, the basic food porniness of it all. As a new(ish) mother, you'll also find me in the Parenting conference, where answers and support are offered by people who have been there and done that. For pure snark and laughs, I enjoy dipping my toes into the Popcult conference. [more recommendations...]

Use the search box below to explore those goodies that are open for everybody to enjoy. Find FAQs, sites created by members and a few topics being discussed out front. (Members log in at the top of the page to the acclaimed forums on the inside.)

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