The DU Plan for Election Day

[Skinner]

PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE POST BEFORE YOUR RESPOND

The administrators of DU have been preparing for Election Day (and its aftermath) for months now. We have considered a number of issues, and we have been doing everything feasible to prepare. We thought you might appreciate knowing ahead of time what to expect. Here are a number of issues we have considered, and what you need to know about each of them.


High Traffic, High Bandwidth, and Poor Website Performance

We fully expect that Election Day will be the busiest day we have ever had on this website. We have done, and continue to do, everything in our power to prepare for the worst. But we cannot promise that it will be enough. In fact, our best guess is that during peak times the site may be unusable. Expect the worst.

Fortunately, we were able to take advantage of the three presidential debate nights to identify problems and fix them. Elad has made many tune-ups to our hardware and software to deal with these problems, but there is a high probability that we will experience more problems on Election night. Hopefully the problems will be limited to Election Night only, but we can't make any promises.

Currently we run DU off of four web servers. In anticipation of Election Night, we are temporarily adding a fifth.


Removal of Unnecessary Website Functionality and Possible Blocking of Visitors from the Site

In order to decrease the strain on our servers during periods of high-traffic, we have a system in place to gradually remove certain functionality. Expect a loss of features such as avatars and signature lines, searching, ignoring members, hiding threads, etc. We will also be stripping out most images, so the site will look quite different.

If, despite our best efforts, the website is still experiencing serious performance problems, then we will be forced to consider the possibility of blocking people from the site. This will only be done as a last resort. If necessary, we will block out people who are not registered for the message board. (If you have a username and password for the message board, then you are registered.) Under our absolute worst-case-scenario, we may have to block out everyone who does not have a donor star next to their name. We strongly urge all members to check BEFORE ELECTION DAY to make sure that: 1) you are registered for our message board, 2) you have a donor star if you are a donor, and 3) you know your DU password. If you need to change your password, you can do so by clicking on "Options" and then selecting "Change your password." We are going to be busy on Election Night, and we probably will not have time to respond to lost password requests.


Temporary Forum Reorganization

On or before election day we will be adding a few new forums with specific purposes. Currently, we expect to have three new forums, all of which will be located at the top of the forum list: "Presidential Results and Discussion," "Other Election Results and Discussion," and "Report Voting Problems."

We are temporarily moving the State & Country Forums up near the top of the page.

The four busiest forums (LBN, GD, GD:2004, and The Lounge) will be listed immediately below the temporary election forums.


Where to Post Election Results

We know that we cannot force people to post specific thread topics in specific forums, so we are not even going to try. There will be so many people posting so many different topics in so many different forums that you should expect election night on DU to be chaotic.

Still, we are going to provide specific forums and threads for election results -- for those DU members that wish to use them.

Presidential Election results should be posted in the "Presidential Results & Discussion" forum. In that forum, there will also be an "official presidential results" thread, much like the "official" threads we had during the debates and primaries.

Results for U.S. Senate, Congress, Governors' Races, and other major campaigns should be posted in the appropriate state forums, or in the "Other Election Results and Discussion" forum. We plan to open up "official results" threads in the various state forums for each of the Senate and Governors' Races.


Special "I Voted" Avatar



After you vote, you should assign yourself an "I Voted" avatar. Click on "Options" then click "Edit your Profile." Look for the words "Avatar Image" and type ivoted.gif into the space provided. Click "Update." We hope that all of our American members are showing "I Voted" avatars by the end of election day.


Disruptors

We will be taking a number of precautions to keep out disruptors on Election Night, but invariably some will slip through. If you see a disruptor, please hit the "Alert" link on their post so the moderators can deal with them quickly. Do not assume that someone else has hit alert. In most cases, nobody has.

Some folks have been bragging on other websites that they are going to "unmask" on election night after racking up thousands of posts on DU pretending to be liberal. I am hoping that this happens. I get a great deal of pleasure from the idea that some moronic freeper has wasted months of his life pretending to be a liberal on DU. I get even greater pleasure from the thought that after all that work there is a good chance that their big "unmasking announcement" will get deleted after about 30 seconds, and their account banned forever.


What We Expect From You

This is a great group of people, and we're looking forward to spending election day with all of you. All we ask is that you keep a few things in mind...

- Make an effort to avoid duplicates. We don't need 200 threads on the same topic. It's okay to respond to threads instead of starting your own whenever a new thought comes into your mind.

- Treat other people with respect. We're all in this together. On election night, we're going to be celebrating together or crying together. Let's not make it worse by trying to start flame wars on hot-button topics.

- Take it easy on the moderators. They've got a tough job, and it's even tougher at busy times.

- Expect problems. There will be problems on DU on election night. If you expect the worst, you might be pleasantly surprised rather than disappointed.


We Reserve the Right to Change Any of this at Any Time

This document reflects our thinking as of this moment. But we do not know what is going to happen over the next week, or what sort of curveballs fate will throw at us. As always, we will do whatever we think is appropriate or necessary to run the message board, and may even completely change our approach if the circumstances require it. But at the moment, we're confident that this is the plan.


Special Note for Kerry-Hating Fellow Liberals Who Can't Wait to Say "I Told You So" if Kerry Loses the Election

Don't do it. You've been warned.

If Kerry loses, there will be plenty of time later for everyone to discuss what happened. But please don't start with the "I told you so" stuff immediately after the polls close, because you'll probably get banned. Most members of this message board are going to be devastated if we lose. We will be coming to DU for comfort and support; the last thing we want to hear is a patronizing speech from some holier-than-thou jerk. But I don't think that is going to be a problem because...


Last, But Not Least

We're feeling confident about the elections. We think we can win this thing, as long as we all stay focused and keep working. Let's go get those Bush Bastards!


Skinner
EarlG
Elad

-The Administrators of Democratic Underground

[ogradda]

1. got it

thank you :)

[Goldmund]

2. Right on, sounds great.

Oh, yeah, one more thing: you should remind people not to spill champagne on their keyboards when they announce Kerry won. It happened to me once. It was a real nice wireless keyboard...

[Rjnerd]

65. Rinse in lots of clear, cool water

Most keyboards are actually water ignoring. (since the circuit cards get a bath during production). The problem is the sugar (and other organic solids) that make the keys stick. (even in the dryest of champagne's)

Unplug the keyboard (or remove its battery in case of wireless), and rinse in plenty of water. Bathtub suggested. Work the keys periodically, to help dislodge the gunk. The rinse will take at least 10 min. Do not remove the case, there are spring loaded bits inside, that will shoot out, and hide under the couch.

Remove the keyboard from the bathtub, shake out the excess water. Put it on edge, space bar edge down, on a shelf, in someplace that isn't very dusty. You will want a towel or something to catch immediate runoff. Remove after about 4 hours, when all the stuff thats going to drip, has. Leave it ALONE for at least 24 hours. Try the keys (unplugged) to see if any are sticking, rinsing some more if needed. Leave it alone for another 24 hours. Do not try to speed the process with hair dryers, fans, etc.

Try the cleaned keyboard on that old machine that the kids won't even use anymore. There is supposed to be a fuse on the motherboard, but since those cost at least 3 cents, modern machines omit them (besides you would need a soldering iron to change it).

Note: this assumes water with fairly low mineral levels. If you need a water softener, you may wind up with deposits (failure then, or shortly), and unless the keyboard is a rare thing indeed, it isn't worth the cost of a distilled (not spring) water rinse.

[RedEarth]

3. Sounds like a good plan.....thanks for all your work

[terrya]

4. I understand. These are good rules. I'll do my part.

Thanks.

Terry

[derbstyron]

5. excellent plan

I'm fairly new here so I don't what the regulars or longtime users might be thinking but this seems well thought out and quite fair. I congratulate all of your on your forthright planning.

Good job. As I said I'm new here but if I've figured things out so far what I'm trying to say is a big...
KICK

[Cha]

230. Welcome to DU..and aren't you

lucky living in St Pete..I love that place!

[UrbScotty]

6. Good plan!

Thanks for all you do!

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

7. Cool....I'm just dying to do an "I told you so" thread...but then

I supported Kerry :D

[Rainbowreflect]

8. Sounds like a plan! Thanks for all your hard work!

[Beaverhausen]

9. I LOVE THIS SITE!

thanks to all of you!

WE WILL WIN!!!

[Aristus]

10. Great plan, guys. I'll follow it to the letter. BTW:

Hey, guys, :yourock: !!!!!!!!

Go JFK and JE!!!!!!

[Career Prole]

11. I am soooo stoked! Thank you, admin, for all you do.

Red Sox!
Pats!
John Kerry!
Talk about a New England trifecta...I feel like a kid at Christmas-time again!
:D :D :D :D :D :D

[Arkana]

12. We're in attack position now, Admiral Skinner.

[Endangered Specie]

93. Damn the torpedoes... FULL SPEED AHEAD!

[tomfodw]

13. Glad someone's planning in advance. Wish you'd been in charge of planning

the invasion of Iraq!

[DrWeird]

14. Question.

I myself am not a donor, but some anonymous DUer has donated for me in my name. I do not know when my year is up, and while I find it highly unlikely it would be within the next six days, I'm still a bit curious and wondering if there's any kind of warning before the donor star is removed.

