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EarlG

(22,629 posts)
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 02:27 PM Nov 2023

We've made a significant update to the DU home page

Hi all,

I think it's safe to say that we're mostly past the stabilization phase of the new software launch, although we are still squashing intermittent bugs here and there. However, we now feel that for the most part we can move on to the next phase, which is refinements and improvements based on the feedback we've received since launch.

The first update we have for you is to the home page. The new home page released today restores a number of items that were lost in the transition to DU4. As a reminder, you can get to the home page at any time by clicking or tapping the site logo at the top of any page.

Here are the changes:

• Video column has been restored.
• Latest Breaking News section moved up.
• Latest Breaking News section text descriptions restored.
• Doubled the number of items in the Latest Breaking News section.
• Doubled the number of items in each forum category section while reducing section height.

On the mobile version of the home page:

• Trending Discussions and Greatest Discussions sections moved back to the top.
• Doubled the number of items when Featured Stories expands, and included text descriptions.

We hope you like the changes, and we have more improvements coming soon.



PS. Edited to add: as usual when we make changes, some people may experience problems. If you run into a bug or issue, please report it in the DU Community Help forum. Thanks!

113 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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We've made a significant update to the DU home page (Original Post) EarlG Nov 2023 OP
Yes, Thanks - noticed immediately and I approve rurallib Nov 2023 #1
Thank you!!! I posted a response in GD a minute before you posted this: highplainsdem Nov 2023 #2
Thanks EarlG malaise Nov 2023 #3
Thank you! 2naSalit Nov 2023 #4
Always my favorite site ArizonaLib Nov 2023 #5
Thank you rogerballard Nov 2023 #6
Great job everyone. qwlauren35 Nov 2023 #7
Thank you! I got used to the new format but am very happy to see this new homepage. ancianita Nov 2023 #8
Looks great, thanks IronLionZion Nov 2023 #9
Good work! planetc Nov 2023 #10
I'm just happy tavernier Nov 2023 #11
This is wonderful! Thanks!!! n/t RKP5637 Nov 2023 #12
Looks great! MN2theMax Nov 2023 #13
The "Large Font" setting appears to have no effect on the home page. Oopsie Daisy Nov 2023 #14
Hmm, it worked for me. louis-t Nov 2023 #68
The home page looks great, thanks! 💐 💐💐 ShazzieB Nov 2023 #15
From the OP (later edit) - Community Help for reporting bugs progree Nov 2023 #22
Great! ShazzieB Nov 2023 #29
Very nice Tom Kitten Nov 2023 #16
Stairway to betterment damifino10 Nov 2023 #17
Same! nt pazzyanne Nov 2023 #92
ditto from this quarter jaxexpat Nov 2023 #93
I like it, y'all did good! Uncle Joe Nov 2023 #18
Thanks claudette Nov 2023 #19
Looks great! Thanks guys. n/t livetohike Nov 2023 #20
Thanks! Hamlette Nov 2023 #21
MUCH BETTER! 2naSalit Nov 2023 #23
Oh yes! Bird Lady Nov 2023 #24
Love it!!! Scrivener7 Nov 2023 #25
great upgrade for llashram Nov 2023 #26
Nice! I love the new home page. StarryNite Nov 2023 #27
Great! This new layout gives more visibility to less read, but quaility pieces that deserve attention. TeamProg Nov 2023 #28
I like it 3auld6phart Nov 2023 #30
Thank you, it looks really good. wendyb-NC Nov 2023 #31
Thank you. sheshe2 Nov 2023 #32
I like this much better!! My 2cts. lastlib Nov 2023 #33
It's beautiful! WhiteTara Nov 2023 #34
I'm running Skinner mode House of Roberts Nov 2023 #35
Thank you. revmclaren Nov 2023 #36
Awesome! Thank you. nt Wednesdays Nov 2023 #37
Cleaner, Crisper, and More Complete! PTL_Mancuso Nov 2023 #38
Thanks for all you do, EarlG! Different Drummer Nov 2023 #39
Thank you for everything, Earl! Duppers Nov 2023 #40
