Spend some time with the DU Admin

[Skinner]

Hey, everyone.

Since we shut down the Ask the Administrators (ATA) forum, it's much harder to spot an Admin posting on the website, and I know some people have been wondering about us. We are around, working as hard as ever, but we've been spending our time a little differently than before. We've been fortunate to spend more time actually browsing the discussion forums and posting like regular members, which is something we weren't able to do very much in the past. I try to post a few replies every day if the spirit moves me, but I realize that most people aren't going to see my posts when there are 20,000 other messages being posted each day. So we figure it's time for us to start a thread out here on the discussion forums to find out what's on your minds.

I occasionally see people posting that they miss the old ATA forum, and I understand that. But all things considered, I still think getting rid of the ATA forum was the right thing to do, and I am confident that doing so has made DU a better place -- not just for me as an admin, but also for the average DU member. Now, whenever you start a thread, there is much less of an incentive for people to try to drag the admins into it -- unlike before when there was a public soapbox. You no longer need to monitor the ATA forum to make sure your side is being fairly represented in the "arms race" of complaints. My impression is that people are feeling less outraged or victimized by Democratic Underground these days, because you are not checking the Ask the Administrators forum every day to find out what you're supposed to be upset about. And when someone does have a legitimate complaint (which is quite common), the administrators now have much greater freedom to deal with the issue in an appropriate manner.

With all this in mind, recently we have tried to make an effort to let all of you sort out your differences amongst yourselves, rather than have us do it for you. Yes, we do still step in regularly -- deleted posts and locked threads are here to stay -- but we have been trying do so less often. In fact, we have recently articulated to the moderators much clearer guidelines about when to lock up discussion threads and when to keep them open, in an effort to keep more threads open longer. If you start a flame bait thread, you'll still get your thread locked, but if you start a legitimate thread and someone else tries to screw it up, we're going to try to keep your thread open (as much as it is feasible to do so).

Since I've been able to spend time actually browsing the board I have learned something very important. I know it is popular for people to complain about Democratic Underground, and if you just read the complaints (and I did for a long time) you would think that this place sucks. But you would be wrong. This place is much better than the complainers would have you believe. In fact, Democratic Underground is doing at least as well as we always have. We will always have problems, and we will always do our best to fix them. But the problems we face now are no worse (and not much different) than the problems we have always faced.

Anyway -- getting back to the point of this thread -- I was able to set aside some time to talk to all of you, and I'm wondering what's on your mind. I will do my best to respond to any polite questions and/or comments.

Skinner
DU Admin

[bpilgrim]

1. when will we be able to vote on every post?

not just a thread and then be able to use that score as a filter?

tia :toast:

peace

(on edit: thanks for the great job you folks do with DU :toast:

[Skinner]

2. At the moment we have no plans to set up such a system.

I happen to think the idea has merit, but there seems to be quite a bit of resistance among the membership to doing something like this.

[frictionlessO]

20. Can you run a poll and pin it to the top of the most used forums???

Im in agreeance with you, done correctly this could be an invaluable asset regarding the media latching onto what some troll says as the prevailing sentiment on DU.

[Skinner]

26. On the other hand

You might find that the trolls are the only people making an effort to vote for various posts, and then we end up looking like complete fools.

Still, it might be worth doing a poll of the general sentiment toward the idea.

[frictionlessO]

42. Hahaha, yep you could be very right about that! Still, the patterns

of them doing so could be monitored much the same way you can monitor reccomendations currently (I think anyways). Also I really don't think the trolls can compete with the dedicated think tanker types here... but then again, I know nothing about the actual stats on that and do hesitate to speak further on such a thing for its seemingness to me talking outa my ass!



:toast:

[the_spectator]

56. Yes, there is that -

This newbie suggests you DON'T start a DailyKos-like rating system. From being a passive reader (lurker) there, it seems to me to CREATE problems, rather than solve it. DU is well-run, I think, and truly objectionable posts seem to be removed rather quickly, so I really don't think we here need to start in on the "1"s "2s" "3s" and "4s", clique-centered ratings wars, "what is a 2 really for?" debates, "tip jars" and such.

I think such systems unavoidably influence people to view posting as another competetive game -- how high am I rated?

Plus, in response to a poster just above, I don't think that a ratings system would help in any way to counteract the phenomenon of outlying posts on DU being picked up by right-wing media types and held out as representative of our collective thought. Do you think Michelle Malkin or whoever will include some kind of disclaimer: this was said on DU, BUT, keep in mind, it was only rated a 1.32? I don't think so.

Thanks for all your work! :applause:

[Skinner]

60. That is a good point.

I also can't imagine Michelle Malkin including such a disclaimer.

[understandinglife]

86. In anticipation of the 2006 Congressional Elections, are you considering

.... a forum, separate from GD and GDP, to handle posts focused on all matters 'election'?

Given the importance of those Congressional Elections, it just seems that without a special forum, GD and GDP will explode.

Also, I'd suggest increasing the number of votes required for a post to qualify for the 'greatest page' to expand to 6, especially during 2006, or perhaps permanently.

Thank you for all you are doing; you've created a special community.


Peace.


www.missionnotaccomplished.us - How ever long it takes, the day must come when tens of millions of caring individuals peacefully but persistently defy the dictator, deny the corporatists cash flow, and halt the evil being done in Iraq and in all the other places the Bu$h neoconster regime is destroying civilization and the environment in the name of "America."

[Skinner]

90. If and/or when it becomes necessary

GD: P will likely be turned into the dedicated forum for election discussion. That is what we did in 2004, and I think that is how we will handle the issue next time.

We occasionally revisit the question of how many votes are necessary to get onto the Greatest Page, and currently I think we're fine. But we might increase the number in the future. If you look in the right column, you can see that the threads are listed by number of votes, so it is easy to find the most popular stuff.

[frictionlessO]

89. Thats not quite how I meant it could be used to debunk negative

impact stories. They (RW media pundits) will never give us an inch, thats a given. However sometimes papers allow the opposite viewpoint to have its fair say (yes this still actually happens in this country). If Skinner was to respond to a hit piece on DU it lays accurate and provable ammunition at his feet or ermmm fingertips.

I also said "done correctly this could be" done correctly means coming up with something new and different not mirroring the innefective Kos system.

There is more than one way to go about this as the idea that while an entire thread might be crap including the OP, there might be a few hidden gems of posts in there. Valuable research material that sometime gets lost in the flux that is DU.

Im hesitant to put down the idea so quickly just because things are so great here (and they are), maybe theres a compromise to be reached about this if thinktanked by balanced DU'ers???

Then again I admit to not knowing what Im talking about often enough to just let this go...

