are there a lot less posters here now? The site traffic.... when looking at replies seems

[boston bean]

to be way down.

Most threads have replies that are in single digits on most days here in GD.

[greyl]

1. Doubt it.

Fewer average replies on threads(if your claim is true) could just indicate more threads.

[boston bean]

2. Maybe.

[janterry]

3. what's there to say

I'm just sitting on the hill, watching train after train after train - wreck.

I'm out of ideas and (mostly) anger. It's heartbreaking. I'm just waiting for Mueller - it feels like all I/we have left

[ghostsinthemachine]

4. I agree. Or. Something

Seems message boards are passe. We all Facebook. Responding on a message board takes time, thought, correct spelling, grammar etc. FB or instawhatthefuck doesn't require any of that. This place used to be ahead of the curve, now it is behind it. Now there are a lot of places to get "news".

[AJT]

5. DU is my main source for up to date news.

[ghostsinthemachine]

20. FB beats it everyday.

Seldom will I see something I don't already know about here. Used to be, this was that place.

[AJT]

21. I don't use FB.

[ghostsinthemachine]

23. There ya go

O goes there first then here.

[Madam Mossfern]

50. I rarely go to FB...

once in a while to see if there are any new pictures of my grand kids.
I don't like to get into it publicly with my friends although none of them support Trump.
I don't trust Facebook one bit with anything I write.
What I see there are mostly memes anyway.

[lagomorph777]

92. Me neither. The more I learn about FaceTrump, TwitTrump, InstaTrump, etc,

the less I would ever consider going near them.

[WinkyDink]

40. We all Facebook. ---Speak for yourself. Plus, a MB comprises like-minded people, not friends,

relatives, necessarily.

[lapucelle]

101. I don't Facebook.

But I do agree that people should speak for themselves.

[RealityChik]

103. "...a message board takes time, thought..."

By Jove! I think you nailed the problem! A meaningful forum discussion requires exactly that--time and thought. That kind of discussion seems to be in short supply here at DU these days.

Used to be that you could learn as much or more from contributions or insight from many posters in a thread than from the original poster's engaging analysis and sources (links) on a topic or article. The last couple of years, not so much. Perhaps the posters of ahead-of-the-curve news grew tired of devoting considerable time and thought to their content only to receive responses that were devoid of time and thought in return?

I don't do Facebook news because of the shallow, low value content, (in my opinion, of course). So what, do you suppose, is the reason most people here seem to prefer Facebook news over DU as a news source and forum for discussion of news?

Enquiring minds wanna know!

[cwydro]

6. The front page seems to move way slower than it used to.

In years past, new threads appeared every few minutes.

And you’re right about the number of replies.

[pintobean]

7. Definitely

Go through some old threads and look at some profiles. A lot of FFRs and people who just don't post anymore.

[VermontKevin]

8. Let's not forget the people in admin limbo.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

32. Oh, yes. I know more than one person

whose account is on a permanent review status, with no final assessment.

[Dulcinea]

83. What's FFR? nt

[PunkinPi]

84. Flagged for review. nt

[Dulcinea]

90. Thanks. nt

[Kirk Lover]

9. I also think people get banned right and left and easily. That could add to it as well.

[RandiFan1290]

36. No, just the trolls

[Kirk Lover]

43. No you are wrong about that.

[grantcart]

58. Member since Mon Oct 30, 2017, 02:22 PM

One month on DU and already an expert.


We are so fortunate.

[Kirk Lover]

59. Maybe you should sit and just think about that for a minute.

[grantcart]

60. I am. Very grateful that someone who has been here for just a few days is so well informed about all

banning.

Not aware of anyone banned in the last month let alone "left and right". How would someone be so sagacious about the history of DU unless

a) you were a long time lurker - in which case why would you join a site that persecuted people by banning them left and right
or
b) this is a return trip?