[Skinner]

17. There is no warning.

But I checked your account. You're good.

[DrWeird]

19. Thanks.

nt

[welshTerrier2]

15. Let's go get those Bush Bastards!

great pep talk !!! thanks, Coach ...

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

16. That's why I love you guys.

This place is a wonderful service and resource, especially for us Dems in red areas.

Thank you! Will do!

(I probably won't even be around here election night.)

[AlamoDemoc]

27. Will do!

[Jersey Devil]

18. Suggest you suspend new registrations on Election Day/Eve

I think it will keep the number of disruptions down

[mzmolly]

20. Thank YOU in advance.

We will be coming to DU for comfort and support; the last thing we want to hear is a patronizing speech from some holier-than-thou asshole. But I don't think that is going to be a problem because...

Especially for the above statement. :hi:

[footinmouth]

21. Thank you.

It looks like a sensible plan.

[DakotaDemocrat]

22. Thanks gang...

Looks like it will be great here - I'm volunteering that day and will be away - so I look forward to the Wednesday after!

Thanks admins, for such a great site!

[VelmaD]

30. Wouldn't it be cool if the site is empty...

that day because we're all out WORKING for Democracy! :)

[geniph]

99. I won't be posting Election Day

I'll be pollwatching and canvassing and calling people on my list who aren't on the lists as having yet voted.

I'm kind of hoping things'll be quiet here during the day, when people are working on getting out the vote!

[Nobody]

273. I'm an election judge I'll be at the polls all day n/t

[dubyaD40web]

23. KICK

Skinner- Let me know if I can help in any way!

[Placebo]

24. Fab Plan!

As long as we can post basic text messages, that's all we need. To heck with graphics and images! :) Back to the basics; old school.

[bigwillq]

25. The plan sounds good to me!

It seems like you guys have covered all the bases.
At this time, I can't come up with any other suggestions.

Thank you all for your hard work and preparation as we begin to rid this country of the evil administration that has misled us the last four years.


I know in my heart that Kerry-Edwards will be the victors on Election Day.

E-Day will be the best day ever. A day of celebration.

As you put in best Skinner-

Let's go get those Bush Bastards!

[DemExpat]

26. This is just SO great!

and I love this part too:
Some folks have been bragging on other websites that they are going to "unmask" on election night after racking up thousands of posts on DU pretending to be liberal. I am hoping that this happens. I get a great deal of pleasure from the idea that some moronic freeper has wasted months of his life pretending to be a liberal on DU. I get even greater pleasure from the thought that after all that work there is a good chance that their big "unmasking announcement" will get deleted after about 30 seconds, and their account banned forever.
:D:D:D:D:


DU is wonderful, and I am so happy to be in this with you all! :loveya:

:kick:
DemEx

[Kimber Scott]

28. Yes! Down with the Bush Bastards! nt

[myrna minx]

29. You guys are the best.

:loveya: :bounce:

[Bjornsdotter]

31. Works for me.......n/t

[ohtransplant]

32. Thanks in advance for the hard work.

This thing must be a monster to manage and you're looking at the possibility of 54,000 people trying to get in at one time. Can you say ten pounds of potatoes in a five pound bag?

On election night, I hope to be exposed - period. I'm planning champagne and cheetos to celebrate. It's the simple things in life...

God Bless the USA.

Kerry on!!!

[seraph]

33. Thanks! Great plan! (nt)

[DemocracyInaction]

34. Dumb question. When you say make sure you are registered

for our message board does that mean that you are registered as a member of DU with a screen name and password????? Or is there something else we are suppose to register for??? In other words if you are allowed to post at DU are you a registered member of the message board???

[Skinner]

50. Not a dumb question.

If you have a username and password, then you are registered.

Seeing as you are able to post, then clearly you are registered. :)

[loudsue]

58. Yep. You're good. But you might want to contribute some $$, just in case

During the 2002 election there was so much traffic that only contributors could get on. I hope they don't have to resort to that again this election, but there's just so much the servers can carry. If the traffic gets to be too much, someone might have to go, and I sure don't want it to be me!!

Besides, as much as we get out of DU, isn't it a good idea to give something back??

It still may be too crowded in here, for some of us to get in on election night....but I'm sure going to give it my best shot!!

:kick:

[Cha]

231. I was going to say that I

started DU just before election 2002 and I couldn't get in around election day because I hadn't contributed..well I sure did in a hurry.:)

We've come a long way since then and I thank you so much for this Board, Skinner, EarlG, and Elad.

:dem: We Have Kerry's Back and Kerry Has Our Back :dem:

[Catherine Vincent]

62. I'm glad you asked that question. I was confused too.

[Lugnut]

35. Sounds good to me.

Thank you for all you do. DU is my second home. :)

[funkybutt]

36. Thanks y'all! I can't wait!

You're doing a great job and the discussions here are making a difference in the political debate. I was so ill informed before I joined the DU and now I can engage in political discussion with the best. I'm proud to be a member here and I can't wait to celebrate with the DU after we win.

Now get to work DU. Only 6 days left!

*off to shake signs and wave in traffic*

[russian33]

37. Once again, I appreciate your hard work and dedication!

[Name removed]

38. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Catherine Vincent]

66. Did this poster unmask already? LOL!

[Rockholm]

39. Thanks guys!

[democrat_patriot]

40. Thanks. For all your hard work. And giving me (us) a place to go.

On election night. It means a lot, to a lot of people.

Whatever happens it's going to be exciting.

If Kerry should not prevail, we all still have a lot to do in the aftermath. Nothing's over until we decide it is.

Go Kerry!

Go DU!!

[Deb]

41. Thanks so very much

DU might be my only line to Dems Nov 2 as I'm taking care of an sick elderly parent. Thanks to everyone, Mods included! I love this place.

[r_u_stuck2]

42. Talk about devastated

That would be me. I live in the middle of repugs here in NW Florida and more * would push me almost to the limit.

[ronnykmarshall]

43. I think you just about covered all the bases.

I'll be interested to see who the "unmasked" ones are, if any.

[peppersnick]

Thanks a lot... Good luck on Election night! It's gonna be a long night

[Walt Starr]

44. Incredible work by the administrators!

:yourock:

[Lydia Leftcoast]

45. Thanks, guys!

I know you'll do everything you can to keep the site running smoothly.

:loveya:

[hippiegranny]

46. Aye aye Cap'n(s)

I am looking forward to spending time at DU CELEBRATING the end of the Boooosh oppression, but probably on Wednesday, as I will be dancing in the streets Tuesday night!

[Stuckinthebush]

47. Thanks, Skinner and gang

You have made this place a home for me these past four years. I would have gone crazy without it. For that, my wife thanks you too!

By the way, when Kerry wins this thing, I will need to change my screen name to Stuckinthebushnomore. :D

[tnlefty]

48. Thanks for a great plan and for all the hard work. May I ask, please,

please, for those of us who are in the red states and who have been working hard since before the primaries to get people registered, to try to persuade hardheads to vote Dem: please don't give us grief if our states should happen to be red on the EC map. We're going to be sad, and in my case, downright disgusted and angry.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

54. I agree....it certainly isn't progressives in Red states making them that

way

[tnlefty]

72. Thanks NSMA. If TN is red I'll be the wicked witch of the east. I can't

envision saying much of anything besides 'eat shit' to the morons around me for quite some time. I told a lady who moved here from CO that I've met thru MOB and Moms for Kerry that after some time has passed I'll move on to telling folks 'how do you like swimming in your own shit'.

[Walt Starr]

49. The only thing that will be more gratifying for you than getting a Freeper

who spent months racking up posts and pretending to be liberal will be getting one who did that with a gold star!

I cannot wait. My prediction is there will be NO unmasking. The Freepers will be too dvestated by Kerry's overwhelming victory!

[MoonRiver]

51. You guys are sooooo awesome!

The best of the best of the best! That's why I hang here! :loveya:

[Catherine Vincent]

52. I agree. Kerry will KICK ASS!

[Beetwasher]

53. A VERY Heartfealt Thanks To You Guys! You Provide an AMAZING Service!

DU is most definitely an internet treasure! You guys are the best! :yourock:

[TaleWgnDg]

98. LOL . . . gotta love that urinating dog! n/t

[Lerkfish]

55. learn it, know it, live it..... :) eom

[TOhioLiberal]

56. Excellent plan!

It should work...and hopefully DU will work all election night too.
Onward to VICTORY!

[matcom]

57. Let's go get those Bush Bastards!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mwdem]

59. Got it,

thanks for all the hard work you've been doing, guys!

[0007]

60. I'm geared up and ready to do anything I can to make things easy

for the DU family. I'll probably be at the Democratic Headquarters until wee hours in the morning here in Midland Texas and then I'll be home on the computer. Just hope I can get on.

I expect this election to be over by midnight in Kerry favor if all goes well.

[IdaBriggs]

61. Thank you for all you folks do -- you saved my sanity! nt

[Javaman]

63. Great plan!!! DU rules! :)

[luaneryder]

64. Thanks for the advance directive

I appreciate your efforts in this and for the entire site.