[bpilgrim]

150. this system will benefit folks looking for substance - DUers first

having to wade through so much stuff is a chore, there isn't enough time in the day, i think it makes sense for the community to rate every post - like slash dot - so folks with families, work and studies can get the meat of du quickly.

but it is up to every user to chose to use the system... in other words you can still get DU uncut if you choose.

also folks who want to use DU for research will also benefit as they can get to the meaty post very quickly.

peace

[Tom Rinaldo]

69. I'm agin' it

The downside is far worse than the upside. The downside is division and distrust, and resulting hurt feelings and accusations of dishonesty, and those things reverberate for a long time. I am reminded about past controversies where some felt that others were abusing reader input mechanism's, be they alerting on posters or nominating threads. It is a set up for open wounds beneath a saline drip.

[bpilgrim]

156. i think the benefit outweighs potential hurt feelings of a few

i also think that most DUers are mature enough to value the collective wisdom of DUers over their own egos or why would we even come here?

peace

[bpilgrim]

142. i think real DU'ers outnumber the trolls by a factor of 10 at least

we have to have faith in our community... maybe make it for contributers only, or have voting rights rotate randomly.

there are ideas to deal with the trolls, especially the weight of the overall community.

peace

[helderheid]

189. that's not a bad idea!!

[bpilgrim]

133. the great challenge of the information age

how to sort through all the info to find the golden nuggets.

i know of no algorithms that can do it, or a single gate keeper, only like minded communities.

thanks for the response :toast:

peace

[whistle]

3. Sort of like a loyalty oath or the mark of the devil......

:patriot:

[bpilgrim]

135. ah... no

where do you get that from?

peace

[CatWoman]

4. How's your little runt dog doing??

:D

[Skinner]

7. He's good.

He was getting into the habit of peeing on the living room rug. A couple weeks ago we sent it (the rug) away to get cleaned, and now that it's back Romeo doesn't really know what to do.

[seabeyond]

24. everytime i think strongly of getting an indoor dog, someone

tells me about their dog peeing in the house. after years of owning the dog, lol.

appreciate all that is done here. thank you for the site.

[Skinner]

50. He's actually very well behaved most of the time.

He hasn't peed in the house since we got the rug cleaned. In fact, he's finally learned how to tell us when he wants to go outside.

The problem usually starts in the winter. The poor guy is only four pounds, and he can't handle much time outside particularly when it snows. I can hardly blame him.

When the weather is good, and when we take him for regular walks, he never has an accident.

[seabeyond]

73. lol lol, and now i have just fallen in love.

i want an itsy bitsy teeney weeny one too. ah, how cute

cool. then you convinced me, lol even though hubby says......

[Skinner]

81. I actually never wanted a small dog.

And I certainly did not want a micro-mini like Romeo. My last dog was a Rottweiler. She was such a good dog, and super-smart.

Romeo belonged to an intern in my wife's office, and I don't think the intern was taking very good care of him. (He was only three pounds when we adopted him. You could see his ribs.) He needed a home, and we had one to give, and the rest is history.

[seabeyond]

94. that is funny, it is a guy thing i know, lol lol

the little yappy dog. hey, either that or a baby. and seeing how he was snipped snipped, would have to be a long needle to get out those beautiful baby making sperms.

lmao here, thanks skinner......hubby will enjoy this.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

5. Can I borrow your car?

For...ohhhh say...five years? ;-)

[Skinner]

8. I'm not sure.

I think I might be using it then.

[teach1st]

6. Nothing to ask you...

..but I did want to take this opportunity to thank you and the other admins, as well as all of the mods, for the hard work you all do.

[Skinner]

9. You're welcome.

Thank you for being a part of our community.

[kliljedahl]

12. I would like to echo that sentiment

I've only been around a few months but I'm really impressed by the way DU is run & the way problems are resolved.


Keith’s Barbeque Central

[Skinner]

19. Thank you.

I appreciate it.

[helderheid]

10. Hey Skinner!

First, THANK YOU FOR DU!!! It's a sanity saver! Second, you may have seen a thread here in GD about a fund raiser to buy radio spots on Air America Radio - does this appeal to you?

Thanks again for the fantastic job you're doing!

[Skinner]

14. You're welcome.

I saw the thread, but I have not read it yet, nor have I discussed it with the other admins, so I don't have a final answer.

My initial reaction when people propose something like this is that I am afraid it might cut into the donations we need to keep the website running. I know that plenty of people are able to donate to multiple causes. But I suspect there may be some people who choose to donate for an ad for AAR, and then will have to cut back on their donations to DU.

[helderheid]

18. gotcha

I was just thinking of all the new donors it would attract ;)

[helderheid]

117. I've set up a poll

so far, 80% would donate for both. :)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3965774

[Old and In the Way]

153. I think the benefits to you would outweigh the disadvantages.

Think about it....the members here are willing to foot the bill. You get new members joining who'll add to your revenue stream.

Might be worth a try. I know I'd be happy to contribute to both...

[helderheid]

181. Me too

would you help me to keep the poll kicked?

[Blue-Jay]

11. Can we talk about chickens again?

heh heh. kidding.

<-- Also, can we add this smiley?

[Skinner]

16. Yes, you can talk about chickens again.

Not kidding.

That's a cute smiley. Maybe we can add it in.

[Elad]

237. Sure thing, it's been added

:yoiks:

[Thtwudbeme]

13. Thanks for finding a husband for me!

He's really cute, and I think I am going to keep him.

Stephanie

[Skinner]

21. You're welcome.

I was not aware that I had done so. That is wonderful news. :D

[Misunderestimator]

61. Oh, and for that matter... thanks for finding a partner for me too!

:D

[Skinner]

64. You're welcome.

I am happy to help. :thumbsup:

[Stephanie]

217. Hey, how do I get in on this?

Who knew? Guess I've been looking in all the wrong places!

[MountainLaurel]

221. Same here

I met my betrothed two years ago at a DU meetup for an antiwar rally in DC.

[RubyDuby in GA]

242. Hey me too...sort of

I invited a guy I have known for quite a while and had sort of "been hanging out with/quasi-dating" to the Atlanta DU get together in February. He followed me home and the rest is history. We're getting married in September.

DU is the best!

[Jon_da_brockman]

15. I would LOVE it

If that damn logout button was not RIGHT BESIDE the "My posts" button. Maybe its 2 much coffee, but I always accidently log out instead of check for replies... but than again I'm an idiot.

[Skinner]

23. I was not aware that this was a problem.

But I can see why it might happen. I'll talk to Elad about the possibility of moving the button.

[Jon_da_brockman]

27. Could be just me

But, like I said, I am an idiot.

[DS1]

105. I only dropped in this thread to point out that the logout button

is right between My Posts and Greatest , and since I'm all about me, I tend to butterfinger my way into logging out much more often than I'd like.

Everything else is great :toast:

[yvr girl]

152. I've done it too

FWIW

[MissB]

I click on it now and then

and it is frustrating. I never log out for any reason, unless I accidentally hit the button.