Thank you, better but ..... relayerbob Nov 2023 #41
With regards to the phone home page, there is a button at the top which says EarlG Nov 2023 #48
OK, thanks. Missed that relayerbob Nov 2023 #50
That one cuts the right of the page as well, one cannot read the end of the lines and it does not scroll right Escurumbele Nov 2023 #97
What kind of phone are you using? EarlG Nov 2023 #98
Thanks, EarlG! May the bergamot on your tea always be tasty! Hekate Nov 2023 #42
Thank you PatSeg Nov 2023 #43
Love it! Auggie Nov 2023 #44
Nice! Feels like coming home. FailureToCommunicate Nov 2023 #45
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Silver Gaia Nov 2023 #46
Love these updates - thank you! yardwork Nov 2023 #47
Thank you IbogaProject Nov 2023 #49
Thank you! The new DU is great! mountain grammy Nov 2023 #51
Appreciate you and the team n/t hibbing Nov 2023 #52
Not working here LPBBEAR Nov 2023 #53
Try EarlG Nov 2023 #55
Thank You LPBBEAR Nov 2023 #56
Thank you! Karma13612 Nov 2023 #54
Everything looks great! Chicagogrl1 Nov 2023 #57
ok now stop Riverman100 Nov 2023 #58
Thank you. Dyedinthewoolliberal Nov 2023 #59
thanks DU for the significant update OldSWODog Nov 2023 #60
Excellent Richard D Nov 2023 #61
Thank you for all you do dlk Nov 2023 #62
Thank you! I missed the video column. kellytore Nov 2023 #63
Thanks for restoring the latest video column Warpy Nov 2023 #64
Awesome! Thanks SouthernDem4ever Nov 2023 #65
This is like a program on HGTV! SleeplessinSoCal Nov 2023 #66
It's definitely getting better. louis-t Nov 2023 #67
Looking good! Still getting scrunched line spacing, though -- old eyes. Hermit-The-Prog Nov 2023 #69
Here's a feedback ClearSky24 Nov 2023 #70
Looks Good! GAJMac Nov 2023 #71
❤️ ✿❧🌿❧✿ ❤️ Lucinda Nov 2023 #72
Great news! Quanto Magnus Nov 2023 #73
Thank you so much! AmBlue Nov 2023 #74
EarlG, thank you for your hard work orangecrush Nov 2023 #75
Thanks!!! CaptainTruth Nov 2023 #76
NOW it's poy-fect. peppertree Nov 2023 #77
Thanks for the changes LovelyStuff Nov 2023 #78
I don't know how to get to the home page. there used to be a button for it but I don't Maraya1969 Nov 2023 #79
You just click on the logo now. highplainsdem Nov 2023 #80
Wherever you see a "Democratic Underground" logo BumRushDaShow Nov 2023 #81
That worked! Thanks. Maraya1969 Nov 2023 #87
k,r ProudProgressiveNow Nov 2023 #82
Thanks for all the work. ... Hotler Nov 2023 #83
Thanks EarlG spanone Nov 2023 #84
Bravo! PlutosHeart Nov 2023 #85
I love it. No more scrolling waaayyy down TrogL Nov 2023 #86
Looks great EarlG! flamingdem Nov 2023 #88
Love love love this change. MontanaMama Nov 2023 #89
Thx!! I very much like it PortTack Nov 2023 #90
Thank you!!! pazzyanne Nov 2023 #91
Love New Look...but Aviation91 Nov 2023 #94
Nice upgrade thanks! usaf-vet Nov 2023 #95
Need to work on the app when accessing it from a from a cell phone Escurumbele Nov 2023 #96
Hmm, you shouldn't be seeing multiple columns on your phone EarlG Nov 2023 #99
Thanks for the continued efforts... IthinkThereforeIAM Nov 2023 #100
Fabulous! Be The Light Nov 2023 #101
Way improved! Thank you! SpankMe Nov 2023 #102
Great upgrades! kimbutgar Nov 2023 #103
Excellent improvements. Thank you! Martin68 Nov 2023 #104
Two enthusiastic thumbs up! (NT) HuskyOffset Nov 2023 #105
Thank you, EarlG!! Alliepoo Nov 2023 #106
I'm glad for the change but I wonder if we will ever have the option to drag and drop the sections? cstanleytech Nov 2023 #107
Thank you, EarlG! crickets Nov 2023 #108
Thsank you for the info. Most software has bugs when they change True Blue American Nov 2023 #109
Not mobile friendly onlyadream Nov 2023 #110
I especially love the fresh new look, DU had aged and looked too much like old original internet forums. It is also nice ShazamIam Nov 2023 #111
Looks great! Axelrods_Typewriter Nov 2023 #112
Thank you for restoring a way to make nearly everything I do Ms. Toad Dec 2023 #113