[Q]

67. One of the most important elections in US history.

- I've complained about Kerry in the past...but I'll be as 'sad' as anyone else if he loses. This may be one of the most important elections in US history. There is much more at stake than the Democratic party if Bush* wins. I don't need to tell you what that's all about.

Kerry-bashing 'liberals'

- Incidentally...I object to your putting liberal and Kerry-bashing in the same sentence. The intimation is that only liberals have 'bashed' (criticized) Kerry in the past. This stereotyping is unfair and unwarranted.

- Otherwise...thanks for all your hard work.

- Q

[Skinner]

102. I apologize. I guess my intent was not clear.

I was not trying to say that liberals are Kerry-haters. I am a liberal, and I do not hate Kerry. I think most DU members probably consider themselves liberals, and most DU members do not hate Kerry.

The intent of my clumsily-worded sentence was to address one very small, narrowly-defined group of people: Those people who are liberal AND hate Kerry AND who can't wait to say "I told you so." That is all.

My intention in using the term "liberal" was not to smear liberals. Rather, my intention was to distinguish them from Kerry-hating conservatives.

Again, I apologize for not being more clear. Perhaps I can re-work that section a little.

[shelley806]

169. We all know what you mean!

[Q]

274. Of course there's no need to apologize...

...it's just that Liberals have been everyone's scapegoat for far too long. You would know this being a liberal yourself.

- It has been intimated in the past that I'm a 'Kerry-Hater' simply for criticizing his politics. But as you have noted...there comes a time when that criticism must be put aside...especially so close to what the media calls a 'close election'.

- I'll be back to challenging policy after Kerry wins in a few days. But until then...he has my full support in his quest to win our WH back from the most corrupt executive branch in the history of our country.

[AnIndependentTexan]

68. Might want to address where to post Freeper meltdowns

Because I have a feeling everyone is going to be watching their brains explode when they announce Kerry landside. Good plan though!

[faithnotgreed]

69. skinner - may i ask a question/post an organizational suggestion??

i was just thinking of posting this today so the timing works out. after reading your post here i would like to ask if the following ideas makes any sense, esp in light of massive anticipated traffic on nov2 that you have outlined above

i understand from your post that youll have certain threads for all races

this is just based on my thoughts/ideals of election night du because i want to take it all in but of course cannot watch 8 channels simultaneously.
debate nights, people of course posted many many various and duplicate threads incl what chris matthews just said, or whats happened to tim russert? he sounds almost rational tonight... and so forth many times to the point where you couldnt remotely keep up, and endless threads were started only to have no response so it immediately sunk, possibly unnoticed

and because of this excitement and wanting to share the experience, but at the same time wanting so much to be able to read a good portion of what is being reported on this special night, here is a specific thread i would enjoy seeing

is it possible to also start various threads on networks/cable coverage. eg, an msnbc thread, cspan, cbs and so on? it can be maintained by the mods as you usually do, but this time for those like me who want to read ALL about what is happening, there is some semblance of organization so that i can check back in more easily among channels, which gives some frame to the massive amounts of information

just a rought draft thought. what do you think? i dont suggest that my idea is unique or even will work for you but i throw it out there because at least in my mind, it sounded good!
and of course, many thanks for such great and hard work all of you do.

thanks jude

[Skinner]

119. This is an interesting idea.

I think it might be worth trying. My concern would be that the mods might not be able to keep track of a bunch of different threads. But perhaps there is some way to do it.

[faithnotgreed]

132. i can understand that it would be more work. please let me know if

there is any way that i can help - maybe there could be a couple very temporary moderators assigned ONLY to this task of tending to these threads>?

i have no idea just throwing things out but i would love to see if this could work. please let me know if there is anything i can do
and also if you think there are others here who are interested in this idea

thanks again jude

[A-Schwarzenegger]

145. Delete. See way below somewhere.

x.

[DemoTex]

70. Jolly good show, Admins!

Pip, pip. Cheerio.

[camero]

71. Thanks Skinner

I don't think alot of us will be bashing Kerry on Election Day but I do think alot of us will be asking WTF is wrong with the American People if Bush wins, which from my conversations is highly doubtful.

But there probably will be some conversations after election day on the direction of the Dem party and wonder whether after election day whether it will be a liberal/progressive site or strictly a Dem site much like the debates after the primaries.

Thanks again for all that you guys and gals do in giving us a place mostly free to talk about progressive issues that affect all of us.

Edit: When I say mostly free I mean free from freepers.

[Carla in Ca]

73. I can't imagine any place I'd rather be

than here. What a great community of people, with one goal...
KERRY IN A LANDSLIDE!

Thanks DUer's and administrators. :loveya:

on edit, a silly idea probably. Would it be possible to set up each forum in 'instant message' format? That way we could see each post and respond rather than have so many threads being created.

[kaitykaity]

74. Good plan, boss.

:thumbsup:

:kick:

[johnnie]

75. I'll feel cheated

I want to post my "I voted" Avatar, but if they are shut down on election day then i won't see mine that day. I am voting in the morning and I was hoping to post my Avatar. Oh well...
This place will be rockin' on Tues.

[Maple]

76. As a Canuck

I hadn't planned to post at all over those few days...just stay out of the way, as it's your election.

Sure hope I can read it tho...the news coverage is soooo much better than elsewhere. :D

[keithjx]

77. Thanks

I just joined recently and wanted to say thanks for all your work putting this together. You guys rock!

[Gman]

78. You guys have come a long way from election night 2002

and my hat's off to all of you.

I would also suggest, as another worst case scenario measure, disabling the Lounge. That might cause some people heartache for several hours, but it's not like it'll be permanent.

And................

"Special Note for Kerry-Hating Liberals Who Can't Wait to Say "I Told You So" if Kerry Loses the Election

Don't do it. You've been warned.

If Kerry loses, there will be plenty of time later for everyone to discuss what happened. But don't you dare start with the "I told you so" crap immediately after the polls close, because you'll get banned. Most members of this message board are going to be devastated if we lose. We will be coming to DU for comfort and support; the last thing we want to hear is a patronizing speech from some holier-than-thou asshole. But I don't think that is going to be a problem because...

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[UrbScotty]

277. I agree on all three counts.

DU has come a long way from 2002 - and so has our party.

I do believe the Lounge should be suspended.

And I do love Skinner's attitude to those who would 'unmask.'

[MuseRider]

79. Have I told you lately

that I love you guys? Well I do and many thanks for everything. I can't think of a place I would rather be than sitting in my home with my family and online with my DU friends. It will be a long day and I look forward to celebrating with you all Tuesday night. :hug:

[merh]

80. Great plan! Thanks for all you do and thank you for DU!

:yourock:

[cynatnite]

81. I'm with ya'

I've got my fingers crossed that all goes well to keep DU up and running.

I'll be here with bells on and I'm looking forward to being here on Election night. Whether it's a break open the champagne night, a malox night, or going through several boxes of tissue, you can bet this is the place to be.

Keep up the good work guys. I just love this place and I'm not going anywhere no matter what.

on edit: I will follow the rules religiously.

[dmr]

82. DU ROCKS!

I am so excited, I can barely stand it!

On my way to the liquor store to get something very special for election night!

Thank you Skinner! :yourock:

[Bunny]

83. Good plan, Mr. Skinner.

May I ask for one consideration? When Kerry wins, if any of the deep-cover freepers decide to unmask themselves, can we just play with them a little bit before they get tombstoned? It will be even more delicious to know that they've wasted months or years of their lives infiltrating us, and all for a LOST CAUSE!! HAHAHAHAHAHA! Thanks very much.

[catzies]

84. You guys are THE BEST.

I save my highest respect for super-proactive folks such as y'all. Would you please run my government? ;)

[smirkymonkey]

85. Thanks for all your hard work!

I really do appreciate it! :)

[Sparkly]

86. Many thanks!!!

You've put so much thought and planning into election day -- it's much appreciated! Thanks for everything you do.

[Paradise]

87. not sure what this means...

"1) you are registered for our message board"

am i?

thanks :)

[Endangered Specie]

91. If you have an account, and are posting here...

you are registered.

[Paradise]

161. Thanks much! :) n/t

[DS1]

88. I think you should go right to DEFCON 5 at 8 am Nov 2

and just leave the scalability behind for a day. :-)

[Digit]

89. Big Thumbs Up, and Will DU!

[Endangered Specie]

90. But what about "I told you so" threads if Kerry wins?

;)

[Endangered Specie]

92. Ohhh, Banning lurking freepers... I wanna pull the switch!

[nosmokes]

94. thanks, y'all

should be a fun couple of days...

edit: love the *i voted* avatar.

[sherilocks]

95. I'll be in Tallahassee with Election Protection

But I didn't want to miss anything. Just upped my air modem time on Sprint for the month, so I could keep up with DU while I'm away. Is this an addiction or what?

[Pathwalker]

96. Thank you, Skinner. Can I ask just one really dumb question?

(Yeah, I know - probably not just one...)

Is it better FOR DU to just lurk and not log in, except to post? Does that "save bandwidth"?


Anj - the silly DUer :silly:

[Skinner]

104. I honestly don't know the anwer.

My guess is that it does not make much difference, but I don't know for sure.

