Meet the new boss, same as the old boss
Hi everyone,
If you haven't seen Skinner's announcement yet, I suggest you check it out before reading this. But here's the bottom line: I'm the new owner of Democratic Underground.
Back in the summer of 2000, David Allen was running a one-man design shop for local small businesses and the occasional Democratic Congressperson who needed one of those new-fangled "websites" that everybody was talking about. Having picked up more work than he could handle alone, he hired me to help out. Just a few short months later -- inspired by the Bush coup of 2000 and our discovery of FreeRepublic.com -- we came up with the crazy idea of trying to build an online home for folks on the left; a place to get away from the conservative propaganda and trolls that infested the message boards of the era, and fight back against the right-wing media machine. David and I launched Democratic Underground on January 20, 2001. He called himself "Skinner," I called myself "EarlG," and a few months later "Elad" joined the team, first as a volunteer programmer and later as a full-time employee.
I remember well a sneering post on Free Republic at the time they first discovered the new DU. A Freeper wrote, "Whatever. Go back in eight months time and they won't even be there."
Twenty years later, we're still here.
Sometimes it's hard to believe that DU has been around since before Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. DU was even around before "blogs" were a thing -- heck, we're only two-and-a-bit years younger than Google! Many, many sites have come and gone over the last twenty years, but DU is still going strong. And that is all thanks to David's efforts.
I understand and respect David's decision to move on, and I know for a fact that he has never wanted anything but the best for DU. I have personally witnessed him agonizing over difficult, sometimes impossible decisions on how to run the place. He is literally the most fair-minded person I have ever met, and he always wanted to do his best for everyone who posted here -- even the people who hated his guts. He didn't make much money doing this, and a lot of people spread a lot of nasty stuff around the Internet about him over the years. Speaking as someone who watched him work every day, I can tell you that it was 100% garbage. David always had my back, and never let me down, and if I can do just one thing for DU, it will be to do my best to keep running this place the way he would want it to be run -- as fairly and equitably as possible. And I'm deeply grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to do that.
I'm going to miss working with David. He's taken me to some amazing places -- I'm sure you recall our reports from past Democratic National Conventions -- and he gave me the freedom to be creative in a way that I can't imagine any other boss would have. Honestly, if I wasn't doing this, I don't know what else I could do.
Hopefully, I'll be able to build on his legacy. Next year will be our twentieth year in operation, and I think that DU is due for a new coat of paint. So next week we're going to run a Summer membership drive -- one which old-time DUers may get a kick out of! -- and once we get past the election, our next project will be a visual refresh that, if all goes well, will keep in place all the things you love about DU, while making it a little easier to read and navigate -- and maybe even add in a few new features.
In case you're worried about any of that stuff, please don't be. Like you, I love DU -- it's the first place I go in the morning, and the last place I go at night, and I'm here all day in between. This is our home on the Internet, and my goal is to keep it that way. I hope you'll stick with Elad and I as we move forward.
Here's to Skinner, and to DU.
-- EarlG
= new reply since forum marked as read
Glad one of our original "mid-husbands"* is sticking around!
* not sure "midwives" is the proper operative term here...
Going to get my star back next week
I forgot that one.
Can't wait for the future, I am sure it will be awesome!
And thanks to David, Elad & All!
I was looking for someplace to discuss the news of the day and stumbled onto the Freepers.
There was a discussion (ridicule) of a writer who used to be on DU. THere was a link. I clicked on it and either saw Auntie Pinko responding to a question about whether voting republican would make you richer OR Bob Boudelang. I knew I’d found the place for me.
Thanks for everything and we will be making a nice donation soon. Pandemic money.
Is this guy still in the office?
I also recall Bob Booudelang and Auntie Pinko. They were great. Also enjoyed the Top 10 Conservative Idiots.
I’m actually gonna spend some of that $1,200 stimulus money right here!
Love ya! 
Let’s get to work! 
I am flattered that you thought my 20,000+ posts were worth buying.
