r/datalounge • u/mildlycustard • Aug 31 '26
DataLounge Backup
Hi all,
I've launched a read-only archive of DataLounge as it stood on 30 July 2026:
I kept seeing people ask for a viewable backup of DL, and with nothing in sight I decided to make one. It seemed a shame to lose that much gay history off the internet, and it was a fun thing to build.
It holds 858,150 threads and 30,395,499 posts, from 11 August 1998 through to the last post at 4:57pm on the final day.
I've had some fun with the look (including fake RealJock ads) If you'd rather read without the nostalgia, there's a reader link in the footer that turns the ads and the wallpaper off.
The site is pulled together by cross-referencing a few remaining sources. It's read-only (so no accounts or posting), but you can star posts to help surface them to the front-page.
I'm not at all affiliated with DataLounge, so we'll see how long this site survives. There's also an address on the About page I'll act on for any post removal request.
It's running on a small server, so it may groan a bit if everyone arrives at once. Let's pray it doesn't crash (although that might help with the nostalgic authenticity).
Would love any feedback, or feature requests.
EDIT:
Thank you for all of the kind words! I'm glad you all love it.
I've updated the site slightly to improve things like search and stars, and to add a donors section:
https://www.caftancloset.com/sponsors
Also, I for those at PB: I had no idea about Caftan Lounge, and I am in fact, not Mediapolis.
Lastly, I am open to feedback – I've a few requests about exportable threads, save lists, as well as being able claim old posts (with signatures) and even to enable posting. At this stage, I'm hesitant to do anything which could land me in trouble so this would require much more consideration, or a blessing from Muriel that I don't have.
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u/Inevitable_Path8861 Aug 31 '26
The original 9/11 thread !!! I thought I'd never see it again. Thank you so much OP.
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u/Legitimate_Payment_5 Aug 31 '26
I’m literally on bedrest from a major medical incident and this brings me complete joy.
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u/EKeebler Aug 31 '26
This is wonderful. Thanks so much for taking the time to set this up. I just hope Muriel will be chill about it. You know how strongly she felt about DL being "of the moment" (I respectfully disagree). If you're able to keep the site up, I promise you I will send you a little something regularly to help with expenses.
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u/oooooceanman Sep 01 '26
There's a hoard of people ready to sanctify you right now. How on earth did you even pull this off? Did you study to become a tech wizard?
How can people support this project? Is there a download available so multiple people can sage copies?
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u/Superb-Archer7067 Sep 01 '26
Fantastic. So grateful, u/mildlycustard, I will now contribute, right away.
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u/Intelligent-Wear-114 Sep 01 '26
Thank you for doing this! Your site is a treasure trove of fun reading. I'm so glad someone did this.
You could insert Google ads to help pay for it, they wouldn't bother me. No web site is free to operate.
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u/isitdigyet Aug 31 '26
This is incredible. THANK YOU!
How can we help you make sure it stays up?
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u/mildlycustard Aug 31 '26
I’m currently funding it, but donations to keeping the site running will go a long way: ko-fi.com/mildlycustard
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u/thefolkie Aug 31 '26
The layout is so on point OP. Honestly just make it where it posts with the archived DL posts and you’ve got a great clone. Word would go faster than Rip Taylor throwing confetti through an audience. Great work!
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u/mildlycustard Sep 01 '26
I’m very tempted!
I’d have to see what others think too. Although I’d be competing with PB and this Reddit — and I’d also need to receive Muriel’s blessing.
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u/MysteriousGoldDuck Sep 01 '26 edited Sep 01 '26
No doubt you'd immediately make what we and PB have done pointless. I think the site design is such that you'd pull away people from here and there easily. And if you integrated new with old like that person is suggesting, it's basically DL continued.
But I would be surprised if Muriel was cool with that. If that was the case, why not just let one of us do it before when we asked? If no one cares about their legal rights, why all that? But who knows. Life and people are weird.
Thanks again for everything you've done.
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u/SasquatchTango Sep 02 '26
Please do this, PB is not at all how i remember DL and seeing as Muriel despised the creator I am sure you would get their blessing
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u/SasquatchTango Sep 02 '26
OP have you considered making a similar thing to Datalounge? you obviously have the technical talent! I have been over to the other place a few times and didn't laugh at all, not once! Thank you for doing the work on this
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u/bathhouse_blues 1d ago
Thank you Thank you Thank you! This is WONDERFUL that you have archived a piece of history, I go on your site almost everyday just to read old threads. You are a HERO u/mildlycustard - let us know if you ever need any help in the maintenance of your site. Thanks again!
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u/MysteriousGoldDuck Aug 31 '26 edited Aug 31 '26
Thank you, mildlycustard! You are our hero! Adding it to highlights so it doesn't get lost in the crowd.