[Kirk Lover]

61. So glad to see you've been thinking. Enough of this bullshit...FLYNN IS DOING THE PERP WALK NOW!!

[pintobean]

62. Well, she's right, regardless

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1259455

[grantcart]

64. The fact that some people were banned doesn't mean that there is a net loss in posters

A number of people, including myself and many others I know, came back after known disrupters were removed.

[pintobean]

68. Participation is the lowest it's been in years.

Whatever the reasons, that's obvious to most people.

[pintobean]

46. You are correct

“We have met the enemy and he is us.”

[Arazi]

107. You're absolutely right. I have been sick seeing long time allies banned

Sucks

Welcome to DU

[GusBob]

10. Look at the recs in threads

Many readers no commentators

[Raine]

11. Seems like there is lots less posting

to me. Board moves very slowly, not as many new posts or replies as in the old days.

[sammythecat]

65. You're right. It used to move almost too fast

at times. I used to see a lot of "kick for visibility" posts. At times, an hour or two without a reply and a good, thought provoking post would be pushed to page 2 and then the great void beyond. Now it seems a post can linger for days with less than 50 replies.
I've done no research, but this is how it feels to me these days.

Several reasons for this have been mentioned and they each take a toll. I'll add one more: The fact that any post with either Hillary or Bernie being mentioned turns into a bloodbath might turn some people off as well. One is totally good and the other is totally evil. No compromise whatsoever. Many times I've left this place in disgust over this stupid situation.

[Ms. Toad]

85. The same thing is going on now with Franken.

In the last 5 days, I've been alerted on, apparently stalked, and had a post hidden for what boils down to asserting that Franken's accusers ought to be treated like any other accuser.

I have to wonder whether it is worth it to post, when quoting a CNN article gets hidden as peddling right wing talking points. I have to censor what I say everywhere else. I shouldn't have to censor feminist views on a progressive site.

[pintobean]

88. You are absolutely right.

It's really tempting to just walk away, like so many have.

Siding with the ACLU and the LGBTQ community in a dispute with BLM is apparently bigotry.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

93. I have largely avoided the Franken wars and have scrupulously done so.

I have largely avoided the Franken wars and have scrupulously done so.


A look at the Greatest Page is a testament to my Democratic bona fides. All I will say is your comments on the Franken allegations have merit and deserve a fair evaluation.


PEACE
DSB

[Ms. Toad]

94. Thanks!

[SunSeeker]

12. Yep. nt

[KTM]

13. Ummmm.... a lot less since when ?

Short answer ? YES.

[stevenleser]

14. I take it to mean that there is only so much we can all post and reply

that the current US President is an embarrassment and inept and an outrage in every possible way we can contemplate.

And virtually all of the open minded people in the country agree with us. Trumps numbers aren’t that far away from Nixon’s bottom at the time of his resignation.

[steve2470]

51. +1 nt

[pintobean]

16. Kind of a mirt flirt there

[greatauntoftriplets]

17. Wow. Six posts and you know this already?

[Wiseman32218]

18. Hopefully it is due to purging the trolls!

[Puzzledtraveller]

19. I have a theory

but for fear of being lambasted I will not divulge.

[sammythecat]

67. Is it bigger than a breadbox? Does

it have anything to do with the Democratic primary?

[Iggo]

22. I noticed there's a couple hundred missing between when DU3 started and now.

But that's just my ignore list.

[CozyMystery]

24. I don't post much for a reason

The current situation put me into despair.

I ended up having to go on Zoloft. It keeps me from being in a continual state of agitation. I still care, but it I am not over-the-top stressed out, terrified, and outraged. I have serious heart disease and being in that mental state was not helpful. When I had to use my nitroglycerin pills frequently, after not needing them for years, I realized that I needed help.

I am pissed about having to use a drug for this reason. The dose had to be increased twice.

I stay informed, but I do not feel overwhelmed like I did before. There is so much wrong now, and it is like playing Whack-a-Mole.

I guess the valleys aren't as low because of the Zoloft. And being more even in my mental response has led me to not post when what I have to say is the same thing others have already said.

