Why do the same 3 or 4 stories stay in "The Left Column" for what seems like weeks?

[Nitram]

I keep reading the same headlines over and over and over. It get very old.

[murielm99]

1. Traffic must be down at this site.

It never used to be like this on DU.

Sad.

[NCTraveler]

5. Not sure about the accuracy.

http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/democraticunderground.com

[BooScout]

2. Because I stopped coming here...

I couldn't take it anymore. I only came to reply to this post, so you wouldn't feel lonely.

[furtheradu]

3. Where You been? !?!

We miss You, Boo!

[Nitram]

4. Thanks, Boo.

I do feel a bit less lonely now.

[brer cat]

6. At least we are learning about all the previously obscure groups

at DU since everything, including the kitchen sink, is now in Latest. You can expand your horizons as you wait for new news to appear.

[Orrex]

7. What's "The Left Column?"

The Left Column on my screen is a listing of the forums and groups?

[demmiblue]

9. It is on the front page of DU...

under Trending Now and Greatest Threads.

[Orrex]

10. Oh.

I'd have described that as the "second from the left column," but now I see what the OP is talking about.

Yeah, what's with the ancient posts still showing there?

[demmiblue]

11. I'm thinking the admins may have been on vacation (Easter/Spring break for the kiddos).

I don't view the front page that much, though... my bookmark is set for GD.

[NurseJackie]

8. I'd noticed that too (in-passing) but I figured it was because of my "auto-trash" settings...

... that automatically hides titles that contain certain words or names or phrases. But if you're noticing it too, then it's probably unrelated to my particular settings.

I wonder if the threads that make it to the "Left Column" are rotated manually, or if it's something that the software does automatically based on keywords in the title or in the body of the message.

[boston bean]

12. traffic is way down.