qwlauren35

(6,279 posts)
7. Great job everyone.
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 02:37 PM
Nov 2023

I know it's a tremendous task. I've noticed how much easier it is to read DU on my phone.

Thank you.

planetc

(8,322 posts)
10. Good work!
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 02:39 PM
Nov 2023

I just noticed a minute ago that the video pictures were back. They liven things up nicely, as well as conveying what they are at a glance. Sometimes you feel like TV and sometimes you want to read something.

tavernier

(13,283 posts)
11. I'm just happy
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 02:39 PM
Nov 2023

Not to have to do any of this stuff myself.
Thanks for all your hard work.

Oopsie Daisy

(4,555 posts)
14. The "Large Font" setting appears to have no effect on the home page.
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 02:42 PM
Nov 2023

I can barely read anything there unless I force my browser to show the fonts larger.

louis-t

(23,777 posts)
68. Hmm, it worked for me.
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 06:21 PM
Nov 2023

That's how I fixed the ads covering part of the articles when I enlarged the fonts on my screen using control+.

ShazzieB

(18,925 posts)
15. The home page looks great, thanks! 💐 💐💐
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 02:42 PM
Nov 2023

On the question of bugs, what is the best way to communicate with you about glitches we encounter?

During the beta phase, there was a temporary forum for discussing DU4 issues. Now that it's gone, I miss it, and I'm not sure what to do.

progree

(11,463 posts)
22. From the OP (later edit) - Community Help for reporting bugs
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 02:55 PM
Nov 2023
PS. Edited to add: as usual when we make changes, some people may experience problems. If you run into a bug or issue, please report it in the DU Community Help forum. Thanks!


DU Community Help: https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1256

ShazzieB

(18,925 posts)
29. Great!
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 03:07 PM
Nov 2023

I did that a few days ago, and wasn't sure if I should gave done something different,

damifino10

(48 posts)
17. Stairway to betterment
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 02:49 PM
Nov 2023

I feel at home now with the changes made.
Thanks for listening and growing.

Hamlette

(15,541 posts)
21. Thanks!
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 02:54 PM
Nov 2023

The type on the old front page was too small to read and I love that it now changes for those I have read. Love.

Bird Lady

(1,932 posts)
24. Oh yes!
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 02:57 PM
Nov 2023

So much better. Now you don't have to go to navigate to see the videos.
Excellent! Thank you

 

TeamProg

(6,630 posts)
28. Great! This new layout gives more visibility to less read, but quaility pieces that deserve attention.
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 03:06 PM
Nov 2023

Thank you!

lastlib

(24,983 posts)
33. I like this much better!! My 2cts.
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 03:15 PM
Nov 2023

I live for latest breaking news and latest discussions. They seemed harder to get to before these changes, but I like this new format! to EarlG and Elad & crew!

House of Roberts

(5,746 posts)
35. I'm running Skinner mode
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 03:18 PM
Nov 2023

and the blue links on the home page are changing to purple after I click on them like they used to do.

I like the layout better with the equal width columns and the video off to the right.

