SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Salon Media Group (SLNM.PK) and The Well Group, Inc. today jointly announced that The WELL is now under the ownership of The Well Group, Inc., a private investment group composed of long-time WELL members.

The Well Group, Inc. consists entirely of long-time WELL users with an average tenure exceeding 20 years. The purchase marks the first major online business taken private by users of the business itself.

The WELL represents one of the earliest platforms for online dialogue, supporting lively debates and conversations since its founding in 1985. The Well Group, Inc. is excited to take over the management of The WELL, and continue offering the valuable products and services that subscribers have come to expect over the years.

"The WELL welcomes the opportunity to support its existing base and extends an invitation to like-minded individuals looking for a social network that puts the free exchange of ideas at the forefront," explained Earl Crabb, CEO of The Well Group, Inc. "We are extremely grateful to Salon Media Group for working with us to make this transition a success."

"In a world where online platforms come and go, this is a testament to the dedication of a truly remarkable community," explained Cindy Jeffers, CEO of Salon Media Group. "As a true pioneer of the digital age, and a forerunner of today's ubiquitous social networks, The WELL has played a central role in the origin of countless creative endeavors and cultural movements. We wish The WELL countless more under their new management."

About The WELL

Launched in 1985 by "Whole Earth Catalog" founder Stewart Brand and entrepreneur/philanthropist Larry Brilliant, The WELL attracted an active membership, many well known in the worlds of technology, music, and publishing.

Among notable characteristics of the vibrant online community is the concept of YOYOW (You Own Your Own Words), a phrase introduced by Stewart Brand to reflect the fact that members are not allowed to be anonymous and must take responsibility for messages posted and, reciprocally, no one may use those words without specific permission.

The WELL maintains profitability entirely through member subscriptions with no advertising. Conversations on The WELL take place in both public and private conferences, with topics ranging from the political to the very personal. Today, The WELL thrives as a raucous workshop for democracy and discussion, with a transparency and emphasis on individual responsibility consistently creating an environment that rewards original thought and eventual mutual respect.

Additional background information can be found at: http://www.well.com/media.html.

About Salon Media Group

Salon Media Group (Ticker Symbol: SLNM.PK) operates the pioneering, award-winning news site, Salon.com. With an audience of 10 million monthly unique visitors, Salon.com covers breaking news, politics, culture, technology and entertainment through investigative reporting, fearless commentary and criticism, and provocative personal essays. Salon.com has been a leader in online media since the dawn of the digital age and has bureaus in San Francisco, New York City and Washington D.C.

About The Well Group, Inc.

The Well Group, Inc. runs The WELL, the legendary, pioneering online community, with cultural influence that far exceeds its user base. The WELL's lively, vibrant conversation spans a wide range of interests in a subscriber-supported environment that is free of advertising. To learn more, or to join The WELL, visit http://www.well.com/.

The WELL is a registered trademark of The Well Group, Inc. Copyright (c) 2012, all rights reserved. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.