I think I can compartmentalize more than I used to be able to do. I'll admit something dumb to you guys. I was playing Text Twist for hours every day, just to be able to cope with the current situation in our country. Now I can do something besides research, think, read DU, think about the ongoing destruction, and play that game all the time.

Don't get me wrong -- I am terribly worried that the US will not recover from the destruction being wrought upon it. And I still call, text, and email my congress critters.

I also read here every day. It's kind of funny. I read something here today, and tomorrow my kids will say, "Hey, Mom, did you hear about X?". Yeah, I reply, that's old news ... I read about it on DU yesterday.

Too bad it is usually old news -- so much new news that should not be happening.

[kwassa]

25. The online world has changed.

and I've been online since Usenet.

Most things have moved over to Facebook. There are many discussion groups there. Other very active places are comment sections of major publications. There are literally thousands of replies on some topics, if you have the time to read them all.

[LAS14]

70. I looked at all the Groups listed in Facebook and didn't see...

... any political ones except Drudge. Was I looking in the wrong place? (Not planning to abandon DU, but would like to get educated.)

tia
las

[kwassa]

80. They are there .....

I'm subscribed to a half dozen of them.

Some of them have responses in the thousands.

[LAS14]

86. Can you name a couple? Tell me how you find them?

[kwassa]

110. Stronger United Movement

End Citizens United

Occupy Democrats

The Other 98%

Democratic Coalition Against Trump

Andy Borowitz

[LAS14]

115. Thanks.

[sammythecat]

113. I've never used facebook, but

I just googled "facebook groups politics" and another with "facebook political page". The results might include what you're looking for or would have links to get you there.

[liberal N proud]

26. Just ran out of thing to say

It has gotten so unbelievable that it is difficult to keep up.

[orangecrush]

27. Trump exhaustion

Taking it's toll.

[Laffy Kat]

28. I think you're right.

I hope that doesn't mean they're wearing us down. It just gets to a point where there's not much left to say. It's exasperation, at least for me.

[RKP5637]

31. Yes, I think your are quite correct. Also, Trump puts me in such a negative mood. I can't stand

the guy in any manner. And, I am still astounded an ass like Trump was elected president. It's very telling about a large number of my fellow Americans, and that creeps me out.

Also, the US is going downhill in so many directions at once. What is especially exhausting is many of the damn fools that voted him and the regime into office are still so damn clueless. He sh**s on them, and they say thank you, please do it again. It's hard to soar like an eagle, when you're flying along with a bunch of turkeys (deplorables).

[KY_EnviroGuy]

71. along with holiday activities.

and preparations for the coming winter!

.......

[betsuni]

29. I find that with a lot of things the first thing that comes to mind to reply is "But her emails."

But that gets repetitive. Maybe others have this problem too.

[Tipperary]

37. Yes, that might have seemed to be clever once, but I agree with you. It has gotten very old and not

So clever anymore.

[betsuni]

38. It's not supposed to be clever, it's true. Trump is here because idiots fell for the emails crap.

You don't agree with me.

[Tipperary]

42. I agree that it is repetitive.

It is my own opinion that people think it is clever. Of course it is true. I am sorry if I was not clear in my post.

[Exultant Democracy]

30. Much slower, especially LBN

During the Bush era the whole board was on fire. There has been a big slide for a while but a noticeable uptick again with trump.

[RKP5637]

33. I think it's Trump Fatigue! The guy is so horrible, I think many are now waiting/hoping for Mueller

to display the inner workings of this rogue dictatorship Trump is trying/tried to create with the aid of Russia. Also, I think many are still shocked in disbelief that a creature like Trump could rise to the presidency. And some others have probably just tuned out for awhile. For me, I am still stunned at how the system failed and Trump became president, hence, I wonder what is next.

[murielm99]

34. Too many people in

FFR limbo. Many feminists and POC do not feel welcome here any more. IMHO.

A lot of people don't care for the jury system. They don't complain, they just leave. After all, it is just an Internet site, not real life. There are other places on the net that they can frequent if they feel the quality of this site has suffered.