I think the Skinner mode looks a little better on my old iPhone too. I like the 'jump' button to get to LBN rather than having to scroll down so far.

relayerbob

(7,069 posts)
41. Thank you, better but .....
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 03:51 PM
Nov 2023

Last edited Mon Nov 13, 2023, 04:26 PM - Edit history (1)

"Greatest" and "trending" sections are still taking up WAY too much space and are on top of the news, on the desktop version. News should be "above the fold". Considering that only a tiny fraction of readers are required to make these stories "trending" or "greatest", it obscures the actual information that I, at least, come here to see. Maybe place them in a table side-by-side in the same column, and dramatically reduce the font size of the Recs number, it's just not that relevant. As I write this, four of the top 5 are at 30 recs. Personally I would prefer those under the Pic of the Moment, and Featured Stories Under that, and News at the top of Column 2.

Video column is good, thank you.

Overall, I have to say, my time at DU has dropped considerably since the change, I probably come by 30-40% as often as before. I'll eventually get used to it on desktop, but it is not as easy to use or to find what I am looking for. The phone version is almost unusable, I don't like scrolling for ten screens (gives me a headache), past all the forums, latest, trending, blah, blah to get to actual news, so that version has dropped to basically zero for me, and not likely to be used at all.

EarlG

(22,629 posts)
48. With regards to the phone home page, there is a button at the top which says
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 04:14 PM
Nov 2023

"Jump to Latest Breaking News" -- tap that and you'll go right to the LBN section.

Escurumbele

(3,645 posts)
97. That one cuts the right of the page as well, one cannot read the end of the lines and it does not scroll right
Tue Nov 14, 2023, 09:01 AM
Nov 2023

It is a question of adapting to the smaller screen, which the DU page is not doing at this time.

I am not sure what language is used for the development of DU pages, but most languages have support for smaller screens. Bootstrap, for example, allows the developer to set up the form and to adapt for different sizes, it allows support for tablets, phones etc. Bootstrap is for PHP, but as I said, most languages have that capability, if I am not mistaken it is more of a JavaScript function.

EarlG

(22,629 posts)
98. What kind of phone are you using?
Tue Nov 14, 2023, 09:05 AM
Nov 2023

It sounds like I may need to make some adjustments for very small screen sizes.

LPBBEAR

(390 posts)
53. Not working here
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 04:32 PM
Nov 2023

Everything is in one long page one section after another. Web browser is Firefox. Tried both default and skinner. Tried changing page sizing, I'm using a Linux system on my TV with 1366x768. Tried it in another browser and its mostly ok there. If I figure it out I'll post the steps I use to correct it.

EarlG

(22,629 posts)
55. Try
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 04:53 PM
Nov 2023

holding down the Shift key on your keyboard and clicking the Refresh button in your browser -- that will force the browser to download new files from the DU server and may fix the issue. If it persists, wait a few minutes and try again. If it persists for longer than a few minutes, please let me know.

LPBBEAR

(390 posts)
56. Thank You
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 04:58 PM
Nov 2023

That did the trick. Still prefer the Skinner mode though. Looking much better now. Thanks for the system updates.

Dyedinthewoolliberal

(15,944 posts)
59. Thank you.
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 05:07 PM
Nov 2023

A mix of old and new. This feels more familiar. I like the changes and I like the comfortable feeling of it looking like the old format.

OldSWODog

(74 posts)
60. thanks DU for the significant update
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 05:10 PM
Nov 2023

Kudos to EarlG and the rest of the crew for making this happen. Cheers.

dlk

(12,468 posts)
62. Thank you for all you do
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 05:37 PM
Nov 2023

It’s a lot of tedious hard work. You are greatly appreciated!

Warpy

(113,131 posts)
64. Thanks for restoring the latest video column
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 05:47 PM
Nov 2023

I didn't think having to click on something at the middle of the page was worth grumbling about, but I do appreciate having the column restored.

SleeplessinSoCal

(9,737 posts)
66. This is like a program on HGTV!
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 05:58 PM
Nov 2023

I love a good renovation!

