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EarlG

(21,894 posts)
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:20 PM Jul 2020

We could use your help tracking down a bug... (UPDATE)

This discussion thread was locked by EarlG (a host of the Announcements group).

Last edited Fri Jul 31, 2020, 07:27 PM - Edit history (3)

Hi everyone,

UPDATE:

Thanks for your replies -- most helpful. We have temporarily rolled back the update while we work on a few things, so pages should now be displaying correctly. We're going to try this again sometime tomorrow.

We expect to be able to fix the issue with characters showing up incorrectly. With regard to the ads, we are testing new placements at the moment, so if you are not a Star Member, ads may show up in places where you weren't used to seeing them before. We're trying to balance this out as best we can so that it doesn't interfere with the experience that you're used to.

As for the other issues that were reported in this thread, I'm not 100% sure that they're related to this recent update, but we'll definitely check into it.

Thanks again for all your help, and your patience while we mess around with this stuff. I know it's super annoying (trust me, I would rather not be doing this on a Friday night, lol!)


ORIGINAL POST:

As you know we've been making some behind-the-scenes updates to the software this week which we anticipated could cause some problems. Unfortunately, we weren't exactly sure what the problems would be until we completed the updates.

Now we're getting an idea, however. Some people are currently seeing strange characters displayed in posts (typically where smart quotes would be used). Others are seeing too many ads. Some lucky folks are experiencing both problems simultaneously.

We can (and will) roll back the update, but it would be really helpful to gather some data before we do.

If you're having one (or both) of these problems, could you reply to this thread and let us know whether you are on desktop or mobile, and which browser you're using? It would be a big help.

Thanks,
The Administrators

50 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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We could use your help tracking down a bug... (UPDATE) (Original Post) EarlG Jul 2020 OP
Apostrophe and quotation marks garbled into odd characters Fiendish Thingy Jul 2020 #1
On my laptop in DuckDuckGo, I'm getting those weird characters. (I use Firefox, if that matters.) Squinch Jul 2020 #2
I am seeing lots of strange characters in posts AND also having lots of ads popping up and obscuring skylucy Jul 2020 #3
Both issues, new iPhone SE with latest iOS and safari soothsayer Jul 2020 #4
K&R stonecutter357 Jul 2020 #5
On an iPad, using Chrome Clash City Rocker Jul 2020 #6
Use Chrome as my browser......on my HP laptop. chillfactor Jul 2020 #7
Yes on both gratuitous Jul 2020 #8
This message was self-deleted by its author 33taw Jul 2020 #9
I had both problems yesterday, but only briefly. Laelth Jul 2020 #10
I have both problems. old guy Jul 2020 #11
Opera on a Win 10 laptop-- I'seen the comments, but no problems on my end. TreasonousBastard Jul 2020 #12
Just an FYI, some ad blockers cause pages to load oddly. cayugafalls Jul 2020 #13
Windows 10 and Chrome on a desktop. No problems. Midnight Writer Jul 2020 #14
I am seeing Rebl2 Jul 2020 #15
I'm on a laptop using Chrome and saw the question mark and other characters AleksS Jul 2020 #16
Both yesterday SheltieLover Jul 2020 #17
I am on a laptop, going through Chrome. FM123 Jul 2020 #18
I had a problem. My system is Mac Mini, Catalina Safari. the 3 character string .") NCjack Jul 2020 #19
I'm having both problems. wcast Jul 2020 #20
Are you folks aware that a second/double (same) comment to a post can now be entered ? magicarpet Jul 2020 #21
Hmm, good to know EarlG Jul 2020 #26
This is the second time that happened in the last couple of days. magicarpet Jul 2020 #37
Oh,.. let me mention, magicarpet Jul 2020 #40
I've Seen Three Other Like That ProfessorGAC Jul 2020 #38
Yesterday... 2naSalit Jul 2020 #22
Thanks EarlG Jul 2020 #28
Hasn't happened again, thanks! 2naSalit Jul 2020 #32
Ciao EarlG; Win7: Firefox & Chrome - no issues on either browser discntnt_irny_srcsm Jul 2020 #23
The "password" should disappear if user is not signed in... kentuck Jul 2020 #24
Laptop using Chrome. Seeing odd characters. I use Adblock. nt blaze Jul 2020 #25
An altogether different weird issue. nolabear Jul 2020 #27
Yes that happened to me too EarlG Jul 2020 #29
Also yesterday and today... 2naSalit Jul 2020 #30
Seeing the strange characters, on Win 10 laptop/Firefox 79.0 nt 50 Shades Of Blue Jul 2020 #31
Chromebook, no issues. sarcasmo Jul 2020 #33
Loads slow. MyNameGoesHere Jul 2020 #34
I'm seeing it on my desktop. nt Progressive Jones Jul 2020 #35
It is showing up on my laptop but not my I-Mac callous taoboy Jul 2020 #36
I'm Seeing None Of What's Described Above ProfessorGAC Jul 2020 #39
Titles turn red in Forum & Group page Lars39 Jul 2020 #41
I am using a Samsung Tablet and Chrome. No weirdness, but i do note that when in the Latest c-rational Aug 2020 #42
It's 8/3 and am reporting that my DU screen is still hosed. The left column is blank except for a in2herbs Aug 2020 #43
What device/operating system/browser? EarlG Aug 2020 #44
Firefox. Windows 10. thnx. nt Edit date: 8/2 in2herbs Aug 2020 #48
Thanks for the info EarlG Aug 2020 #49
My viewing of the DU site is working this AM (8/3) like it should. Thnx. nt in2herbs Aug 2020 #50
My page is acting strange. Miigwech Aug 2020 #45
In what way is it acting strange? EarlG Aug 2020 #46
I'm on a Mac Book Pro using Safari bif Aug 2020 #47