[Skidmore]

39. This. nt

[Arazi]

108. And Bernie supporters are regularly slammed. They too are FFR

Banned, or just leave.

We need all of these allies in 2018. So discouraging seeing them driven off

[Initech]

35. I used to get a couple thousand reading the Top 10, now I barely get a couple hundred.

[WinkyDink]

41. I have my reasons.

[Demsrule86]

44. I tend to stay away from the news during these dark times...but still post here...but

some probably are shut down...it is a terrible time with president Asshat...18 is an election year...after the first...I bet people will be more hopeful. I am very hopeful...18 will stop Trump cold...taking the house will be great and that's it folks for his 'agenda'...but if we get the Senate as well, we save the courts...I say we work our asses off to do this.

[Gothmog]

45. Agreed

[Kilgore]

47. Agree, looks that way to me also

I do spend time at Discussionist and JPR also and see many former DU'ers there.

[boston bean]

48. Last two places I would ever visit.

[Kilgore]

52. I like diversity

The back and forth discussions are refreshing. DU had that quality at one time.

[boston bean]

53. I like sanity.

[Kilgore]

54. I find sanity boring!

Where is the stimulation if everyone agrees on almost everything?

[boston bean]

55. I am not into elaborate conspiracy theory and bashing of democrats.

[Fozzledick]

77. How fortunate you are to live in such interesting times!

[Dulcinea]

89. What's JPR? nt

[Kilgore]

104. Here is a link

https://jackpineradicals.com

Have fun over there, lots of former DU folks who have reached persona non grata status.

[steve2470]

49. a lot of people went to the Site That Shall Not Be Named

A LOT. From what I can tell.

[pintobean]

57. elsewhere.com

[Kilgore]

105. No guts!

[Tom Rinaldo]

56. I'm curious about current DU age demographics

Many younger voters are not as loyal to the Democratic Party as a social change institution as are older voters. The surveys that establish this are clear. A lot of sharp derision is expressed on DU toward those who don't fully qualify as party loyalists.

[procon]

73. Yes, I've noted the same thing.

The young demand instant gratification, solve everything quickly, and move the whole shebang leftward in one fellswoop. Things don't work like that, of course, and that seems to alienate some when their youthful enthusiasms are countered by the hard won knowledge of experience.

[Arazi]

109. Yup. DU demo is older for sure

I'd bet the majority are over 50

My group is almost all under 30. All Indies. I would never recommend DU

[Mosby]

63. the site slowed down when JPR opened up

I'm fine with it.

[boston bean]

66. If that is the reason why, then I am great with it!

[Mosby]

72. most of the bernie or bust folks went there

It's also why the IP group is a tomb now, seems as though there is a great deal of overlap between the anti-Israel folks and the Hillary is a war monger crew.

[Fozzledick]

76. Yep, seems most of the trolls who used to push the "apartheid" propaganda line are over at JPR now

bashing the Democratic party as worse than the Republicans and promoting their Trotskyite splinter groups that they never mentioned when they were here.

But while that's one easily identifiable chunk, the community that existed here before the election is clearly gone. I think it had more to do with the Admins' tolerance of trolls and disruptors who posed as Hilary supporters just to provoke division and animosity, and the elimination of community involvement through the jury system and Meta forum. They may have gotten rough at times, but they got everyone involved in the process and led to an open discussion of the problems that arose. Now posts just disappear with no explanation or discussion, and even those who participate in the new juries aren't told what most of the alerts are really about or even what the results are. That may have had the intended effect of shutting down personal attacks and bickering, but its also suppressed the basic debate and argument that I thought was DU's primary purpose and discouraged participation in general.

[EX500rider]

79. NO kidding, only 20 posts last 30 days in IP...2/3 of a post a day!

....we had almost 500 in the Latin America group.

[pintobean]

91. Most of the groups are ghost towns.

[rzemanfl]

69. I ain't sayin' why I ain't posting. n/t

[marybourg]

74. And a lot of the missing posters were the most knowlegable,

well-read (almost an anachronism, now) incisive thinkers and writers.