Thanks for all the good looking improvements. So much better.

louis-t

(23,777 posts)
67. It's definitely getting better.
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 06:19 PM
Nov 2023

Had some issues at first, but made some adjustments to font size, etc. Because of my ancient monitor, when I got the text size I wanted in the computer, the ads would cover part of the stories. Fixed it in my settings.

 

ClearSky24

(299 posts)
70. Here's a feedback
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 06:29 PM
Nov 2023

Bring back DU3.

You're now trying to make DU4 look like DU3.

Why not simply remove DU4 and bring back DU3?

You would immediately see a rise in popularity.

GAJMac

(232 posts)
71. Looks Good!
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 06:43 PM
Nov 2023

I noticed it around mid-day from work. I don't log in with my account while at work, but when I saw it I hoped it would be across both public-access, and logged-in homepages.

Maraya1969

(23,024 posts)
79. I don't know how to get to the home page. there used to be a button for it but I don't
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 07:51 PM
Nov 2023

think it is there anymore. I've been there a couple times but I think it was from following a link.

BumRushDaShow

(144,091 posts)
81. Wherever you see a "Democratic Underground" logo
Mon Nov 13, 2023, 08:21 PM
Nov 2023

should link you to the front page. I finally tried mobile and there is a "DU" that you can click on (if you use that). The "Standard" and "Dark" modes have a big "DEMOCRATIC UNDERGROUND" header across the top that is clickable and "Skinner" mode has a Democratic Underground.com" graphic to click on.

Escurumbele

(3,645 posts)
96. Need to work on the app when accessing it from a from a cell phone
Tue Nov 14, 2023, 08:55 AM
Nov 2023

It cuts the right side of the page and there is no way to scroll to the right, one cannot see the new video column to the right, not even the full headline of the post.

I use an Android, I know sometimes developers favour iPhones, but there are a lot of us Android users out there.

Thank you

EarlG

(22,629 posts)
99. Hmm, you shouldn't be seeing multiple columns on your phone
Tue Nov 14, 2023, 09:08 AM
Nov 2023

If possible, please send a screenshot of what you're seeing to earlg@democraticunderground.com so I can diagnose.

IthinkThereforeIAM

(3,116 posts)
100. Thanks for the continued efforts...
Tue Nov 14, 2023, 09:16 AM
Nov 2023

... have had no bugs or glitches with the new DU; I am running Ubuntu Linux and Firefox browser and a vpn.

Just thought I would add my three cents to assist in any troubleshooting conundrums past or present.

Have a good day!

Be The Light

(57 posts)
101. Fabulous!
Tue Nov 14, 2023, 09:29 AM
Nov 2023

Looks more professional looking and easier to use. Much like an improvement on the old site. Yes you had it right all along. But now you have improved it with a few tweaks. Bravo!

SpankMe

(3,307 posts)
102. Way improved! Thank you!
Tue Nov 14, 2023, 11:01 AM
Nov 2023

Hopefully, you can get to the cursor issues next. The cursor is either a text select cursor, or a pointer cursor instead of a link cursor in many areas, including the My Stuff & Navigate buttons, the Post and Preview buttons and others.

Thanks!

cstanleytech

(27,170 posts)
107. I'm glad for the change but I wonder if we will ever have the option to drag and drop the sections?
Wed Nov 15, 2023, 04:45 AM
Nov 2023

It kind of would be nice after all to be able to truly customize the entire front page as we see fit assuming of course its even possible.

crickets

(26,149 posts)
108. Thank you, EarlG!
Wed Nov 15, 2023, 05:17 PM
Nov 2023

I know you've been working hard on this for some time, and it's really appreciated.

ShazamIam

(2,723 posts)
111. I especially love the fresh new look, DU had aged and looked too much like old original internet forums. It is also nice
Thu Nov 16, 2023, 05:47 PM
Nov 2023

That the recent updates should be easier for some to find favorite forums.

Ms. Toad

(35,607 posts)
113. Thank you for restoring a way to make nearly everything I do
Fri Dec 1, 2023, 03:29 PM
Dec 2023

The same number of clicks as DU3.

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