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

Convention Fever
Obama's acceptance speech brings the Democratic Convention to a close as McCain's V.P selection sets the stage for Minneapolis. (Members only)

A Culture of Deceit?
Is it fair to assume that police will always lie? (Members only)

The Science of Snooping
What messages do your possessions send to those around you? (Guests welcome)

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...]

Andrew Bishop, researcher:
The WELL is vast and consistently interesting. The Science Fiction conference is a great source for book recommendations, and also home to the fascinating WELL SF Reading Group. I enjoy lurking on the Poetry conference, as participants always have stumbled-upon or favourite poems to share, as well as posting their own efforts. The Movies conference keeps me up to date with recent releases, and has pointed me towards many gems. [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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