[AllyCat]

214. Many of us do this more often than we'd like...

...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x3536170

[RetroLounge]

224. Oh, it's a problem for sure!

I started a thread here about it.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x3536170

Thanks and keep up the great work, Skinner!

RL

[ghostsofgiants]

240. Yeah, that would be a welcome change, haha

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x3536170

Granted it's just sloppy webbrowsing on our behalf, but it still happens.

[kliljedahl]

38. I have the same problem sometimes, good suggestion

Keith’s Barbeque Central

[Elad]

235. The logout icon has been moved

To the far right.

[MissB]

238. Thank you!

Wow! That was fast.

[ghostsofgiants]

244. Excellent

Thanks Elad!

[tyedyeto]

17. A question about 'options'

What does the 'buddy list' do? Does it tell you when a 'buddy is logged in? In other words, what is it's function?

Keep up the good work! You have made this a wonderful community. Thank you.

[Dora]

30. Yeah, I want to know what a "buddy" is too.

I've always been curious. If I mark someone as a buddy, is there a way for them to know this? And what's the point of having a buddy list?

[Skinner]

31. It doesn't really do much.

It just gives you easy access to the list of people you might want to keep in touch with. For example, if you want to send a private message, you don't have to go fishing around for a particular person's post if they are on your buddy list.

We have discussed a number of possible new uses for the list, but so far we have not implemented them.

[MuseRider]

22. I just want

to take this time to thank you again. More than the on-line friendships and the sanity saving that DU offers it offered me the chance to learn enough to get out there and count for something. It made an activist out of me and many of us who otherwise might have simply sat at home and stewed. To me that is perhaps one of the very best things about this place. If I want to fight with the other side all I have to do is walk out my front door but here I can (mostly) quietly learn to be better in those situations. Thank you, all of you. Peace.

[Skinner]

33. You're welcome.

That is a very kind tribute to this community.

[Laurab]

67. What MuseRider said

goes for me, too. I just want to thank you. If I hadn't found DU I don't know what I would have done to save my sanity (or what's left of it), after this group of idiots took over our country. Thank you.

[Skinner]

72. You're welcome.

I am glad that DU has been such a comfort to you.

[blm]

102. Muse, that is just so insightful AND incredibly tender.

.

[Mabus]

180. Bingo!

Well said MuseRider. As usual you understate your importance. You are tackling one of the biggest issues in Kansas and in America. Your courage in fighting for equal rights for everyone in homophobic Topeka speak volumes of your character, commitment and compassion. You are an inspiration to me.

Sorry, I have trouble envisioning you sitting at home twiddling your thumbs.

I appreciate DU but can't find the words to express it. What I do know is that if it hadn't been for DU I would never have met MuseRider, put out, ComerPerro, proud2Blib and a few others in my area. They, as well as many other netizens of DU, give me my much needed daily dose of news and reality (and reality-checks). My life is better because of DU and the friends I've made both on-line and in person.

Thank you Skinner and thank you to all the mods. Your jobs aren't easy ones and you are appreciated.

:hide: On the other hand, I hope this experience teaches all of you a lesson. If you're good in this life you won't have to come back and moderate forums as part of your karmic debt in the next one.

[Burma Jones]

25. Well, I'm glad to see you know you don't suck

What do you do for fun in DC?

[Skinner]

40. We do lots of stuff for fun.

I really enjoy city life. We enjoy going out to dinner or the movies or sometimes going to a bar. When we've got visitors, we go to all the museums.

When I'm at home, I enjoy reading, gardening, playing Xbox, or playing with the dog.

[acmejack]

28. First thanx for everything to you & all the mods.

I was wondering if there were any plans to make a LBN RSS feed?

[Skinner]

41. As a matter of fact, we already have one.

Go into the LBN forum, and look up at the top right corner of the page. Look for the words "Get the Latest Breaking News RSS/XML Feed". :thumbsup:

[acmejack]

52. doh!

nt

[Beetwasher]

29. Well, Since You Asked

What's the best way to get rid of a body? I was thinking dissolving it in acid would be the best way, but maybe you have a better one...Umm, just, you know, asking out of curiosity *whistles innocently*...

[Skinner]

43. I think, perhaps, you have me confused...

...with this guy:

[ProfessorGAC]

151. Caustic Soda, 50% Is Safer, Beet

No vapors or fumes to deal with. Ask any chemist.
The Professor

[pie]

32. As you browse the threads do you find posters you cannot stand

I don't mean freepers.
I mean day in and day out DU members.
(Not looking for specific names, of course.)

[Skinner]

45. Yes.

I am human, after all.

If those people come up for discussion in the moderator forum, I try to make it clear that I do dislike them, so the moderators know that I might have some sort of bias.

[livinginphotographs]

49. Can we have names?

Er, uh, my friend wants to know.

[Skinner]

62. Let's see...

livinginphotographs

Just kidding. :D

[livinginphotographs]

119. Damn!

The voices were right!

[IChing]

245. pod cast some of the great threads or editorials?

Some of the greatest could be submitted to iTunes for a download at apple

What do you think?

[frictionlessO]

34. Name change amnesty anytime soon?? Im wanting to change my name

badly but don't want to lose my status. Any ideas on if you will do this again and if so when??

Like everyone else I also want to thank you and all of Admin for running this incredible place, if there was an actual town called DU somewhere with all of us in it I'd want to live and raise my kids there.

[Skinner]

47. It's unlikely.

We had the name-change amnesty right after the election because there were lots of people with names relating to Kerry or 2004. But without a good reason, I would prefer not to have a name-change amnesty, because I think it is very confusing to have everyone changing their names.

[frictionlessO]

97. awww shucks, suppose you're right about that guess I'll be a FrictionlessO

for a while yet....

cheers and thanks again...

[lpbk2713]

35. I can't think of a single thing that I would change.

I am truly addicted to DU and I visit the site several times a day. DU members are the greatest. Skinner & the Admins/Mods run a great website/forum. Congrats to all and keep up the good work.

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Skinner]

48. Thank you.

You are very kind.

[oneighty]

36. Hey Skinner

You know what I want?

I want a 'oneighty only forum' where I am the only participant. Then I can tell my little stories to myveryownself.

I can make generous comments like "Darn 180 that is a great story, poem, essay." and so on and whatever.

It would be so cool talking to myveryownself all day long.

Maybe I will let Jitterbug comment now and then too.

Damn it is hot in here and there are really large blackbirds on my window ledge quoting Poe. "Nevermore Nevermore" they are saying.

I hope they have the wrong house.

180

[Skinner]

53. We'll see what we can do.

:D

[Dora]

55. Hey 180

I'd reply to your post, but it seems like you want only to talk only to yourself only.

Oops, I guess I blew it.

[northzax]

58. you could create a group

of 180ists. if you promise to post there and only there, I'm sure we can rassle up the neccesary votes. :)

[shugah]

112. hey 180!

can't i comment once in a while too? you can count on me to say "that's a great story, poem, essay." i love your stories!

