Bash the GOP in style: see your new home for the 2012 election season (and beyond)...

[Skinner]

During the past two fund drives we've been able to provide you with previews of our new message board software, codenamed DU3. Unfortunately we can't give you a preview this time because Elad is programming furiously and can't be disturbed. (We last saw him going into the server room with a blowtorch and a wrench. That's programming, right?)

So this time I'm afraid you're just going to have to settle for screencaps. Those of you who visited DU3 during the last previews will recognize some of these pages, but we do have some big new items to look at. Enjoy! (Please note that these pages are still a work in progress and may change before DU3 is launched.)

NEW HOMEPAGE DESIGN
Where the current DU homepage gives you quantity, the new DU3 homepage will give you quality. Not only do we have a cleaner, simpler look, but we're going back to our DU roots: the Admins will be back in charge as editors to make sure that only the best, most interesting content makes it onto the homepage.

CUSTOMIZABLE LATEST PAGE
The Latest Page can be customized in a number of different ways to allow you more control over the content.

DETAILED FORUMS & GROUPS PAGE
The Forums & Groups page (formerly "The Lobby") now contains full descriptions of each forum and group, so you'll know exactly where to post threads and find what you're looking for.

NO "CHANGE FOR THE SAKE OF CHANGE"
We know that people are very attached to the look and feel of DU, so we've done our best to give the site a pleasant visual overhaul with improved navigation while retaining the basic layout that you're all used to.

MY SUBSCRIPTIONS
This is a big upgrade: You can now subscribe to groups, and new threads in those groups will appear on your My Subscriptions page. It's kinda like having your own private Latest Page that lets you keep an eye on the "hidden gems" of DU.

MY POSTS
The "My Post" page has also received some significant upgrades: You can see the title and poster of replies right on the page, posts kick to the top when there are new replies (just like a regular forum), the page can be sorted in different ways, and more.

IMPROVED THREAD LAYOUT AND FEATURES
Replies in threads are now indented so it's much easier to see who is replying to whom. We're also integrating Facebook, Twitter, and Google +1 buttons into each OP so you can easily share DU threads across the Web.

NEW RECOMMENDATION FUNCTIONALITY
Recommendations on DU3 will have real meaning. You'll be able to see who recommended a thread, and the "Recommendation Matches" function will point you to other threads that those people have recommended.

NEW RECOMMENDATION FUNCTIONALITY (PART TWO)
You'll also have a section in your Profile dedicated to your recommendations, allowing other DU members to easily find threads that you think are great.

NEW INBOX FUNCTIONALITY
Easily find unread messages and delete read messages with our new user-friendly DU Mail system.

MUCH MORE TO COME!
And DU3 will be here sooner than you think...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/donate/">