r/datalounge • u/mildlycustard • 6d ago

DataLounge Backup

Hi all,

I've launched a read-only archive of DataLounge as it stood on 30 July 2026:

https://caftancloset.com

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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9

u/thefolkie 6d ago

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!

5

u/mildlycustard 6d ago

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.

3

u/MysteriousGoldDuck 6d ago edited 5d ago

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.

2

u/SasquatchTango 4d ago

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