[oneighty]

127. Well I guess that

would be OK Ms. Shugah since you do spoil me. Hee hee hee. How you been?

180

[juajen]

37. Hi, Skinner

Got no commplaints. Still the greatest site to go to for news and discussion, thanks to all the DU Administration does. I believe it's a great idea for you to join us whenever you can. We like you, we honestly like you!!

[Skinner]

54. Thanks.

We like you too. All of you.

[WilliamPitt]

39. One thing

I have noticed after the upgrades that when you post in a thread and hit the button, the screen becomes your post with the tree of the other posts below. This happens even if there are less than 20 responses. Used to be that your post would appear on the screen in it's spot on the tree, but all the other posts were there above and below. You could scroll instead of click. I'm wondering if this change was necessary for the software to work, because it makes threads a little less easy to manage.

Other than that, this place sucks and you're all a bunch of censoring bastards. But you already knew that. ;)

[Skinner]

59. The change was not necessary for the software to work.

We felt that it was made sense for people to be taken directly to their own post after they post it.

Just click the "view all" button. That will take you to the entire thread.

[Misunderestimator]

44. Yeah... when are you going to answer my PM?

;( :cry: :D

[Skinner]

66. I've been neglegent on that.

I apologize. We have discussed it a lot here, but I'm sorry I haven't given you a formal reply yet. I will try to do so this week.

[Misunderestimator]

78. It's ok... I was just being funny...

I know you have lots on your mind. :hi:

[Plaid Adder]

46. I've always said this board runs amazingly well for the size it is.

I'm glad you guys have figured that out.

One question I had was about the articles vs. the board. I have discovered since I stopped doing the column that if you get a post tacked to the front page, it actually generates way more discussion than the articles do, probably because you can have the discussion right there and then instead of going over to the Editorials & Articles forum, which is extremely slow-moving. Would there be any way to make it possible to make the articles posted on the site into the original posts of 'threads' that would also show up, say, in GD? That way the people who read the boards but don't read the articles would be more likely to see the editorial content, and people who read the articles but don't read the boards would discover them that way.

C ya,

The Plaid Adder

[Skinner]

70. We're actually discussing something like this right now.

We're going to integrate the articles with the discussion forum, so the articles are automatically posted on the forums, and so the responses are published along with the articles. Hopefully we can do it in the next month or two.

[Plaid Adder]

75. Cool beans! n/t

[kevsand]

51. A few days back there was a thread about

possibly organizing a network of DUers to provide direct accounts of events in or near real time. While I don't know that DU needs to be responsible for coordinating the various technologies that could be used, the thought of an "Eyewitness Accounts" forum distinct from LBN does seem to have some possible advantages. There's already a large body of such threads in the archives, and it might be interesting to see them collected together at some point, as well.

What are your thoughts on this, now that you've had a few days to reflect on it?

[Skinner]

79. I think this is an interesting idea.

As you mention, this sort of thing does occur already under certain circumstances. I do not know what would need to be done in order to make it easier for members to report back remotely. If anyone has any ideas, we'd be interested in hearing them.

[TorchTheWitch]

57. A plea for the dialup users

I'm one of those dorks that only has dialup. Threads that are over 200 posts long actually crash out my computer. Threads that are 150 or so take so long to load they often don't ever complete loading. Sadly, it's often that the most interesting threads are the longer ones... but I often can't read them!

Is there a possibility of working out a way to make pages out of long threads for the dialup users? Most forums I know of do that. It used to be that people just automatically started a 2nd thread and requested the first one to be locked, but that just doesn't seem to happen much anymore.

Will it help if I beg? What if I pout? (I have a really great pout).

Thanks for all you and your cohorts do!

[Skinner]

84. I agree that there is a need.

We have discussed this many, many times. Unfortunately, most solutions will also require some compromises. But it really needs to be done, it's been on the back-burner for a long time, and we should probably make it a priority.

[Binka]

63. How About An AAR Ad For DU?

There is a thread currently running in GD that proposes this idea. Any feelings about this Skinner?

[Skinner]

85. See my answer here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=3965182&mesg_id=3965297

[northzax]

65. where can I get a decent Peruvian Chicken with Yucca

now that el Granja d'oro has shut down?

[cookiebird]

80. Try Canton, OH

there are some nifty food destinations here...and we have a migrant worker population that are starting their own businesses.

[northzax]

83. but on the flipside

it would be cold by the time I got it back to DC...

[Skinner]

93. Unfortunately, I think the answer is...

You can't.

[northzax]

98. huh. that sucks

I bet JimRob can hook me up...

[Skinner]

101. Somehow I doubt that JimRob eats ethnic food.

Just a hunch.

[northzax]

104. ok, that was the funniest thing I've read today

shame I spent way too long at DC 9 last night, or laughing wouldn't hurt so much...

[EarlG]

111. Hey northzax

Do you know Mike the bartender at DC9?

[northzax]

124. by sight, I know them all. not personally though

is he your alter ego? :)

we should totally have a DC get together there.

[EarlG]

134. He's not me

But we play in a band together. (In fact, we played our first show at DC9 on June 19.) You should come see us at the Black Cat next month :)

[northzax]

141. named?

happy to come, post the info in the DC forum when you knows them...

[EarlG]

155. I sent you a PM

I might post the details on the site at a later date, we'll see :)

[Just Me]

68. No complaints, criticisms, questions here.

Just a compliment on how well you have managed this place.

Thank you and all those who contribute.

[Skinner]

99. Thank you.

We appreciate it.

[Dora]

71. Thanks, and a question about sig lines

I've noticed that sometimes users will put large graphics in their signature lines. It's not a problem when I'm at work :eyes:, but when I'm at home using my dialup connection they can really slow down the page load-up. I don't want to be a signature line nazi, but is there any way to control this kind of annoyance?

BTW - I started reading DU two years ago and I joined last year. Bless the member who bought me my star - someday when we're flush again I promise to re-buy my own star, and I'll buy someone else's too.

I think the evolution of DU has been an amazing thing to see, and the changes have all been for the good. Way to go, and thank you thank you!

[Skinner]

103. We actually have guidelines for sig lines written into our rules.

When a member goes way beyond those guidelines, the moderators send that person a polite message asking them to please change their sig.

Also, members have the option of shutting off signature lines. Click the "Options" icon, then click "Edit your preferences". Look for the words "Display signatures?" and check "no." Click the "Update" button.

[PDittie]

74. I have a question about the number of active members

and forgive me if it has been asked and answered previously (or is a sensitive subject, for that matter).

How many of the 71,000 plus registrations are 'active' (that is to say, non-tombstoned)?

I know personally, for example, one fellow who has a single post -- or so he claims (and I have no reason to doubt him, but I've never verified the accuracy of his claim by looking him up) -- I do know he's a loyal Democratic Party activist in his city, and been a Democrat all his life, but he wouldn't be by his own reckoning 'active' on DU, but he shouldn't be tombstoned either (unless you just do that with user names that are inactive for a certain period of time).