Fiendish Thingy

(15,367 posts)
1. Apostrophe and quotation marks garbled into odd characters
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:22 PM
Jul 2020

I’m on an iPad with up to date IOS (also iPhone)

^ apostrophe above is garbled

Squinch

(50,773 posts)
2. On my laptop in DuckDuckGo, I'm getting those weird characters. (I use Firefox, if that matters.)
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:23 PM
Jul 2020

skylucy

(3,734 posts)
3. I am seeing lots of strange characters in posts AND also having lots of ads popping up and obscuring
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:23 PM
Jul 2020

my view of the website. The strange characters in posts is making them almost unreadable. I am on my Apple laptop.

soothsayer

(38,601 posts)
4. Both issues, new iPhone SE with latest iOS and safari
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:25 PM
Jul 2020

stonecutter357

(12,682 posts)
5. K&R
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:25 PM
Jul 2020

Clash City Rocker

(3,379 posts)
6. On an iPad, using Chrome
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:26 PM
Jul 2020

I see the ads. The problem is that they show in the middle of the page, obscuring posts, and there’s no apparent way to close them.

chillfactor

(7,566 posts)
7. Use Chrome as my browser......on my HP laptop.
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:26 PM
Jul 2020

Leaving DU for now.....just too frustrating right now. Everytime I click on a DU post I get a screen at the bottom of my laptop screen that blocks out portions of posts. Have to cliick x to get rid of dang screen. Also I don't see any ads.....what I have instead is blank boxes wiith circles in the middle of blank boxes.

gratuitous

(82,849 posts)
8. Yes on both
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:26 PM
Jul 2020

Smart quotes are coming through as gobbledygook, and ads are practically filling the screen when they aren't covering significant portions of the content. Updates are always such a pain. Hang in there.

Response to EarlG (Original post)

Laelth

(32,017 posts)
10. I had both problems yesterday, but only briefly.
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:27 PM
Jul 2020

They’re gone today.

Apple OS 13.5.1 on iPhone 6s

-Laelth

old guy

(3,281 posts)
11. I have both problems.
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:27 PM
Jul 2020

TreasonousBastard

(43,049 posts)
12. Opera on a Win 10 laptop-- I'seen the comments, but no problems on my end.
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:29 PM
Jul 2020

cayugafalls

(5,631 posts)
13. Just an FYI, some ad blockers cause pages to load oddly.
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:30 PM
Jul 2020

They cause lags, page format problems, twitter threads to not appear and other odds and ends.

I had to disable mine and decided to donate to get rid of ads.

I suggest not using them. I know some people don't like ads, but I have been a long time IT person and noticed some errors are related to ad blockers or browser extensions that modify page code on the fly while loading.

This is not related to the problem of ads showing up oddly for people without a star or an ad blocker, only for people running ad blockers.

Midnight Writer

(21,546 posts)
14. Windows 10 and Chrome on a desktop. No problems.
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:31 PM
Jul 2020

Rebl2

(13,303 posts)
15. I am seeing
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:33 PM
Jul 2020

strange characters like question marks where they don’t belong. I am using an IPad and use safari browser.