By all means... log in. :thumbsup:

[efhmc]

97. A thank you seems so inadequate but that's it. Thank you.

[geniph]

100. I'll be exposing myself on Election Night...

...dancing on tabletops with my bottle of champagne in my hand! I already bought the champagne and rented a hotel room in the hotel where the state Democrats are having the Election Night party. I plan on being too hammered to find my way back to my room unaided.

...and yes, I am taking the next day off work. :-)

[nine30]

101. AYE AYE ,CAPTAIN !!

My energy levels are back up !! I am all fired up !

On election day I am going to be in Wisconsin or Iowa and drag 25 people out of their beds..and haul them in my car (not all at once) to the polling booths. I will even buy them a snack at my expense if they vote 'properly'.

On Nov 2, the Republican Party as it stands today will be DESTROYED, DEMOLISHED, ANNIHILATED, TERMINATED. It will be a day marked in history, like the fall of Nazi Germany. It will be the day when good prevailed over evil.

[KC21304]

150. I know your motives are good, but forget about the snacks

if you are in Wisconsin. Someone got in a load of trouble last time for giving cigarettes to people they took to the polls in Milwaukee. Or else, just don't get caught.

[brook]

103. Blessings on yer pernty heads!

Thanks for your pre-planning - if you hear an agonized screaming @ about
5pm your time - it's only me discovering I can't get on DU. Pay no attention. I'll just have another Glenlivet. And try again.

[karlrschneider]

105. Recieved, understood, and agreed!

:D

[Shopaholic]

113. I know it's already been said but. . .

the DU Admins and my fellow DU'ers:

:yourock:

[DireStrike]

106. Why point out "unmasking?"

Some folks have been bragging on other websites that they are going to "unmask" on election night after racking up thousands of posts on DU pretending to be liberal. I am hoping that this happens. I get a great deal of pleasure from the idea that some moronic freeper has wasted months of his life pretending to be a liberal on DU. I get even greater pleasure from the thought that after all that work there is a good chance that their big "unmasking announcement" will get deleted after about 30 seconds, and their account banned forever.



If they hear you they might change their minds. =/

[CAcyclist]

107. Thank you so much!

Can't hardly wait. This is such a great website and you guys are so cool. Thanks so much - sounds like you're covering all the bases and everything will go off positively.

:toast: :party: :toast: :headbang: :loveya:

[TaleWgnDg]

108. Skinner, is my assumption correct that . . .

"BEFORE ELECTION DAY to make sure that: 1) you are registered for our message board" . . . means all those who are able to login and post stuff, etc? In other words, a "registered" DUer means that s/he is able to login, correct? or does it mean something more than that?

Thanks for all your efforts in maintaining DU; I, for one, appreciate it. :thumbsup:

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.

[Skinner]

118. That is correct.

If you are able to log in, you are registered.

[TaleWgnDg]

127. okay, and thanks!

. . . . . . . . . :bounce:


Sox in FOUR !! . . . .

[MazeRat7]

109. Sounds like excellent planning to me. - You guys are great!!!

[babylonsister]

110. Thanks for all you do!

You and DU have helped me maintain my sanity in the past couple of months once I found you. Go Kerry!!!!! (oops, sorry, I know you don't like multiple exclamation pts. :bounce: )

[LVdem]

111. Gotcha...nt

[Technowitch]

112. *salutes!*

Message received. Well done, guys, and I for one am really glad this place is here. You've helped keep me sane these last few years.

[charlyvi]

114. I suggest closing any forum except election

results forms---presidential, state elections---for the evening. That's what all of us will be hanging on anyway. Thanks for all your efforts; I live in a red state--a crimson red state--and don't know what I'd do if DU weren't here to validate my progressive, liberal political priciples. And, you're right--LET'S GO GET THOSE BUSH BASTARDS!!!

[Sugarbleus]

115. Thank You DU Admins..for ALL the hard work to put the best

site up on the Web. Got the message; appreciate the tips too.

Well done, now LET'S ROCK THE VOTE!


Go John/John :kick:

[hippiechick]

116. I especially like this part ...

"... Make an effort to avoid duplicates. We don't need 200 threads on the same topic. It's okay to respond to threads instead of starting your own whenever a new thought comes into your mind."


:yourock: MANY Thanks to the DU Crew !!


:hippie:

[catchnrelease]

117. Just checking...

Ok, you finally flushed me out. Long time lurker here, and I know I'm registered, and I donated not too long ago. But since I've never posted, I don't know if I have the star. Guess this is the easiest way to find out....

If I couldn't come here on election night, I think I'd have a nervous breakdown. Sooo nice to have a place to go to get solid, current info on what's going on. Thanks to all the admins and moderators and posters and, well, all of you!

Slante!
:toast:

[Skinner]

124. Good to see you posting.

:thumbsup:

Unfortunately, your star is not showing. Please send me an email with the following information:

Your real name
Your forum username
The method of your donation (credit card, paypal, check, etc)
The approximate date of your donation

I will check our records and get you a star immediately.

My email is [e-mail]

[desertalien]

120. Thank you,

I'd be in the cracker factory if not for DU.

[devinsgram]

121. Thank you for letting us know.

I won't know what to do to find out what is going on. Too nervous to watch TV and will rely on DU for everything, especially after working at the polls during the day.

[LittleClarkie]

122. Looks good, but I won't need the rules

I don't plan on being here until November 3. :D

[lasttrip]

123. great! DU is the best!

many thanx to EVERYONE.:toast:

its a beautiful day!! especially at DU!

:yourock:

[tomfodw]

125. Why isn't this sticky and at the top?

SKINNNNNNNNNNER!

;)

[oldtime dfl_er]

126. I should have registered before I donated!

But I'll be happy to donate again and get that gold star, if I can get it before 11/2. Will that work?

I have come to rely -- depend -- on DU to keep me not just sane but excited. Honestly, finding this place was like coming home...I'm surrounded by people at work who don't think the way I do -- the way DU'ers do -- and being able to login here keeps me sane and hopeful. Thank you for everything, not just to the mods but to everyone who posts.

[Moderator]

128. Kick

:kick:

[calimary]

129. You forgot only one small thing: CHOCOLATE! Otherwise, this looks

terrific. You three do an unbelievably wonderful job! I'm just happy to be able to come here and schmooze with eloquent, informed, like-minded people. This site has been my comfort, my solace, my oasis. I deeply appreciate it all - AND everybody here.

GOOD LUCK, EVERYBODY!!!! (Yes, I'm SHOUTING!!!)

[spanone]

130. SEE (Skinner-EarlG-Elad) ya on election night!!!! We Will Win!!!!

[democracy eh]

131. Can we have a jail or purgatory forum and dump

disruptors and outed freepers there for public display, knowledge and ridicule

we all have suspicions, would be nice to know who they were

BTW

thanks a hell of a lot for all the work you do

[CAcyclist]

178. Oh!Oh!Oh!

Yes, yes, yes that would be so cool.

[TNOE]

208. My thought exactly - A Hall of Shame

if they out themselves - they should be listed. Would be a "gut check" for the ones I and others have always suspected.

[sleepyhead]

214. Yeah!

How about it, Skinner? Pretty pretty please?

Edited to add my thanks for all you are doing to provide us with this great "home"!

[ogradda]

234. a "hall of shame"

damn, so much fun! :)

[President Kerry]

250. we'll have an great hate mailbag...

can't wait to see it..

DUer's you are awesome.. And Skinner, thanks for your hard work--you do this country good.

[Jacobin]

133. You guys rock. I mean it.

Your organization, foresight, reasonableness, flexibility, practicality, ...I could go on forever are breathtaking....really. You have made the last four years (almost) bearable.

I thank you for all your work, and here's hoping there is the biggest celebration since VE Day on election night.

:toast:

[diplomats]

140. If the Freepers were pretending to be DU'ers...

Wouldn't their posts have to support Kerry/Edwards? Otherwise, wouldn't they have been thrown out? Just wondered why they would waste their time pretending to support the Dem ticket when they were really freepers.:shrug:

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

272. I have strong suspicions about one poster who has posted

thousands of posts, (no star) and posts these occasional sarcastic posts, trying to get the digs in without being too obvious. When I remarked on the tenor of one of his posts,(per his profile,"male") he started posting three or four word posts like "wow that's great" or "this is soooo exciting", in response to positive threads.
I expect his true colors to come out on election night...can't wait!

BTW, THANKS TO SKINNER, ET AL....I couldn't make through this election without DU. MKJ

[unfrigginreal]

134. If you get the chance could you check my star?

Last donated in the fund drive last November but I'm not sure when in November. Thanks

[bearfan454]

135. We're going to take our country back Skinner !

These repuke criminals are gone.

[gulfcoastliberal]

136. Thanks for the heads-up.

I'm gonna re-up right now because of this post.

[Cerridwen]

137. Will do - and if you need a mod - I'm here - I'm off Friday through

Wednesday. I can be available during any hours: I'm in Las Vegas, but I'll be happy to adjust my sleeping habits if it'll help.

I know you don't know me, but if you need another couple of hands....