For purposes of my query above I would consider members meeting this description 'active'.

Again, apologies if this is an off-limits topic.

[Skinner]

106. That 71,000 number is virtually meaningless,

except as a very general comparison against other discussion forums.

I believe the last time we checked, the percentage of accounts that were tombstoned was somewhere around 20%. I honestly have no clue what percentage of the accounts are inactive or belong to someone who has multiple accounts.

Here's a more useful stat: On any given day, we serve approximately 40,000 or 50,000 unique IP addresses. Most of our visitors just lurk, and have never registered to post.

We get around one million page views per day.

[anarchy1999]

227. Wow! and DU still is not listed as viable "blog". Amazing!

Thanks Skinner and all for all you do, every day.

[datasuspect]

76. skinner

i got a chihuaha too . . .

[Skinner]

107. Cool.

How old? Long-haired or short-haired?

[DeepModem Mom]

77. As I always posted in ATA, thanks for all you do --

and, as I often posted there, and I need no response, please continue to consider moving ALL religious threads posted in GD which have nothing to do with the political influence of religious groups or persons to Religion and Theology, or the Lounge.

It's wonderful to hear from you, Skinner.

[Skinner]

109. We have considered doing that many times.

But so far we have decided to continue to permit them int he General Discussion forum, because it is clear that people want to discuss the topic.

I am, myself, very interested in the topic. I just wish that more people were capable of discussing it without resorting to hyperbole.

[DeepModem Mom]

145. I'm in an uncharacteristically cranky mood this morning...

so I'll respond just a bit. (Sorry!) I think these discussions involve more than hyperbole. I think they involve religious bigotry, which, I believe, offends more DUers than may be apparent. I have not engaged in these discussions on the board until I entered one today. I love DU, and spend time and effort here, but I am beginning to question my involvement when GD, a major forum, is often rife with anti-Christian threads that have nothing to do with the nefarious power of the "Christian" Right. I might add that I am only an occasional church-goer, a member of one of the more liberal Protestant denominations in which I've recently been quite disappointed, a seeker after all kinds of theologies and spiritual paths. If I am offended by these continuing threads, I can imagine what it must be like for DUers who are more seriously committed to a Christianity of social conscience.

[Skinner]

154. The line between legitimate discussion and bigotry is not a clear one.

That is why it is so difficult to moderate these discussions. If someone makes a broad-brush statement about people then we consider that bigoted. But differences of opinion about religious ideas or belief or dogma are not so easily labeled as bigoted, particularly if such opinions are shared in a manner that is not inflammatory.

[DeepModem Mom]

168. Thanks, Skinner, for your response. Would you consider...

examining this thread as flamebait:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3965092

[Skinner]

182. I would consider that borderline.

When a thread topic is borderline, my preference is to leave it to the moderators. If they have a consensus either way, then they can deal with it. You should alert and let them decide.

My own feeling is that that is probably a legitimate topic. The person who started the thread should have made it clear that they were not asking the question in reference to *all* Christians, but was curious because of a particular sub-set of Christians (conservative racists), who are unlikely to be members of our community.

My feeling is that the addition of the word "some" in cases like this makes a world of difference.

[Maeve]

192. And the lack of "some" makes a world of difference, too!

But you already know my feelings on this topic!

:hi: Boss! Keep cool this summer! (But then, you're always way cool! B-) )

[Skinner]

199. It is true.

When people aren't clear about what they are saying, that is when there are problems.

I think a lot of misunderstandings and hurt feelings could be avoided if people learned how to use a very small number of qualifying words and phrases:

"I think that"
"I believe that"
"It is my opinion that"
"some"
"a small minority"

[crispini]

82. May I have

some Swedish fish? :P

[Skinner]

113. Here you go

Nice avatar, BTW.

[DaveJ]

87. Thanks for doing such a great job

As a programmer I'm very picky and I've got to say, I'm amazed by the flexibility and reliability of this site. I just have a couple forum suggestions... maybe they exist but I'm not sure, but a forum for the economy, and a forum strictly for debates would be nice.

Oh, one more minor thing, maybe some of the DU slang should be added to the spell checker.

[Skinner]

114. I'm glad you like it.

We do have a forum for the economy. It's called "Economy, Budget, Taxes & Jobs".

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=114

If you are interested in those issues, you should add that forum to your "My Forums" list.

My understanding is that it is really difficult to add words to the spell checker. Hopefully Elad can find some time to do it, because I agree some words need to be added.

[cookiebird]

88. Newbie

comment: I am impressed with how these forums are run and how clearly the expectations are stated for all who wish to participate. The Adm's are setting a standard of democratic input (note the small 'd') for the building of "voice"--all who wish to have "voice"
have an opportunity to express "voice." And, I have witnessed some amazing outcomes of that "voice." Thanks, Skinner

[Skinner]

115. Welcome to DU!

Thank you for the kind message. We appreciate it.

[Roland99]

91. Are you saying you're trying to offer us therapy?

Why do you hate America so?




:P

[Skinner]

118. How could I possibly hate America

When I've got a cool flag outfit like this?



(Disclaimer: This isn't actually me.)

[Roland99]

125. You're damn sexxy beast!

:patriot:

[meganmonkey]

92. You guys are like rock stars

The mods are great roadies, setting up, keeping the show running smoothly, and the folks who run the soundboard and lights...making sure the sound is great at all times, sometimes a little screechy feedback gets through, but that's to be expected when you are rockin' so hard.

And the rest of us are the greatest fans you'll ever get.

That's all I want to say.

:party:

[Skinner]

122. Rock stars?

Thanks, but I'm not so sure about that. I guess our job may seem glamorous, but we actually spend most of our time dealing with mundane stuff, like responding to complaints.

[meganmonkey]

146. Just a metaphor, you guys run a great show

that's all I'm saying.

Although you might have more fun if you dressed up like this:

[Skinner]

158. Uh, oh.

I fear a photoshop may be appearing soon.

[Stand and Fight]

95. I'd also like to extend my gratitude.

I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. After getting out of the Army last year after being stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. (Previously I had been stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington, where I met my wife.) I took a job as a multimedia designer in Oklahoma. Needless to say, I'm in a hell of sorts given the disproportionate amount of right-wingers in this area. But hey, it was work for the time… :freak:

Democratic Underground has become a sanity-saver for me since I started lurking prior to getting out of the Army in February of 2004. Likewise, I have also introduced several local Democrats to the site, and all have been impressed. It's a very comforting feeling to know that one has not been going insane all this time.

I am eternally grateful for DU and all of its fine members.

:hug:


Skinner, you mentioned up-thread that you play X-Box games. What are some of your favorites and/or what genres? I'm completed both Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Mercenaries, Jade Empire, etc... I also have the PlayStation, PS2, PSP, GameCube (Resident Evil 4 kicks butt), another Xbox for my wife, and a Nintendo64. Coincidently, gaming also helps relieve the stress of living in Bush country.

