This slim volume gives a narrative history of the WELL (an early dial-up forum), focusing on aspects of community and personalities. The medium - text base and occasionally arcane - also plays a part. Invites comparison to other forums and conferences.

This is one of two books I started on the same day that start with the announcement of a death. Both were on my reading list - this one since 2014 - and both are quick reads. This is non-fiction, and I would guess will be re-released and/or expanded in a few years for a 20th anniversary. The WELL still exists, and wikipedia can give you a lot more information.

I enjoyed this history and the technical aspects; I ran a free BBS in this same time frame. I see some interesting comparisons to PLATO, and [b:The Friendly Orange Glow: The Untold Story of the PLATO System and the Dawn of Cyberculture|34373814|The Friendly Orange Glow The Untold Story of the PLATO System and the Dawn of Cyberculture|Brian Dear|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1492187905l/34373814.SX50.jpg|55458316] (which was a better book).