Hoe do you like the new DU format?

[trof]

Like most of us geezers, I don't like change.
It's hard for me to get used to and use the new format.
If it ain't broken, don't fix it?"

[multigraincracker]

1. I've figured out what I need to

do. Not much else. I’m sure I’ll have ‘Ah ha’ moments.

[LuvLoogie]

2. I don't think it is all that different.

It's fine. I'm not mad at it.

[Easterncedar]

3. Lots to like

But I’m relaxing in Skinner mode for now. I’m old, but I can adapt!

[trof]

40. Skinner mode?

[Easterncedar]

41. Under "My Stuff"

Account settings > Skinner mode. Looks like DU 3.

[madaboutharry]

4. I really appreciate night mode.

I use night mode anywhere I can. It makes all the difference to me, so I am grateful for it being offered here.

[question everything]

9. What is the night mode? I use Skinner but it is not much different: 2 and 3 clicks

to what used be just one.

[madaboutharry]

11. Night mode is light text on a dark background.

The option is in Account Settings under Visual Appearance. You can choose it there.
I have no idea if it is available if you also choose Skinner mode.

I am extraordinarily photosensitive. I wear sunglasses in the rain, seriously. Having a dark background is so soothing for my eyes. It makes a world of difference for me.

[trof]

43. In printing lingo it's called a 'reverse'.

[cannabis_flower]

5. I don't like....

That I can’t immediately see replies to my posts without making at least 2 clicks. Otherwise it’s okay.

[emulatorloo]

15. Agree. Seems like there are extra clicks needed to get anywhere I used to go with only one click

before.

It is ok, not great. But I’ll get used to it.

[Croney]

6. Skinner mode is very close to the old look, for me.

So it's fine.

[Chainfire]

7. I am old and set in my ways to, but I like the new format.

[Silent Type]

8. Think it's working well. When had option, I stayed with DU3. But DU4 is fine once "forced" to change.

[anciano]

10. Like it! 👍

[Enter stage left]

12. I just upgraded from a 8 yr old Samsung to a Pixel 8 Pro...

adapting to DU4 is a piece of cake compared to getting used to the tech on these new phones.

I understand your reluctance though, 30 years ago I knew all the operating systems of the computers, all the new cameras, and all the new tech on the cellular phones.

I'm no longer interested in trying to keep up. If I need help on the latest tech, I call my grandchildren, and within 2-3 years, my great-grandchildren. They know it all by the time they're 8-10 years old.

We HAVE to adapt. It's the same as with micro-wave ovens, convection ovens, digital cameras, cellular phones, electric vehicles, ordering online...and I could go on forever.

Please try to adapt. We don't want to lose anyone of our friends here on DU because of the progress of that which is inevitable.

[KarenS]

13. I've adjusted,,,,

I really like the my stuff tab feature. But I come here for the news, political discussion and cute animal pictures and videos So I've already forgotten why I thought I liked DU3 better BTW I am using Skinner mode.

[Mr.Bill]

14. I'm doing fine with it.

I usually don't like change, but this has been okay. I should mention that I am strictly a laptop internet person. I didn't get a smart phone until about six months ago.

I have a great grandson who is five years old. He is very autistic and 100% non verbal. He knows more about phones than I do. He likes the games on them.

[area51]

16. I use the Skinner mode,

on Chrome with the "Midnight Lizard" add-on that gives multiple choices for night mode.

[Irish_Dem]

28. I'm using the skinner mode too and it is fine.

[Xoan]

17. I'm not seeing improvement.

[ShazzieB]

18. DU4 is fine by me.

I've been using it in default mode, and it's just fine as far as I'm concerned. At first I wasn't crazy about having to click "My Stuff" before I could see my subscriptions and my posts, but I'm used to it now, and the more I use the "My Stuff" and "Navigate" panels, the better I like how things are displayed in them.

So yeah, DU4 is working out just great for me. When it first went live, I was surprised by all the negative comments snd sorry to see how much trouble some people were having with it. I hope things have improved by now for most DUers and will continue to improve for the rest.

I wish I could wave a magic wand and make everyone feel as happy and comfortable with DU4 as I am, because it honestly has some great new capabilities that I really find to be improvements.

[Paper Roses]

19. Don'tlike it. Too much clicking around.

[lamp_shade]

20. I love it.

[No Vested Interest]

21. Not great for me.

I skip round, trying different approaches.
The older form was more orderly for me.
I'll keep working on it....