You guys wouldn’t happen to know anyone who needs a graphic designer in the DC area? I’m married without kids but my ultimate career goal is in politics. I’d love to attend one of the political science departments in D.C. and then go into law. However, I’d need a job to support my wife… You know anyone?

Thanks again!

[Skinner]

131. Thank you. I am glad that you appreciate DU.

Unfortunately, I don't know anyone who needs a graphic designer. I wish I could help. Maybe one of our members knows. It might be worth posting in the DC forum.

Mostly I enjoy RPGs. I finished both KOTORs, Fable, and Jade Empire -- loved all of them. I played Morrowind for a long time, but I kinda got bogged down and I haven't played it for a long time.

[Stand and Fight]

149. I cannot get into Morrowind for some reason.

I think it could have to do with the 3D graphics involved. I don't much care for the interface...

I'm a big-time RPG fan myself, but have been thoroughly disappointed with the latest Final Fantasy series. Both of the KOTORs were great; however, the first one clearly beats out The Sith Lords for replay-ability (sp?). I'm nearly done with Fable, and it is one I'm not looking forward to concluding.

Well, if you hear of any jobs in DC -- multimedia or not -- let me know! Thanks anyhow!

[Debi]

96. Complete ass kissing below!

Skinner:

My husband is the political animal in our family - I was a total novice until I married him. Because of DU (LBN especially) I am able to keep abreast of political happenings and because of all of DU am able to hear all sides of issues and make an informed opinion.

There have been times where he has asked me to get on DU and look for certain subjects and to seek opinions. I love the feeling of having some equality in political knowledge and also the ability to back up any opinions that I have that may differ from my husband.

Now to get an Iowa DU gather organized......


Thank you for the opportunity!

Debi

[Skinner]

137. You're welcome.

Thank you for that ass-kissing. :D

[Magrittes Pipe]

100. Could you please delete this post?

It's just not normal for an admin announcement to have this many replies with nothing deleted yet.

Thanks! :hi:

[opihimoimoi]

120. Our Largest DU Luau had 4 peeps....How can we build to a 10 peep Luau??

Oasis, Kamaaina, and Opi wants to know....

[Skinner]

143. I'm not really very good at organizing stuff.

So I honestly don't know. Any idea how many DUers do we have out in Hawaii?

[Skinner]

139. LOL

I'll see what I can do.

[Goldmund]

108. Did you know that chihuahuas aren't actually dogs?

This confirms what us large dog owners have suspected for a long time:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=3494327

:evilgrin:

[Skinner]

148. LOL

Whenever we take Romeo for a walk, everyone tells us he looks like a rat.

I ask you... Does this look like a rat?

[Goldmund]

233. No way, he looks like an intimidating big canine!!!

Oops, sorry, I think I got misled by the doormat! :D

[redqueen]

110. Did you ever

thank the person who stuck your license plate on their porch?

Just curious...

:hi:

[Skinner]

159. No, we did not.

We probably should have.

[Rockholm]

116. How many freepers have been tombstoned?

[Skinner]

160. Thousands. (nt)

[Rockholm]

206. Excellent. Keep up the EXCELLENT work.

[kaitykaity]

121. I asked for a listen live link to Thom Hartmann's

local show here in Portland twice.

It never showed up, and you never got back to
me as to why you said no.

kk

[Skinner]

161. Um, he is listed.

In fact, if you look at the top of the Lobby right now, you will see him in the list:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_forums

Listen Live : The Al Franken Show 12-3ET : Lynn Cullen 12-3ET : Neil Rogers 10-2ET : Thom Hartmann 12-3ET

[kaitykaity]

175. No, that's his NATIONAL show. He does a LOCAL show

now in Portland from 6 to 9 Pacific.

[Skinner]

183. OK.

We'll check it out and decide whether to add it. Is the link the same?

[kaitykaity]

195. Now that I don't know.

It could be.

Here's the link to the KPOJ Listen Live
web page just in case.

http://www.620kpoj.com/listen/index.php

It's a really good show, Skinner. I personally
like it much better than his national show. He
just seems more lively.

Thanks (whatever you decide). Just let me
know?

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

123. Could you crack your whip and tell Elad to

produce some stats on percentage of deleted/locked threads/posts over time? Might be interesting.

[Skinner]

163. We did this a while back.

I believe the percentage of delted posts was somewhere around .5 percent. That's one half of one percent.

[mzmolly]

126. Can you add bumper stickers to the list of DU goodies?

I want a freedom fry bumper sticker, as I don't see myself wearing the T-shirt. ;) I'd order many of the bumper stickers, but not the clothing ... personally.

[Skinner]

164. The graphics are usually the wrong shape for bumper stickers.

But maybe we will add them for the ones that have a more rectangular shape.

[NNN0LHI]

128. I really liked the Ask the Administrators (ATA) forum

Sorry to see it go. But I realize you must have your reasons. Take care.

Don

[Skinner]

165. I know that many people did.

But overall, I think that it's value did not outweigh it's negative effects.

[stewert]

129. Please Answer This Skinner..............

How come you guys dont have a feature that quotes the author of a posting when you reply to them ?

I have a phpbb message board on my website, on the phpbb message boards it has a quote button, when you click it the author is quoted. Can you guys add that feature to your forums ?

[Skinner]

166. We did not feel it necessary.

You can tell who someone is replying to by looking at the little "response tree" at the top of a thread, or by clicking the "reply to" link.

[Massacure]

130. Have you ever thought about allowing non-donors to use the search?

That is probably the most useful feature on DU.

[helderheid]

132. that's true - I think it's a good way to get donations! :)

[Skinner]

167. We have no plans to give non-donors access to the search feature.

We figure if someone want's access to the feature badly enough, they will kick us a token donation.

[Lilith Velkor]

218. How about groups?

I'd like to join the Mental Health group but have no job. If I were to start a thread begging for a gold star from somebody, where would be the best place to post it?

Would I get it soon, or would I have to wait until the next donation drive? Thanx admins, you rock!

[Skinner]

220. It looks like you already have a gold star.

So public begging will not be necessary. :D

[DemExpat]

229. That was fast.....

:D:D

:wow:

DemEx

[Beam Me Up]

136. I want to be able to post about the 9/11 Truth Movement

without it being shuttled off to the 9/11 dungeon. I've observed an (unwritten?) policy to remove 9/11 related posts from GD and make them un-nominatable for greatest.

I make a distinction between "9/11 Conjecture" (or "conspiracy theory" if you must) on one hand and news and information about the "9/11 Truth Movement" (not sure that is what to call it) on the other. As I see it, the 9/11 Truth Movement doesn't necessarily offer an explanation for the hundreds of anomalies and unanswered questions surrounding the 9/11 event. This movement is about educating American citizens about what these anomalies and unanswered questions ARE in hopes that this will build a ground-swell of public opinion in favor of a REAL investigation of those events.

