Latest DU4 status update

[EarlG]

Hi everyone,

We've just released our second patch since the launch of DU4. While this patch contains a few significant changes, it's not as large as the last one. In fact, while we will still be making periodic udpates, tweaks, and fixes as we move forward, we expect this to be the last major post-launch patch.

The headliner from this patch is that the All Forums page is back as of today:

All Forums

The page can be reached by clicking the "Forums" tab, and forums can be listed alphabetically or by category. In addition, we've added links to the All Forums page as well as each category in the left-column navigation (for non-mobile users).

Other details from the patch:

Restored Greatest page
The Greatest page now displays all threads with five or more recommendations instead of being limited to a fixed number of threads.

Standardized sticky headers across all devices
The sticky header on all devices now only shows the "location trail" -- this change was made to provide more screen space for reading the site. We felt that the previous sticky header was too large, and confusing with different versions across different devices.

Lots and lots of formatting and layout tweaks
Once again we've made dozens of small refinements and adjustments all over the site. Things should now be looking and working better across all devices and in all modes.

My usual disclaimer: Any time we make significant changes to the site's code there's a chance that things might go wrong for some people. If you have any issues or bugs to report, please use the DU Community Help forum.

And now...



Actually just kidding, it's a message from me, EarlG

2023 has been a really tough year for sites that rely on advertising for revenue, as ad rates took a huge dive globally. You can see the effects in stories like Jezebel going out of business, or Andy Borowitz getting laid off by the New Yorker, as sites have had to make cuts all over the place. DU is just a two-person, online-only operation which means we can keep our overheads low, but even we have not been immune to the effects of the downturn this year.

If you can help us out by making a one-time Star Membership purchase or renewal right now, it would be a huge help.

This isn't an official fund drive -- Valentine Hearts will be back in February as usual! -- but if you can kick in a few bucks right now to help us cover end of year costs, and get us ready for expected increases in expenses like health insurance and server costs next year, we would greatly appreciate it.

We've done a lot of work on DU this year, and we want to be firing on all cylinders for 2024.

Thank you!