I'm over here.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

138. Thank G-d for DU and the great moderators, especially!

[aquart]

139. Sounds wonderful. I love you all.

And I am so grateful for all the work you're doing.

[strategery blunder]

141. I have a couple of concerns

After you vote, you should assign yourself an "I Voted" avatar. Click on "Options" then click "Edit your Profile." Look for the words "Avatar Image" and type ivoted.gif into the space provided. Click "Update." We hope that all of our American members are showing "I Voted" avatars by the end of election day.


If DU is bogged down by traffic like anywhere near what you are trying to prepare for, I would guess that there would be some problems in changing avatars for those of us needing to wait until Election Day to vote. In MO, there's no early voting that I know of, and the Secretary of State does not define concerns over vote counting as a legitimate reason to cast an absentee ballot (you have to give a reason here). However, here in Adair County, we will be using punch-card ballots, I would hope that everyone is extra-careful regarding chads and such, and at least I don't have to worry about my vote being eaten by Diebold.:)

Also, I would guess that we're going to get a lot of 404 errors/browser timeouts on Election day if 50,000 people are trying to use DU at once, and as such, I am concerned about not being able to post (404 when you try.)

Therefore, I recommend that all DUers do the following with their posts on Election Day:

Immediately before clicking on "Post Message," highlight your post in its entirety. Copy it (for those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, right-click then go to Copy) to save the message into your RAM. If the message fails to post, you can repost it in its entirety (edit to add: right click, Paste) without retyping it. Especially helpful for long posts.:)

[ochazuke]

149. Moveonpac.org says there IS early voting in Missouri

You go to the County Clerk's office or board of election commissioners. See this link:

http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/countyclerks.asp

Moveon says you can go there up till 5PM of November 1st and vote. You're in Adair county? Here's the info for you:

Adair County
Jon E. Cook
County Clerk
106 W. Washington
Kirksville, MO 63501
[phone]
FAX [phone]

Be sure to call first.

BTW, I agree that updating our avatars will put undue demands on the DU servers. I plan to do as little on DU as possible on the evening of November 2nd, because I want the important stuff (reports of voter intimidation and disenfranchisement) to get posted.

I feel like we're going onto the beaches of Normandy!

[strategery blunder]

153. Thanks for the info

I actually went to change my voter registration (changed dorm rooms) in person, and had a nice little conversation with County Clerk Cook (say that three times fast!) about voting and Diebold:), but why on earth did I not ask about early voting?

Oh, I feel so stupid now...:puke:

[coreystone]

259. A lot of times I compose on a word processor, then post.....

that way I have kept all text, links, etc intact.

:-)

[underpants]

142. Skinner I really hate to mention this but you violated TWO rules

the last thing we want to hear is a patronizing speech from some holier-than-thou jerk
Do not post personal attacks or engage in name-calling against other members of this discussion board.


I get a great deal of pleasure from the idea that some moronic freeper has wasted months of his life pretending to be a liberal on DU
Do not publicly accuse another member of this message board of being a disruptor, troll, conservative, Republican, or FReeper. Do not try to come up with cute ways of skirting around the spirit of this rule.



Sorry I couldn't resist. Thanks for everything I know I haven't donated in a while but my bank account is dry for the Richmond GOTV phone bank so giving you a card number now would be useless. Good plan. Good luck. Hey-we are going to win Virginia.

Again thanks for everything. Oh and I am hitting alert...HELL when did I ever think I would be able to do that.

[Midlodemocrat]

203. Also from VA

...and the plethora of Kerry bumper stickers has given me great hope. I love this site!

[bacchant]

143. Can't argue with that. An intelligent plan from intelligent folks. eom

[Generator]

144. Change the avatar to I voted for Kerry

Otherwise I'll keep my signature as long as I can. I do believe voting for Kerry is the point isn't it? (ps I don't think the avatar really matters but it irks me a bit)

[A-Schwarzenegger]

146. Big round orange liberal pumpkins.

I will approve of this now.

[newyawker99]

147. kick

:kick:

[Maiden England]

148. thank you so much guys, you do a sterling job

[David Zephyr]

151. Excellent Plan!

Count me in. :thumbsup:

[KC21304]

152. Thanks for all the hard work, trying to keep all of us

kids :) in line during the HUGE celebration we are going to have here. Sounds like you have thought of everything. You are the best and I don't know what I would do with out DU.

[AnnInLa]

154. Understood, and thanks for this forum.....eom

[yardwork]

155. You are the best! I love this site

Thank you for being here - DU has made a difference in this election!

[rtassi]

156. The DU Plan

Understood!

[thinkingwoman]

157. thanks for all you do

this site has kept me sane (well, ok, close to sane) for the past 4 years.

Thank you for everything you do to keep it up and running when we all want to read and post at the same time.

Good luck and do whatever you have to do.

[Lindsey]

160. Well...what can I say...

These past four years would have been completely unbearable without DU. (I won't be around on 11/2 or 11/3). You guys have saved a lot of people's sanity - and I mean that quite literally. Your plan for Election Day is AWESOME - simply AWESOME -and I hope that all goes well. A million hugs, a million thanks, and a million prayers.

[OhioChick]

158. Skinner (and mods)

Thank you for the great job you do with the board. It is much appreciated.

[Bozos for Bush]

159. Bravo! (nt)

[LoZoccolo]

162. Will we be able to know the identities of the unmaskers?

I think it would be an exercise in the study of detecting disruptors to be able to look back at their posts.

[KBlagburn]

163. SKINNER FOR CONGRESS!!!!!!!!!

yes? no? mabye?

[i_c_a_White_Ghost]

164. A thumbs up & Fingers crossed

And everything will work out fine and Yes we will celebrate!:toast:

[shelley806]

165. Let's go get those Bush B.........!

Thank you so much for the message, and all of your work. This site (DU is so great! I have learned so much just in the short time I've been here since the debates, and living in Bush country (read Texas), it has been a real solace. We will be cheering, not crying on election night!

[elperromagico]

166. You could take away everything but simple text,

and this site would still be miles better than Freeperland.

Thanks for your work. :D

[WordSalad]

167. I am very new here...glad to find DU, you guys are great.

Sounds like you really planned this well, and are genuinely concerned for your posters. Thanks!h

[Jackpine Radical]

173. Welcome to the zoo.

This is an addictive place.

[superblah]

176. I'm pretty new too, but this place is like Eden

It's great that the admins here have a solid plan. I was wondering if this place was gonna kaput on election day.

[jefferson_dem]

168. Thanks again Mods! I LOVE THIS JOINT!

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

170. I honestly do not see a problem with "paid" members only

on Election night.
Seems like that is a good way to keep traffic down.

[hippywife]

232. I'm sure Skinner et al

wouldn't do this unless totally necessary. It would leave out alot of really good folks who scraped the bottom of the barrel to donate to our candidates, too. Eliminating non-donors just out of hand wouldn't be the democratic way, either.

:-(

[floridaguy]

171. You guys rock!

:yourock:

[Pallas180]

172. From Florida- I can honestly say it's looking good here for Kerry despite

theresa LePore's best efforts of throwing out 14,000 votes,
and 60,000 known - so far - missing absentee ballots.

I think Kerry is going to win - eventually - after bushista fraud continues to be uncovered.

We have more lawyers here and poll watchers than you could possibly squeeze through.

We're gonna do it !!!!! and the polls say so, in addition to the fact that as a volunteer, I've seen that 99 percent of the early voters are
asking me for palm cards (dem voting list to take into the polls) and
at other locations outside of the polls, I've gotten the same kind of
response.

People are voting for Kerry, Kerry , Kerry.

We just have to make sure those machines aren't fixed or votes deleted.

!

Pallas180

[nine23]

174. I'm Canadian. I can't vote.

But I love this beautiful site. And I love my American cousins ans brothers/sisters.

In the past few months, I've done everything in my (limited) power to help get John Kerry elected. I've attended anti-Bush rock/club events in Seattle; I've brought home to Canada hundreds of dollars worth of buttons, bumper stickers and tees, simply because it's the only way I can "donate" to the cause; I've convinced one or two of my cousins in Washington State to "vote with your brain"...

And now, IT'S SHOWTIME!!!

It's all about voter turnout now!!!

I'll gladly stay the hell off this forum on 11.2

IF YOU ALL - EVERY ONE OF YOU - PROMISE ME YOU'LL MAKE IT TO THE POLLS ON TUESDAY!!!

DO WE HAVE A DEAL?


PEACE AND VICTORY, MY FRIENDS.

[JudyM]

175. You guys are awesome.

I'm so glad I discovered this site - it is a great community.

[MockSwede]

177. VOTER PROTECTION CARDS

please copy cards and hand out as needed:

http://cdn.moveonpac.org/content/pdfs/ep_card.pdf

these have help numbers to get someone to help with any voter challenge abuses in REAL TIME.

please spread the word.

[Swamp Rat]

179. Thank you EarlG, Elad, and Skinner!

May DU be bug-free on election night! O8)

[TheCentepedeShoes]

180. On to Tuesday

for Kerry! !:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[OneBlueSky]

181. it would help if folks limited themselve to substantive posts . . .

what we don't need are things like "Kerry ahead in Kansas . . . YEAH!" . . . posting specific numbers with the percentage of precincts reporting would be far preferable . . . just a thought . . .