In the past I have seen threads, even threads which had many nominations for greatest, were not flame wars, removed from GD *and* Greatest. Why is this?

[Skinner]

169. I think the current policy works fine.

If members are interested in discussing speculation regarding 9/11 they may do so in the September 11 forum, as long as that speculation is not bigoted in nature. I don't really see much point in cluttering up the GD forum with arguments about whether WTC7 was a controlled demolition, or whether there was actually an airplane at the Pentagon -- it is obvious that nobody has any interest in listening to the other side, and no one's point of view is ever changed.

[Modem Butterfly]

138. Mostly I just want to get this off my chest.

I feel that the Admins are often much quicker to lock or move threads that question religious faith or are espousing atheism. I feel strongly that threads that are openly skeptical of religion start out with a strike against them, being perceived by the admins as fundamentally more inflammatory than posts that are unquestioning of religion or even critical of atheism and atheists. I know that the admins are just everyday DUers and bring to the table their own prejudices and pre-conceived notions, as do I myself, but I still feel there is a greater tolerance toward religious posts and posters than the free thinkers.

[Skinner]

171. I completely disagree.

Both sides are given equal access to our website, and both sides are expected to couch their arguments in a manner that is respectful and non-inflammatory.

[ComerPerro]

140. Don't "Ask Me Anything" threads go in the Lounge?

"I'm the owner of the site. Ask me anything!"

LOL.


Keep up the good work.

[Skinner]

172. LOL

Maybe next time that's what I should call my thread.

[Old and In the Way]

144. Greatest Page

Instead of time based, make the post hierarchy based on total responses (ok, maybe housekeep every month)....some threads deserve to hang longer than they do.

Also, how about a "Hall of Fame" forum for showcasing/preserving truely deserving threads? Maybe let the moderators nominate and select (sort of a reward for those that do this thankless job).

Other than that, let me :toast: to the best discussion board on the net!

[Skinner]

174. You are probably aware

That the right column of the Greatest Page lists the threads based on the total number of votes (although not by the number of responses).

We currently save all of the data on number of votes, so we could create a special archive for threads that reach a certain threshhold -- say, 30 votes or something like that.

I have wondered myself if 24 hours is too quick for the Greatest page. It might be worth making the time longer.

[lostnfound]

147. What's on my mind: gratitude.

DU is a terrific space and nothing about the way it is run has ever aggravated me in the slightest.

And it keeps getting better. I like the 'greatest' page, I like the forums, I like the home page. I like the way conflicts have been handled and Skinner, I even like the way you --very rarely-- bend the rules a little when a situation warrants it. That kind of good judgment is so rare and it makes DU such a human place.

[Skinner]

177. Thank you.

I am glad you like this place.

[dubyaD40web]

157. Hey Skinner..

Just wanted to say thanks for linking to my site a long time ago. I get a boatload of hits from DU. We're not as big but we are growing really fast.

Anyway, someday I would like to form a 'Liberal Coalition' of sites like mine, yours, Buzzflash, Bartcop, etc. for a good cause. (Washington D.C. march or something.) What do you think?

Keep up the good work dude!!!!

[Skinner]

184. You're welcome for the link.

I think a liberal coalition of sites is a good thing. Currently we have a very informal relationship, but a more formal one would likely have benefits.

[fishwax]

162. Thanks for everything

I think it's a great community and that the admins do a great job. I can't really think of anything I'd change.

Thanks again for all you do :toast:

[Skinner]

185. You're welcome.

:toast:

[MissB]

170. Thank you for DU, Skinner

I can't possibly articulate how wonderful DU and its admins are! :toast:

[Skinner]

186. You're welcome.

:toast:

[leftchick]

173. just a great big thank you to you all!!

As a Moderator I learned just how challenging a job it is for the Admins and Moderators keeping DU in ship shape. I highly recommend to all that are able, to do at least one term as a Mod to really appreciate this board and just how well it is run.

You all are the best! :)

Oh and Skinner, are you still bossy? ;)

[Skinner]

187. I'm still very bossy.

I think I need to go boss the moderators around a bit. :D

[AuntiBush]

176. Darn. I'm always the last kid on the block to hear about something.

Anyway, my viewpoint about DU is... I do not know where I'd be without this place... sincerely. And I found it by pure accident. I joined. Read a lot till I got up my nerve to start posting.

I'd like to thank the Democratic Underground for allowing me to be "me," and express my points of view when the world around me is going absolutely :crazy:

Thanks Skinner the the gang!
Thank you very, very much.

[Skinner]

188. You're welcome.

Thank you for being part of our community.

[Shrek]

178. How about an enhancement to the profile page?

I'd love to see some metrics that indicate whether or not forum behavior is pushing the limits. I'm think of something like this:

xxx members have you on "ignore"

Your posts have generated xxx alerts

Your posts have been deleted xxx times

And so on. It might curtail some of the more egregious behavior. Thoughts?

[Skinner]

190. We've considered something like this.

On one hand, I think feedback is good, and it is helpful for people to know if they are causing problems. But on the other hand, we have learned that if we treat people like criminals, then they are more likely to act that way. We've really tried to find a middle ground, and at this point I'm not sure if giving people more negative feedback would help or hurt. We may try it some time.

[Spazito]

179. No complaints here, only compliments

DU is the best run, well-informed, up-to-the-minute forum on the net, imo. I have learned so much about so many issues since finding my way here, I am constantly amazed and gratified at the skills and abilities of the posters here.

Thanks, admins, for a great site and making those of us from other countries feel very welcome, it is greatly appreciated!

[Skinner]

191. You're welcome.

I am glad that you like it here.

[Jacobin]

193. I think you guys are doing a fantastic job

Thank you all for the time, energy and passion you bring to this forum. Its up the posters to honor the rules, try not to 'lose it' over controversial issues, and stay sane and rational (not always easy to do) :-)

[Skinner]

200. I agree that it is not always easy.

We try to cut you all some slack sometimes, because we understand how tough it can be. There are times when even admins feel like flaming people. :D

[anarchy1999]

194. Skinner, without DU we would not have stayed semi-sane these last few

years. You guys all do a wonderful job and DU is our go to site, we recommend it to everyone all the time.

We proudly have two DU stickers on the back of our little red Honda Civic that we drive bravely in Dallas, Tx along with our little yellow ribbon that says, Bring THEM HOME! (It can be scary sometimes in this neck of the woods, SUV's are fearsome on the road).

Peace and once again thanks to you all.

[Skinner]

201. You're welcome.

Thanks for spreading the gospel of DU out in the heart of Red America.