[boston bean]

75. Well with some that I can actually remember that are no longer here

i don’t know if I would say that. But some, yes.

[LAS14]

87. I can see why thoughtful posters would get tired...

... of the incessant Trump dumping. He needs to be dumped on, but it's an addictive distraction from thinking creative thoughts.

[doc03]

78. Start a anti-gun thread or a sex scandal they will come nt

[treestar]

81. There seem to be fewer OPs

You can come back a day later and find some of the same ones still on the first page.

[kwassa]

82. we need to start talking about Olive Garden again ...

circumcision while breastfeeding and covered with cornflakes.

[lunatica]

95. Maybe depression is keeping people away

I know there have been a couple of times I've stayed away for awhile. One was a few months after Bush got re-elected. Damn! That was so depressing!

[Vinca]

96. I think the neverending primary bickering drove people away.

[Drunken Irishman]

97. I think a lot is just that message boards aren't as popular form of social media anymore.

It's not just DU - it's sports and other specific interest message boards I belong to, and have belonged to, for years that are seeing less traffic overall. With the creation of twitter, especially, there isn't as much a need for these message boards.

The reality is that, ten years ago, DU was the breaking news center - the nervous system, if you will, of liberal politics. You came here to get the news. I remember being on DU under my old account when Al Gore endorsed Howard Dean and this was the first place I saw it. Now that happens on twitter. I will see something on twitter break, come over here and it's not posted for another five or so minutes.

I just that's just the cycle. It's easier to tweet and an easier source for information than message boards. It's the same with a football message board I posted at for years. I used to get breaking news there - now the breaking news is on twitter before it's posted there.

[RealityChik]

98. Too much angry flamethrowing for me these days...

I originally joined DU back in 2003. It was my PRIMARY starting point for the cutting edge of developing news, especially after the election was stolen from Kerry in 2004. I never posted much, but I was there at DU several times a day. I gradually faded away from DU around Obama's second term when caring for my mother who had Alzheimer's became a full-time job, leaving me too mentally exhausted for anything else.

After she died, I rejoined DU in early 2016 with the intent of becoming an active participant. But I was shocked and disappointed by the prevailing snarkiness, and the persistence of long angry threads consumed with defending the need to be right about some issue or point of view. Sometimes DU feels as though the grownups have left the building.

So, the large chunks of time I used to spend on DU every day are now spent following the Twitter feeds of investigative journalists, lawmakers, @alt government insiders, security experts and well-sourced researchers for my daily in-depth immersion of developing current event news.

And Facebook? Too much fake news for me.

[joshcryer]

99. I don't post nearly as much because politics leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

I'm sure a lot of others feel the same way.

[LAS14]

100. Could someone name some politically oriented groups...

... on Facebook? The only one I see is Drudge. What are their names?

tia
las

[ret5hd]

102. You have almost succeeded! Don't quit now!!!

[m-lekktor]

106. everybody alerts on everybody so people stop posting

so they don't get five hides and booted off DU if they have several hides already. they wait until a few of their hides expire then they return. The jury system is why this is.

I just got a hide because I explained why Bernie supporters would picket a Hillary book signing. People didn't like my comment so it was hidden for bashing a democrat.

This is why people don't post. There are plenty other places to post where people let you speak your mind.

[KTM]

111. +1000

[Kirk Lover]

114. This

[NurseJackie]

116. "There are plenty other places to post where people let you speak your mind." -- Such as?

"There are plenty other places to post where people let you speak your mind."

Such as?

[Joe941]

117. I'm just waiting for Mueller to take out tRump...

it should happen any day now.

[melm00se]

118. Traffic numbers

https://www.trafficestimate.com/democraticunderground.com
Shows 30% YoY drop

http://www.rank2traffic.com/democraticunderground.com
Shows ~42% drop (Nov 15, 2016 to November 15, 2017)