[milkyway]

182. Thank you for the best managed site on the Internets.

[Kellis]

183. Hi :)

Iv been coming here reading for awhile now and just registered the other day.This is my first post but WHEN Kerry wins you'll hear a lot more outta me!You guys rock!:yourock:




:toast: :dem:

[umtalal]

184. Love you Skinner, EarlG and Elad. The last part was the best.

Kerry go and kick ass. and let me cry on your shoulders as my tears of victory take me over.

[Gavinicus]

185. SOLIDARITY, SIBLINGS!

The night will be ours. I am bursting with joyful anticipation.:bounce:

I am also enjoying the mental image of an undercover Freeper shouting "surprise! I'm really a Republican you dirty libera. . .MESSAGE DELETED, USER BANNED"

:evilgrin:

[Lori Price CLG]

186. Well-written, Skinner, and...

I hope to post my thousandth post that night...

Thanks,
Lori Price
http://www.legitgov.org/

[Trahurn]

187. Where is the satisfaction

I was very intrigued to hear the administrator(s) of DU talk about a certain kind of disrupter. That being the kind that supposedly plan to "unmask" themselves as liberal imposters. While I totally concur and support the consequences of such action as stated by the administrators I must confess I do not understand where the fun or thrill is by doing such a thing. I mean how does it benefit someone to do something so absolutely stupid? I mean I personally could care less if someone suddenly tries to "out" himself as a freeper masquerading as a liberal. I guess I would have to be one of those "disease minded" individuals to actually fathom why someone would want to do such a thing. I say that based on the fact that I cannot imagine anything more torturous and nightmarish then to try to act like some red neck Bush supporter. This is a new one to me and I guess there is no real explaining this but I do take my hat off to the management for taking their hard position for such a stunt.
I am constantly amazed at some of the things these republicans clowns are actually capable of and even less impressed by it.
Kerry/Edwards 2004
By the way. I have already voted for Kerry last week by absentee ballot although my republican brother continues to send me material in a futile attempt to sway my vote to Bush. I don't have the heart to tell him it is too late. My vote is cast. And it sure ain't for Bush. Never for Bush.

[JP Belgium]

188. Thanks for all the HARD WORK !!! (n/t)

[muchacho]

189. thanks

great work

[Jivenwail]

190. Thank you

Got it and will abide. I am looking forward to election day and hope that we will all be able to celebrate the fact that we drove the BFEE out of office!

Good luck everyone! Get out the vote!!!

[DemWitch]

191. Skinner, EarlG and Elad... you rock!

I think all of us knew in the back of our minds that DU might have some glitches on Election Day. Just the fact that you all are taking the extra steps to try and stop it from happeneing proves once again, that you all do your absolute best to make a nice home for us progressive folks who need an outlet for our thoughts, ideas, and opinions. Huge thanks to all of you!

:headbang:

Eric

[fugue]

192. Just a word of thanks

I've been on a few liberal boards. This one is by far the most intelligent and civilized, but without backing down an inch.

In other words, THANK YOU, admins!

[Ironpost]

193. Skinner, EarlG, Elad

DU has given this old 'Namn Vet a new life. When I first came here I was depressed, pissed, in denial, couldn't believe what I was reading in the newspaper and seeing on television in that this administration was Wrong on every issue and everything that I believe in. So I want to thank all of the participants for giving me HOPE again. Since my foray into the DU Dennison I find my worst fears were justified. I love you all. Thank You... Keep up the good work. oh shit I 'bout forgot, its you folks who will prevail and we will win this fight, we must for our children's sake.

[loveandlight]

194. Donor, but not sure when

Thanks for making plans for a potentially chaotic day.

I have been on this board for a long time, but don't post very much. I am a donor, however, I don't remember when I donated. I believe it was in the last donation drive. Hope that makes me good for election day. I visit here every day to get the most up to date news and emotional support.

Thanks again for all the work you do.

Linda

[Skinner]

205. You're good.

I checked your donor status.

[stubertmcfly]

195. thanks guys!

what about also turning off general discussion forums as well? that might help keep everything focused and rid us of "what is your favorite fruitstripe gum flavor(poll)" and "i hate/love the red sox" threads during times where more germane posts are desired and needed.

[UL_Approved]

196. Site logistics and DoS attacks

You may need to be prepared for several kinds of Denial of Service attacks. This will put the servers in a coma. You need to make sure to mind packets like DNS services and such for spoofed content. You also need to block anything to your servers except TCP and UDP traffic on certain ports such as http (port 80), proxy (port 8080, etc.). Blocking any and all ICMP traffic will be a must. If you are using any Windows machines, make sure you have NetBIOS shut down and disabled. Be prepared to physically disconnect your cables for the internet connection if you detect such things. These are extreme measures, but they are for extreme situations. For more information, check these URL's if you haven't already read stuff there.

Astalavista Security Group:
http://www.astalavista.com

Gibson Research Corporation:
http://www.grc.com

DoS whitepapers:
http://www.bitpipe.com/rlist/term/Denial-of-Service-Attacks.html?src=over

DoS Attack Resource page:
http://www.denialinfo.com/

Distributed DoS Attacks
http://staff.washington.edu/dittrich/misc/ddos/

**************************************
Second subject: Site considerations

When allowing threads to be started, you may want to set up a few likely topic threads and limit thread creation to admins only. This would control the posting of duplicates and may help the servers by reducing database overhead. You could consider this in any or all forum areas to help reduce redundancy and congestion as needed.

If you have any questions, please e-mail me at: [e-mail]

[Eloriel]

197. Good work. Very good work. One question

And you actually needn't respond -- it may be asked/answered elsewhere in this lengthy thread. Have you considered adding more moderators? Just for the night? Maybe tap some of your experienced moderators from the past who aren't currently serving? Just a thought.

Well done.

Oh, and I suppose I fall into your "Kerry-hating liberals" category, except I don't actually hate Kerry. (I have said in the past that I loathe him, but even that isn't really true any longer.) You might be surprised, but I'll bet a good many feel the way I do: he wasn't my choice, and I'm still not crazy about him (and don't expect all that much from him), but no way I want to see him lose and no way I'd gloat or even consider it. So that part of your post was a little harsh, I think -- even a tad insulting, esp. coming after the rundown of all the good and hard work you've done. :shrug:

[Skinner]

206. Hello, Eloriel.

If you don't hate John Kerry, and if you don't wish to gloat after seeing him lose, then my comment was clearly not aimed at you.

[qwlauren35]

198. Thank you for this...

What you folks do is phenomenal. Just wanted to tell you that it's appreciated.

[Marnieworld]

199. Thank you very much!

You guys are so great! Thank you for all of the time, money, effort and brain energy you have spent on providing this wonderful message board. I know that I speak for many when I say that I have no idea how I would have stayed sane these past 4 years without people like you forming these communities. I love DU. After a successful election on Tuesday I'll still be here. Thank you Thank you Thank you!

[DinahMoeHum]

200. I'll be too busy to be near a computer for that day, anyway.

After casting my vote that morning, I'm working a car pool shuttling voters to their polling places. Then it's party time that night.

I'm taking Wednesday off as well - 'cause I'll be high as a kite from all the adrenaline and won't be able to function in an office that day!


:kick::kick::kick:

[jaznme]

201. THANK YOU...

so much for all you do!!!

[hinachan]

202. I don't think it'll be over on Nov. 2

Not if KKKarl Rove has his way. It's going to be like 2000 revisited, so expect a lot of legal wrangling. Let's hope that, since he's prepared for it, Kerry will come out the winner. I think he'll make a great president, one of the best ever! :D

[Patiod]

204. Why the hell will people have time to post Nov 2 before 8pm?

From 7am to 8pm, every one of us should be working phone banks, driving folks to the polls, standing outside the polls handing out literature, poll-watching, or in some way ACTIVELY CONTRIBUTING TO A KERRY VICTORY AND NOT JUST YAPPING ABOUT IT ON A WEBSITE.

Shut-in because of illness or a new baby or some other reason? Volunteer your phone and help whoever is coordinating poll coverage in your area. Things are gonna get hairy, and they'll need you! Volunteer to take calls from folks in the field who are helping new voters find their polling place, and do look-ups for them on My polling place.com

If you aren't booked all day Nov 2, call the DNC (look up the Democratic Party offices in your county - they'll have the number). MoveOn and America Coming Together (ACT) are also putting together teams to GOTV.

Procrastinated until Nov 2? Walk up to the folks handing out the Dem literature at your closest polling place and say "what can I do? How can I help?" We're all connected via cell-phone, and I guarantee you, someone will be able to use your help covering a poll SOMEWHERE in your district. For god's sake, we even need help delivering lunches to our workers at the polls. WE NEED YOU!

This is the most important election of our lifetime. Take the day off work. We need your feets on the streets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[iverglas]

215. absolutely!! Get that vote out!!