AleksS

(1,665 posts)
16. I'm on a laptop using Chrome and saw the question mark and other characters
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:35 PM
Jul 2020

substituted for apostophes.

SheltieLover

(57,073 posts)
17. Both yesterday
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:39 PM
Jul 2020

All good today.

TYVM!

FM123

(10,050 posts)
18. I am on a laptop, going through Chrome.
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:41 PM
Jul 2020

I too am seeing weird almost cute looking squirrly characters.....

NCjack

(10,279 posts)
19. I had a problem. My system is Mac Mini, Catalina Safari. the 3 character string .")
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:41 PM
Jul 2020

or was it .)" became a smilie.

wcast

(595 posts)
20. I'm having both problems.
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:42 PM
Jul 2020

On mobile and using Firefox. Multiple weird characters where apostrophes would be.

magicarpet

(13,936 posts)
21. Are you folks aware that a second/double (same) comment to a post can now be entered ?
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:45 PM
Jul 2020

Before the update if a second/double of the same comment was attempted the system would prevent the double and notify with a yellow page notice that the double post was automatically blocked.

The system since the update now allows the double post to the same thread.

*****

See link below for sample:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100213831569

Note comments 7 & 8

*****
Mobile/cell
Android - OS
Google - browser service
*****

---------
Attempted to notify Elad 7/30 - but no response.
---------

EarlG

(21,894 posts)
26. Hmm, good to know
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:55 PM
Jul 2020

I think it's still technically possible to get in an accidental double post even with the software attempting to catch such a problem, so I'm not sure that's related to the current issue, but we'll check it out.

magicarpet

(13,936 posts)
37. This is the second time that happened in the last couple of days.
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 07:22 PM
Jul 2020

The first time I just removed the double comment thinking you folks were in the middle of your reset/update. Once completed it would resort to the auto no double post feature block - yellow page notice that the system prevented the dual post of the same comment.

Once your reset was done, and the system allowed the double comment, I then notified Elad.

That auto block is a nice feature because it prevents the page from getting cluttered up. If you are busy multi tasking, on DU making comments, are pulled away, then come back to continue, but can not remember if you posted the comment yet, that yellow page notice the double was blocked serves notice that it was previously already posted.

If one is sorta/kinda (scatterbrained) that is a helpful feature.

Also too, on the other end, when one makes a new thread, it would be nice if the auto system block feature jumped in there to prevent a side by side posting of the exact same thread by the same person who made the initial thread posting.

magicarpet

(13,936 posts)
40. Oh,.. let me mention,
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 07:38 PM
Jul 2020

Your system has never allowed a back to back double comment post by me ever. It has always caught the double post, then notified that the double post was blocked via the yellow page notice.

This goes back years of blocking any inadvertent double comment posting by me... ever.

Just until this recent update.

(Is it against the law to give you folks a Valentine ? I just love DU !)

ProfessorGAC

(64,417 posts)
38. I've Seen Three Other Like That
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 07:35 PM
Jul 2020

I saw your double up, mc and it was one of 4.
I can't remember the topics so I tried to look for read threads.
But, I couldn't find them.

2naSalit

(86,048 posts)
22. Yesterday...
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:46 PM
Jul 2020

This happened along with pages just not loading which was happening earlier today.

I had opened a thread in a new tab and when that page opened, there was a message banner about site maintenance but at the top of the page where it shows where I'm signed in, it was showing another user name instead of mine which I found very odd. I closed it and came back to see if they were even responding to the thread, which they were but it was then showing my own acct user name.


I did notify the other user to let them now that happened on case something unusual was happening for them.

That's all I know, man.





EarlG

(21,894 posts)
28. Thanks
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:56 PM
Jul 2020

We were able to catch and fix that one very quickly -- it's no longer a problem.

2naSalit

(86,048 posts)
32. Hasn't happened again, thanks!
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 07:01 PM
Jul 2020

See my other post as some "post my reply" issues are happening. I'm om Firefox with ghostery and Avast protections. (WIN7).

discntnt_irny_srcsm

(18,470 posts)
23. Ciao EarlG; Win7: Firefox & Chrome - no issues on either browser
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:48 PM
Jul 2020

HTH

kentuck

(110,950 posts)
24. The "password" should disappear if user is not signed in...
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:51 PM
Jul 2020

It doesn't go away?????

blaze

(6,270 posts)
25. Laptop using Chrome. Seeing odd characters. I use Adblock. nt
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:54 PM
Jul 2020

nolabear

(41,915 posts)
27. An altogether different weird issue.
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:56 PM
Jul 2020

I was getting ads, but that seems to have corrected. But I access on my iPhone and suddenly the subject lines turn bright red when I touch them. I can make it go back to the usual “this has been looked at” color but it’s certainly odd!