[merh]

196. Who will win the World Series?

:rofl:

No complaints, no questions, just a very sincere thank you for providing DU and for the terrific job you and the other admins & mods do.
:grouphug:

BTW - you may want to remind dialupers to turn off the sig lines and the avatars/images in their preferences. That will help them navigate those long threads. (I have to do that at home on my dial up :eyes: )

Thanks again Skinner, Elad, EarlG & all mods! :thumbsup:

[Skinner]

203. The Nationals.

No, seriously, I have no clue. I don't really follow sports.

To dial-uppers: What he said.

[merh]

208. Me either.

Just thought I would ask. ;-)

Great place you have here! Thanks for the reply! :hi:

[arwalden]

197. Wouldn't It Be Cool If...

... gold-star members had the option to "peek" and find out how many members have them on ignore? Not WHO has them on ignore... but how MANY. It should still be an anonymous ignore.

[Skinner]

204. I think there might be some value in doing this.

I suspect some people might be surprised by what they learn. But at the moment, we are not sure if this would help. See my reply here for some thoughts:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=3965182&mesg_id=3966410

[VOX]

198. Arrived late, but with much praise.

No questions at the moment, but let me just thank you, Skinner, for providing such a terrific forum. It is a lifeline in these dark days.

I look forward to many more years of contributing to DU and to the overall progressive mission. :thumbsup:

Best regards to you -- :toast:

[Skinner]

205. Thank you.

Best regards to you, too.

[5thGenDemocrat]

202. An unsolicited testimonial from the management of FUNDAY

Democratic Underground is the ONLY internet site we trust to get word of FUNDAY out to our potential guests around the world. Okay, not "around the world," exactly, but from as far as Cincinnati, Ohio (335m) and some two-saloon tank town west of Danville, Illinois (399m).
DU is fast, efficient and responsive and plays a vital role in FUNDAY management's keeping attendance by troglodyte Republicans to a minimum (specifically, Andy the Right Wing Republican -- who we can handle).
We couldn't be happier. If DU could cook, we'd marry it. Or at least sleep with it a couple times a week.
Thanks again,
John
And the rest of the FUNDAY management.
FUNDAY XII is June 17, 2006 -- right here in Saginaw, Michigan (The Center of the Universe).

[Skinner]

207. One of these years, I gotta get out to funday.

My wife grew up in the Detroit area, so it wouldn't be too far out of the way.

[5thGenDemocrat]

209. Well, plan a Michigan vacation for next mid-June

We'll forward the directions (Saginaw's only about 1h45m north of Detroit via I-75). Plus, June 17, 2006 coincidentally happens to be my best friend's 50th birthday and we've got something special planned for that.
It would be great having you. It's great when any of the DUers make it (and, boy, some of them make it from a LOOOOONG way away).
John
It is now 353 days, 22 hours and 39 minutes to FUNDAY XII. Don't forget about our FREE continental breakfast.

[mimitabby]

210. better than the daily news

I come here often to catch up on the news. I know you guys (or us guys) will report everything of importance (and some not important at all) as soon as it is seen, and I really really appreciate that.
It is unfortunate that stuff moves so fast here, so if you forget to follow up on something, 2 days later, it is very hard to find again; but I don't know how that could be remedied.

Thanks for everything

Mimi

[Skinner]

212. It's true that things move fast here.

It's a pain sometimes, but it's also one of the things that makes DU great. If you want to find something later, try clicking the "bookmark" link.

[Maeve]

211. I miss ATA

Since folks couldn't answer each other directly, it made for some interesting fights :P Which, of course, is the same reason for getting rid of it....

Anyway, Boss, I usually stay out of everything but LBN lately (little time and no need for aggravation with the kids home for summer!) but I'm very glad I stumbled in here to see this thread. Glad you admins have been able to enjoy DU more.

Read any good books this summer?

[Skinner]

215. I've read some great books this summer.

Here are a few that I enjoyed recently:

Nonfiction:
Genome, by Matt Ridley
Faster, by James Gleick
The Seven Daughters of Eve, by Bryan Sykes

Fiction:
Codex, by Lev Grossman

Currently reading:
The Egyptologist, by Arthur Phillips

[Maeve]

222. Ahem. Wrong answer

That was your cue to praise a certain Irish fiction... :D

[Skinner]

223. Oh, shoot!

I haven't read it yet. It's still sitting on my desk here in the office, and I keep forgetting to bring it home!

I am going to put it in front of the door right now so I don't forget.

[oasis]

213. A tip of the hat to the DU crew for a job well done.

:hi::patriot:

[leyton]

216. ditto - I like it here.

I have never had any problems here. On the contrary, DU has always worked for me and I'd be hard-pressed to suggest improvements.

[Skinner]

219. Thank you.

:patriot:

[SW FL Dem]

225. Just wanted to add my thanks for DU

Like many other DUers, I live in a heavily republican area and rely on DU to help me vent and realize that I am not alone. I love the DU groups where I can talk on a slower pace with people who have similar interests and concerns. When things get too heated in GD or too goofy in the Lounge, I head for the cooking, pets and parenting groups. I really appreciate everything you guys do!

[Skinner]

230. You're welcome.

I also like the Groups. They're a different flavor of DU. The slower pace makes it possible to have a more thoughtful and sustained discussion.

[Pirate Smile]

226. Hi Skinner. Love DU! I notice a little bug and wasn't sure where to

post it.

Since the upgrade, I've notice that sometimes MY POSTS doesn't show responses I've gotten. I've seen this a couple of times lately. I just noticed it again.

On this thread http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3965774#3965828 I have a response to Post #4 but MY POSTS doesn't show it. Just thought I'd let you know.

[Skinner]

232. I don't think there's anything we can do about it.

It's just one of those random glitches that happens.

[EFerrari]

228. Hey, Skinner

When we had a tsunami warning out here last week, I read it on DU an hour before we had it on our local news.

Apparently, no one was checking the fax machine at the city desk where the warnings come in. If we'd had a tsunami, San Francisco would have had less than fifteen minutes to mobilize.

:toast:

[Skinner]

234. We consistently beat everyone else.

Breaking news often shows up here before it shows up on the websites for the major news outlets.

[Jersey Devil]

231. What are the winning Powerball numbers for this coming Saturday?

I won't bother you with any more silly questions if you provide them.

[Skinner]

236. 47 - 07 - 23 - 35 - 16 - 12

Powerball: 41

[Jersey Devil]

243. LOL, if they win they'll probably pay $12.35

EVERYBODY on DU is gonna play them! ;-)

[yvr girl]

239. OK, Skinner here is my very important question

In a battle to the death, who wins - a woodchuck or a beaver?

(I miss ATA - you should do one of these threads in the Lounge sometime - 'Friday with Skinner')

BTW, today is the anniversary of my first post. I love DU.

[Skinner]

241. Happy anniversary!

And the answer is: Woodchuck

[Skinner]

246. Thank you to everyone who participated.

I think this was a fun and useful exercise, and I'll try to do it again soon.

But unfortunately I have some other work I gotta do today, so I'm gonna lock this up now.

Skinner