As a Canadian who's banged on doors in every single bloody election at every level since 1968, I'd consider myself publicly shamed if I were posting on an internet board during polling hours. If I weren't either sitting bored to death in a polling station ticking off voters on a list, or out on the streets dragging the unticked voters into the polling station, or at a campaign office coordinating the list-ticking and voter-dragging, I certainly wouldn't be advertising my indolence!

(Of course, yes, in my case it would be indolence, and in the case of someone whose health or abilities were problematic -- or someone like the young single mother with a baby both of whom I bundled into my car (yes, the baby carseat too) and drove through a snowstorm to the polling station 15 minutes before the polls closed, and who became one of the two voters I hustled out to vote who otherwise wouldn't/couldn't have and who accounted for my share of the 1.5 votes/poll that we won that municipal election by -- it wouldn't.)

GETTING THE VOTE OUT is the single most important thing that anyone can do, and the only thing that anyone who can do it should be doing in any minute s/he has spare on election day.

And I'd be doing it with you if I could ... much as I'd only be voting Democrat myself for lack of anything better to do. ;)

Good luck, y'all.

[wildflower]

207. Skinner, would it help if we all donate money to help?

To help you acquire and/or shore up your resources for election night? Or is it too late for that? Just a thought.

-wildflower

[Skinner]

221. Money isn't the problem.

The problem is that the spike in traffic might be so large that we couldn't possibly prepare for it.

Of course, if people want to donate, I'm not going to discourage anyone. ;-)

[wildflower]

224. I understand. I'm trying to think of anything more we can do to help...

but I'm sure you'll let us know.

(To everyone: Let's donate anyway!)

:hi:

-wildflower

[UKCynic]

209. I won't be here

if you win, I will be in freeperville taking pleasure in their pain. I wish I was a nicer person, but I won't be able to resist. Their Keep In The Vote program is beyond belief. When this is all over maybe I can interest you DUers in compulsory registration.

[MsAnthropy]

210. Our Administrators ROCK!

Thank you for the fantastic job you do. I love you guys!

[Kurovski]

211. Question. What if people are denied their vote?

Will there be an avatar for that?

I've been nervous because my absentee ballot request was bollixed, in fact, after I post this, I'm on my way to the post office to see if it isn't there now. if not, it's back on the phone I go.

This has been going on for 2 and a half months. I'm a registered Dem in Illinois and I've been sick over this malarky.

Thank you for all the hard work and preparation DU has engaged in. Chances are good, here in a rural area, I'll be relying on you and I appreciate it.

[Kurovski]

217. Voted.

It was at the post office. I voted right there and sent it off.

[faithnotgreed]

220. score one for democracy - good thing you kept searching

[ramapo]

212. Thank you for this refuge

The past four years would've been much more difficult without it....

[semillama]

213. inspiring

That message really brought home all that you guys do and how important this site is. It inspired me to break my donation budget and give you guys some money (I was planning on it eventually, but what the hell).

I put my money where my mouth is!

[NNadir]

216. We will win, and DU has my thanks for making these years more bearable

than they would have been otherwise.

[StlMo]

218. "Let's go get those Bush Bastards!" - I second that!

:dem: :dem: :dem: :dem: :dem: :dem: :dem: :dem: :dem:
We Will Elect John Kerry!

We Will Elect John Edwards!
:dem: :dem: :dem: :dem: :dem: :dem: :dem: :dem: :dem:
Let's go get those Bush Bastards!
:dem: :dem: :dem: :dem: :dem: :dem: :dem: :dem: :dem:
Democrats Will Win!
:dem: :dem: :dem: :dem: :dem: :dem: :dem: :dem: :dem:

[gjb]

219. Newbie Suggestion

Why not recommend text only messaging on Election night to save space and bandwidth? One night without heavy jpegs and animations wouldn't be too much of a sacrifice.

[Skinner]

222. We're going to get rid of most of the graphics.

We're going to be running a very stripped-down version of DU.

[mike_c]

223. just a quick note....

Recent financial issues led to my having to interrupt my support for DU, but I just wanted to alert you to my having made a contribution to restore my donor status. Not only do I want to insure access on election night, but more importantly I want to renew my support for DU. Except for all the Kerry supporters, this board rocks. :evilgrin:

[Road Scholar]

225. Gotcha! Thanks for the note and thanks for a great job! N/T

:dem:

[JPace]

226. "that they are going to "unmask" on election night"

They'd be better off keeping their stupid mask on
so they can hide their tears when AWOL loses.

[mom cat]

227. Thanks for all of the thought and work that goes into making DU what it is

Since I won't be able to post this on election night:

:dem::bounce::toast::bounce::yourock::bounce::toast::bounce::kick:

:loveya::headbang::smoke::headbang::bounce::toast::grouphug::toast::bounce::headbang::smoke::headbang::loveya:

[bigendian]

228. God, I love this place!

Way back when in 2000.....it seems so long ago, I was feeling lost and alone. The world seemed upside down and the injustice of the election was an unbearable weight.
I went to Google and typed, "I hate Bush". It was literally a cry in the wilderness of cyberspace. And I landed here.
Skinner, Elad and EarlG have kept me sane. Everyone else has been amusing and informative. I can't thank you enough.
Soon, I hope and pray, my tears of sorrow will be turned into tears of joy when we turn out the tyrant. But even then we should not rest.
I will be around as long as you are.
Thank You!

[katinmn]

229. You all are wonderful!

I love your plan and I will be here.
I spend (honestly) most of my time on the Kerry Forum and have many friends there. I know some of them are here in DU as well under different names. I come here one-two times a day for cutting edge news and action alerts but don't post much and I haven't been active enough to really form strong connections with all the good folks here. Despite that, I signed on as a donor right away because I can see the value in this place.

The Kerry Forum is starting to have lots of technical issues probably relating to volume and probably some (gasp!) tampering by bad guys, and I'm certain it's going to get worse as the days go on. Glad I have been here long enough to get my feet wet and I will be depending on DU on election day.

I applaud you in being ready for an incredibly busy time over the next days.

[Djinn]

233. good ideas all

{i]I get a great deal of pleasure from the idea that some moronic freeper has wasted months of his life pretending to be a liberal on DU. I get even greater pleasure from the thought that after all that work there is a good chance that their big "unmasking announcement" will get deleted after about 30 seconds, and their account banned forever.

hehehehehe what sort of sad git spends that much time and energy (and possibly money) just so 4 years in the future they get to say "Haha I'm really a freeper"

Good Luck everyone - fingers crossed from down under that your result is better than ours was!!

Oh and thanks earl, elad & skinner!

[xxqqqzme]

235. I'm there - good set of common sense

observations and rules. I will B @ the victory party @ Disneyland hotel though so I'll see everyone on the 3rd.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

236. A big shout out to the Admins and Mods - We are all in your debt!!!

:thumbsup: - We're gonna win this one!

HELP IS ON THE WAY!!!

[clydefrand]

237. Thanks, guys! You do a great job and provide a wonderful

service for all of us. Let's go get'em.

[Birthday]

238. Thank you all

You guys have been so great during these last months. I really appreciate this site, especially since my husband is still thinking he might vote for Bush. (Vote Clark put some wonderful materials together to inform him better...) Anyway, I don't know how it is for the people behind the scenes. But, I hope you all know that you really have made a difference for those of us who don't have the support around us in our regular lives. Please take seriously the gratitude that people will be expressing to you over the next days and weeks as we face the next chapter, whatever it is. Thank you for giving us a forum for expressing ourselves, spreading news, and promoting activism.

[Puglover]

239. Great post!

I will comply.
Jeff

[richardk]

240. I'm ready!

I'm ready when you are!

[chocolat]

241. Aye aye, Cap'n!

Though I can't vote yet (I'm just 16), I sure am gonna be here on Tuesday night... God knows what that day might bring! :-)

[mike_c]

242. Skinner, a requested amendment...

...to balance the very reasonable request that "fellow liberals" who don't support Kerry not jump in with I-told-you-so's if Kerry loses. Please add that in such a situation unsolicited attacks on fellow liberals who voted for another candidate, e.g. David Cobb or Ralph Nader, are equally uncalled for. IF Bush wins the election, none of us will be celebrating, so let's keep the name calling to a minimum!

xoxo
Mike C.

[Skinner]

247. I would encourage all DU members to avoid name-calling.

But to be honest, if Bush wins and if the vote for Nader and Cobb are greater than the margin of victory -- in other words, if Nader and Cobb play the spoliers -- then people who voted for them would probably be wise to just stay off DU. I think it would just be a little too much to hear people complaining about a Bush victory when they were unwilling to do the minimum necessary to get him out of office.

[Doodlesweaver]

243. Skinner, EarlG, Elad,

You guys are AWESOME! I appreciate all your efforts to keep the site up and running. If I was employed and not a single mom I'd donate heartily to your site!!! This forum, the K/E forum, & MoveOn's forum are what have kept me reasonably sane during this election season. I liked what you said about people not saying "I told you so." We are GOING to WIN!!! But if by some great tragedy/or theft we don't - can't bring myself to finish that thought - then God save anybody who gets around me saying "I told you so."

[cynthia]

244. dedicated folks

You guys are such dedicated folks, I hope you realize how much we appreciate all you do. This is an amazing site. I, for one, think you are awesome.

