Can someone explain to me briefly how to navigate DailyKos???

[HamdenRice]

Yesterday there was an appreciation thread about how well DU is laid out, which makes it incredibly easy to read and use almost immediately on finding it.

But I can't for the life of me figure out DailyKos. I understand it is a blog of blogs or sorts. It seems half the time I go there, all I see is "open thread" followed by a lot of rants.

On the other hand, topical google searches often take me to DailyKos articles. I just never seem to see references to them on the first page.

Am I missing something?

[CrispyQ]

1. It sure makes you appreciate this site, doesn't it?

Good question! One I've been wondering about too.

[July]

2. You're not alone.

I have problems with DailyKos, too, though I check it out every day.

[enough]

3. I'll join this. The DKos FAQ, explains the rating system

and a few other elements of the site. But there are some things I don't get:

How does a post make it to the front page? There are certain posters who seem to appear constantly. I see that there is a home page, and a "Diaries" page, which seems to suggest that those on the home page are getting there by some form of selection.

I do like the site though. It's my second check after DU (and Buzzflash).

[ohio_liberal]

4. I can answer that

How does a post make it to the front page?

There are some posters (Kos, Armando, and a few others) who post on the front page. Diaries can be moved to the front page by Armando, Kos, and a few others based on their merits, and always include a note that they are originally posted in diaries.

[Matariki]

5. raises hand and says 'me too'

i like the writing there, but rarely go to the site because of the difficult layout.

[ohio_liberal]

6. It's content driven, is nothing like a message board, and it moves quickly

dKos the mother of all political blogs. Use the site's search feature if you're looking for particular topics. Or google, whichever works best for you.

The articles and diaries move off the front page very quickly. You can search on the site by a particular topic or a particular poster/diarist. Or you can scroll to the bottom of the home page and look through the posts in the order in which they were posted.

Also, if you find a diary or front page post that you particularly like, you can click the little "+" button next to the title of the post and save it your hotlist.

[mod mom]

7. I hear you! that is why I settled with DU after the election when both DU

and Daily Kos were recommended to me!

[WilliamPitt]

8. No help here

I've never been able to figure that goddam site out.

[KharmaTrain]

9. Members See It Differently

Many of the articles are hidden inside the Journals. Al Rodgers is always worth a look. It's tough to get to the journal from the articles on the homepage...the links really don't work unless you're logged in.

The best way...is, obviously, to register as a member...it's free. Also to look on the right hand side...those are the latest posts and comments...click on those and they'll take you into the Journals.

Cheers...

[KharmaTrain]

10. Members See It Differently

Many of the articles are hidden inside the Journals. Al Rodgers is always worth a look. It's tough to get to the journal from the articles on the homepage...the links really don't work unless you're logged in.

The best way...is, obviously, to register as a member...it's free. Also to look on the right hand side...those are the latest posts and comments...click on those and they'll take you into the Journals.

Cheers...

[Laurab]

11. You and I both

must be missing something. I don't understand the site, don't go there unless I'm directed from another site, such as DU, and am totally confused when I get there. I think I joined at some point, but damned if I know anything beyond being able to read the posts. I don't know what a parent is, I don't know who is responding to who, and I don't really have the time to figure it out. It does make me appreciate this site more - DU is so easy to figure out, and to use. I just figure anything of importance will get posted here, as well.

I'm glad to know I'm not the only dumbass about DailyKos!

[Jane Austin]

12. Thanks for asking that.

Sometimes I'll go there to find an article or a poll and wander around forever.

I end up having to come back to DU or an email list and use links to find what I'm looking for.

I have been really unsuccessful at navigating KOS. :(

[troubleinwinter]

13. I can't navigate it at all. I have joined, but haven't a clue.

I must rely on DU and other sites to post a pertinent link.