[bucolic_frolic]

22. I'm ok with it but can't find anything

The navigation buttons are too big. I can't find computer support. "Latest Breaking" sorted by last reply is beyond my comprehension. I used to rely upon the entire site latest posts. It had variety, was interesting, and political.

[OAITW r.2.0]

36. I pretty much live on Latest Discussions here.

Since I usually have DU open, I just refresh Latest Discussions which obviously includes LBN.

[ratchiweenie]

23. It's okay. Lots more clicking around so not as convenient. Latest Breaking News is very crowded and

hard to look at. No space, just lots of blue ink. I don't go there much now and it used to be my go to.

[lillypaddle]

24. What did you call me?????

[GreenWave]

38. Exacto!

[PittBlue]

25. I love it!

Very easy to navigate .I really like the my stuff tab.

[lordsummerisle]

26. The Font

on the right side of the page needs to be larger.

[walkingman]

27. I like it. Finding out new stuff all the time.

[rurallib]

29. Not a dig deal in the grand scheme of things

a little adapting maybe an extra click or two.

I come for the content and the good stuff is still here.

[mahina]

30. Love it, in Skinner mode.

I am so very thankful for this website every day. I donate extra and know it's not nearly enough. I hope everyone here can pitch in some extra whenever possible and for those of us who can't.

Mahalo EarlG.

[lapfog_1]

31. I mildly dislike it

I don't mind change... but I don't like change for the sake of change.

My objections to the new format is that I now have to navigate a number of buttons to menus of other buttons to do what I used to do directly on webpage ( looking for responses to my posts for example ).

I suppose the fewer buttons are easier to paint on a small phone screen. And while I use my phone for a great many things, posting on DU isn't really one of them. I still use my laptop for DU.

Personally I don't know why we can't each have our "own DU custom experience"... i.e. a meta app that allows me to arrange whatever buttons and menus I like in the locations I would like to have them. Along with various panels for content direct access.

I could even imagine a time when I can direct the AI to provide me the interface I want through a series of questions and answers (typed or verbal or whatever). After all, DU at its heart is really a collection of databases of news feeds, postings by members, mail, tagged items that contain video or links to ah-hem "X" or other social media, etc. The rest is mere presentation and navigation.

But that's just me.

[TreasonousBastard]

32. Lotta work in it, and I suppose changes were...

tested and vetted, but for me there's more clicks than I'm used to.

Haven't used new stuff much, but seems to show some promise.

Pretty soon we'll all forget the old one, as we tend to do.

[OAITW r.2.0]

33. this old geezer had no issues migrating.

I tried Skinner mode and, frankly, like the new format a little better,

[usonian]

34. I adapt.

I read countless sites every day, with all kinds of visual garbage.

Prior to the DU change, I loaded up one or more "dark" extensions, and use one of the tricks listed below. (*)
By the way, browsers usually have a way to increase the type size. Look for it in your browser. Usually "aA" or View->Zoom In.

So, I concentrate on content. Yes, it seems like there are extra steps to view my post in context, or whatever else needs to be done.

(*) On other sites:
• Make sure my ad-blocker is active.
• Select dark mode if it's not automatic.
• Select "reader" (built-in to Safari and there are many for other browsers as extensions)
--- This strips out all the sidebars, ads, creates a single column with READABLE type, white on black or black on white, not light gray type on a light gray background.
--- Reader/Readability often kills the paywalls or nag-walls!
• Optionally disable javascript to kill the many nags and popups that the adblocker missed.
• Use archive.ph or archive.md to read paywalled articles.

I mention these because they are all USABILITY KILLERS.
Especially the tiny 6-point type.
"The Internet is One Tough Town"
DU4 is a breeze by comparison.

[PJMcK]

35. It's fine

It’s just a website, after all. I can’t get too worked up if the Administrators decide to evolve their property.

Since DU is one of my favorite sites, I can adapt. So far, so good.

Thanks for asking!

[WheelWalker]

37. The path is not difficult

for one who has no preferences.

[Duppers]

39. Nope.

[LiberalLovinLug]

42. Its not as good as DU2. Where is the Toon and links to Toons of the day? Its just not very visual of a front page

DU2 was one of the best designed political discussion boards. I have no idea why Earl wanted to f around with it. Its ugly, unorganized, and more text based and confusing. Just my opinion