EarlG

(21,894 posts)
29. Yes that happened to me too
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:58 PM
Jul 2020

It appeared to be a cosmetic issue, so not a top priority, but I did notice it. Will add it to the list

2naSalit

(86,048 posts)
30. Also yesterday and today...
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:58 PM
Jul 2020

Sometimes when I respond to an OP, when I hit "post my reply" it just hangs there frozen. If I hit the button again I get the "you've already posted your reply" screen. So if I go back to the OP before I replied, my comment is already there and when I close the page and go back to it.

50 Shades Of Blue

(9,771 posts)
31. Seeing the strange characters, on Win 10 laptop/Firefox 79.0 nt
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 06:58 PM
Jul 2020

sarcasmo

(23,968 posts)
33. Chromebook, no issues.
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 07:04 PM
Jul 2020
 

MyNameGoesHere

(7,638 posts)
34. Loads slow.
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 07:05 PM
Jul 2020

Hangs for a few seconds. Not seeing this with other websites. Android 11 phone.

Progressive Jones

(6,011 posts)
35. I'm seeing it on my desktop. nt
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 07:05 PM
Jul 2020

callous taoboy

(4,582 posts)
36. It is showing up on my laptop but not my I-Mac
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 07:10 PM
Jul 2020

I am using Safari 13.1.1 on the laptop.

ProfessorGAC

(64,417 posts)
39. I'm Seeing None Of What's Described Above
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 07:37 PM
Jul 2020

And I'm still using Chrome 76 on Android 6.0.1.
(Yeah, I'm not diligent about updates)

Lars39

(26,093 posts)
41. Titles turn red in Forum & Group page
Fri Jul 31, 2020, 10:54 PM
Jul 2020

when I click on them using my I-Phone.
Also happens to the titles in each forum.

c-rational

(2,581 posts)
42. I am using a Samsung Tablet and Chrome. No weirdness, but i do note that when in the Latest
Sat Aug 1, 2020, 10:26 AM
Aug 2020

Threads and hit the < button from one post to go page to the Latest Threads it now updates automatically. Just a change. i liked the old system better where you had to hit the Tab at top to refresh and get the Latest Post., but am recognizing my habits - sometimes it is best to get use to the new.

Thankis for all your work.

Upeate - This am it seems to be back to normal.

in2herbs

(2,942 posts)
43. It's 8/3 and am reporting that my DU screen is still hosed. The left column is blank except for a
Sun Aug 2, 2020, 03:01 PM
Aug 2020

green arrow that goes non-stop around in a circle never producing that part of the site. The section where you read the articles is cut off at the bottom with another non-stop green circling arrow. My browser is Firefox. None of this was occurring before the Friday "fix." Thanks.

EarlG

(21,894 posts)
44. What device/operating system/browser?
Sun Aug 2, 2020, 04:04 PM
Aug 2020

Thanks.

in2herbs

(2,942 posts)
48. Firefox. Windows 10. thnx. nt Edit date: 8/2
Sun Aug 2, 2020, 06:24 PM
Aug 2020

EarlG

(21,894 posts)
49. Thanks for the info
Sun Aug 2, 2020, 06:28 PM
Aug 2020

I appreciate it.

in2herbs

(2,942 posts)
50. My viewing of the DU site is working this AM (8/3) like it should. Thnx. nt
Mon Aug 3, 2020, 08:59 AM
Aug 2020
 

Miigwech

(3,741 posts)
45. My page is acting strange.
Sun Aug 2, 2020, 04:31 PM
Aug 2020

EarlG

(21,894 posts)
46. In what way is it acting strange?
Sun Aug 2, 2020, 04:37 PM
Aug 2020

Can you please tell me what device/operating system/browser you are using?

Thanks.

bif

(22,560 posts)
47. I'm on a Mac Book Pro using Safari
Sun Aug 2, 2020, 05:31 PM
Aug 2020

And the ads are on the top, side, and bottom of the screen.

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