[CheshireCat]

245. Thanks for thinking this thru ahead of time

[evilqueen]

246. Aye aye, Cap'n

I'd donate, but I'm flat broke and a disabled vet on a fixed disability income. I did donate to the DNC, though, first time ever. If I can't get into DU on Nov. 2-3, I'll understand and catch up with all of you the next time I'm able to sign in.

I'll probably be busy blogging. :)

[Cinletharwi]

248. Just donated

A little something to help out as I depend on DU's news-hounding, and of course will be watching everything very closely here Tues.

Thanks for everything!

[lastliberalintexas]

249. Question

Did you pay The Magistrate any royalties for that? :D



Y'all do a wonderful job dealing with the most unorganized, energetic and loving people in the world- Democrats! Thanks in advance for the work y'all will face over the next several days.

[SudieJD]

251. Kerry-Hating Fellow Liberals

I didn't know that there was such a thing!

Sudie in MN

[emald]

252. Well thought out planning

nice to take part, even a little bit, on a space with some forethought put into it.
thanks

[Mabus]

253. Great plan

I hope you don't have a lot of problems.

I'll be with several hundred people at the local Democratic Election watch party in Lawrence (Abe & Jakes) or in Topeka at the Nancy Boyda victory party.


Thank you so much for everything. DU is my reality based community in cyberspace.

[childslibrarian]

254. Thanks for everything

Good work.

[MaineDem]

255. I'm not going to be around to celebrate with you guys!

These next two nights may be the last sleep I get before the election. I won't get on DU much over the next 3 days.

Good luck to you and Elad and EarlG! THanks for absolutely everything you've been doing. I can't imagine life without DU! You guys are the best!

Have a happy Election Day.

[Carolina]

256. I love you guys

You/this site have helped to keep me sane since the 2000 theft. I expect to be celebrating with you on Tuesday night and couldn't ask for better company!

:yourock:

[AgadorSparticus]

257. Not sure I will be here on election night as things are crazy in my world.

I've voted and I'm anxious about the big day. For some reason, it helps my anxiety about the election knowing that whatever the outcome, DU will be here and there is a plan. I'm not sure what I would be like this year had it not been for DU. Thank you everyone. And thank you Skinner, Elad, & EarlG for keeping this place in tip top shape.

Get the Bush bastards. Kerry All The Way!
Bebe

[venus]

258. Thanks Skinner, et al.

Excellent points. I'll try to keep in mind in during the throes of victory on Tuesday.... Glad I read this.

[NMDemDist2]

260. please consider a "hall of shame" or top 10 for the freeps who

"unmask" I doubt if i'll find them since I won't be home till late on election day

thanks for all your planning and foresight

"let's go beat those Bush bastards" is the prevailing motto of my life these days

thanks again :yourock:

[leQ]

261. Thanks for making what appears to be well-thought out plans

because no doubt, tuesday is going to be a humdinger. the only 'i told you so' post i'm making will be on a quick trip to freeperville.

[marlakay]

262. Thank you, I agree with all you said

I have a new job and can't take the day off as planned so my avatar won't be changed till night even though I will be voting before work at 7am when they open, in fact I plan to be first in line and go before they open!

I have a good feeling about Kerry right now and I am one of the people that voted for him in the primary so I have been with him all the way. So I appreciate your telling people to be cool if something happens as I know I will be very upset.

For now though I plan to celebrate for days and weeks and months to come and plan on how we can win the senate and congress enough to really change America to the land of the free!

[crossroads]

263. Well thought out plan! Sounds good to me!

Allright lets go out now and beat those Bushes!!!

GO KERRY GO!!!

:dem: :bounce: :toast:

[rvgwinn]

264. Thank You

Thank you for ALL the HARD WORk. Luck to us ALL, and PRAYERS for good things!

[Fla Dem]

265. Thank you Skinner, EarlG and Elad. Thank You , Thank You, Thank You.

DU has been an oasis for me ever since I found you a year ago. I have so enjoyed reading and responding to the many insightful posts from so many other like minded Americans. Your efforts to keep this site relevant, relatively un-nasty, and hopeful is very much appreciated.

Luv you guys and good luck to all of us November 2nd.

:hug:

"The results show a complete repudiation of George W. Bush and his agenda"
-any Media Pundit

My prediction for 11/2

[banana republican]

266. sounds like a plan; wish W had a plan...n/t

[Crewleader]

267. Sounds like you guys have been planning this quite awhile...

oh yes, since January 20, 2001...;-)

I'm proud of you Skinner,EarlG and Elad for sticking it out through thick and thin making DU the best with the help of a large DU Community of wonderful people!

I'll be voting on Tuesday along with Sarge his first time and it couldn't be at a more crucial time.

Thanks for all you do guys!

On To Victory...:hi:

[Sarge]

292. We just voted!

:dem: all the way !

[orpupilofnature57]

268. As long as we have AMERICANS like you,NATHAN HALE...

Still has nothing to regret,THANK YOU.eat SHIT *

[Tweed]

269. I'm going to be selfish and take reply #270 and put us over the top

The DU plan for election day includes Kerry winning 270 or more electoral votes! DU will go crazy and I'm sure the freepers will come out cussin' and hollerin'. It will be a once in a lifetime experience. Be sure not to miss it!

[Tweed]

270. Okay, the title page lied, now I'm posting #270

Everything from my previous post, times two.

[PCIntern]

271. Thanks for everything

You have all made it possible for me to retain my sanity during the last number of months. I used to think I was almost alone but...there you were!

Good luck to all of us and to America.

[LonghornJack]

275. Can't Thank You Enough

Skinner, LG, Elad, et al.

Thanks so much for the advance-planning, AND for all of your hard work during this election season.

I can't tell how much information, encouragement and solitude (and, yes, laughs) that I have derived from this web site.

And thanks for that last shot of confidence in your message. I have been getting a lot good vibes and encouraging information that point to a Kerry win. I was hoping that I wasn't the only one (or one of a minority) who have felt this way.

Thanks again, and let's keeping working. ONLY 1.5 DAYS TO GO!!!

GO KERRY-EDWARDS!!!

LHJ

[truth2power]

276. I won't be able to add my "I voted" avatar

until Tues. night after the polls close. I'm going to vote as soon as the polls open and then going directly to my election protection volunteer assignment. Good luck everyone!! :-)

[Liberal_Andy]

278. we will win

:toast:

[UrbScotty]

279. Suggestion and question about these special forums

I would suggest archiving all of the election results forums as well as the "Report voting problems" forum for posterity's sake. That way we know what problems to look for in future elections.

Speaking of which, for how long do you plan on keeping these special forums open?

[Claire Beth]

280. I really appreciate all of the work you all do

in maintaining this site. GREAT plan.

[LosinIt]

281. Thanks for helping me keep what's left of my sanity

There is such a disconnect from what I know to be true and the drivel we are fed bye the media that without having found DU in the spring of 2002, I might now be in the proverbial rubber room. I can't take listening to me coworkers proclaim,what does it matter, they're all politicians. That may be so, but they aren't all fascists. Thanks, Guys!

[dryan]

282. Thanks for everything....

you keep me informed about a lot of things that I would not hear of otherwise...very busy with my regular job, a new business, civic and community activities, yada yada. I will be totally cut off tomorrow as I am working at the polls. We have almost 3,000 voters in our precinct and I am the facilitator/translator. See you Wednesday.

[SeanQ]

283. I made a small donation before I joined the forum,

(got a bumber sticker), so I don't have a star next to my name. Since it was a small donation I hadn't worried about it. But, JIK the forums get that heavily restricted, is there a simple way to verify my donation and get my status changed? If it's not easy, don't sweat it, I'm sure your quite busy right now.

Thanks!

[VOX]

284. Very well thought out, Skinner!

I will do my part to keep my post count down a bit, and will be more than ready to hit "Alert" upon any unmaskings.

God, I LOVE DU!!!!!

A heartfelt thanks.

[kittycat1164]

285. I'm so new to this site but

THANK YOU for all you do for us!!! :yourock:

[seaj11]

286. Thanks.

I plan to seek support here, because God knows that this election isn't going to go down easily.

[BlueScreen]

287. This time tomorrow, I will raise a toast to my fellow DU-ers...

...and our new President-Elect, John Forbes Kerry.

[Mrs_Beastman]

288. Well put and Thanks from me and Mr B

[Eye and Monkey]

289. thank you, mods et al. this is really a lifeline. seriously.

[Mnemosyne]

290. Great work mods!

I've registered about 20 new voters this year, all for Kerry.
I live on Rt. 6 in PA and have kept an "Impeach Bush" sign in yard, along with "Kerry, Edwards" and "Give * the Boot".
There is a cemetery across the highway, and there is a large stone with the name "BUSH" on it. I look at it each day and consider it the gravestone of *'s unpresidency. Hope to post it on line soon!

It's about 5:30am est, let's start kicking ass in an hour and a half!!!!

[tomfodw]

291. I just voted but I can't find an "options" button to click

to get the "I Voted" avatar! Where should I be looking? Thanks!

[tomfodw]

293. Never mind - found the "options" button!

Now, let's see if I did it right...