I wish you the best, financially, with this endeavor, and I thank you for sustaining DU for all of us who enjoy it so very much.
Cheers!
-Laelth
you were always "da boss Admin" and super political cartoonist. 
Congrats on the promotion and don't compromise on the courage of your conviction. Go get 'em!
Thank you for maintaining this space!
All the best.
I've been here with you since the beginning, granted I lurked the first five years before joining for real in 2006.
I wish you all the best and I know you'll do great.
I can't wait for the new fund drive and I'll be as generous as I can.
... each and every single time you've been or are at bat here!
Rots of luck, steady our DU ship and tons of
I hope you haven't bitten off more than you can chew.........the two will have your hands full!
Best of luck for today and all our tomorrows!
All will be well.
Still feels like an empty place at the table though.
I lurked for a awhile during the election season the became a Star Member. I found DU through a Montana blog and the name got me curious. I was hooked immediately. I will financially contribute as long as I am alive. It is because of this community that has kept my sanity over the last 3 and a half years.
Thank you EarlG and everyone else who has posted and contributed.
Congrats and good luck! I'm sure you'll do great.
I have been here for almost the entire ride. Shit! I remember carlos jacinto! 
Been here since 2000 when that debacle started and am here, also, first thing in the morning, last thing at night and intermittently throughout the day. It's kept me very well informed and sane. Thank you very much for all you do. You'll do great!
To DU To Skinner
Love this place!
Best wishes for a promising future for you and the rest of us. DU has been instrumental in keeping many of us sane in dark, troubling times. While I'm sure your workload will likely increase, we'll try to hold up our end so that the board remains relevant and inspiring. With as little food-fighting as possible. 
All best wishes for your work and leadership. I look forward to the membership drive.
Yes, here's to the next twenty years.
Long may you run.
I have missed that li'l critter. 
Best of luck! And thanks for keeping the lights on!! I look forward to seeing the new wrinkles.
In the meantime, as you start your regime, enjoy the parade.
... and good luck to you both!
I have been a DU'er almost since the beginning (I had to take a few months' break for mourning after the 2004 "election" .) DU has kept me sane during hard times. I can't even imagine life without it!
About that raise...
We forum hosts always appreciate your check-ins and your and Elad’s creative efforts at making our job easier. both of you. Congrats and very best of luck as you take the reins!
Long live DU! More important now than ever!
Best of luck to you. We're here. We're family.
And hey, Elad ... don't let him get too full of himself, k? 
Here's to 20 more years!
Terrific photo..
I am sorry to see Skinner go, but I am glad that DU will still be in safe hands!
We could use a new coat of paint, maybe some new pillows and throw rugs. How about a popcorn machine in the lounge?
And thanks for stepping up!
You all 3 rock!
I have been reading Democratic Underground almost from day one. Good luck and thanks for all you do!
I kid of course. Sort of....
Skinner knows he's leaving the site in good hands.
Never doubt it.
I am not going anywhere.
You're both awesome.
So happy this stayed in the family.
So I went and stole some "best wishes" off the web, enjoy.
Moving on to a new stage in life can be a challenging process. We wish you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors, you will be great!
Life is filled with unexpected adventures. As you continue to move on in life and face new events, adventures, and challenges, we all wish you the best of luck.
Good luck to you as you continue to learn and grow as an adult. We have no doubt that you will make all of us proud in your new role!
You have proven yourself to be a very skilled individual who has the capacity to do great things with their life. Continue to make us proud as you face new challenges and adventures!
DU has been my primary news source and mental lifeline since 2004 (those who know me of course may question the effectiveness of that strategy) - but congrats - delighted for you...and on we go into the future!
You are the proud owner of the best website on the entire internet!
And I promise to do my part in donating money to keep this place going! I can't live without it.
I read this news hours ago, while at the dentist. Couldn't reply until now. When I read the first part of Skinner's post, I thought it meant that he sold the place out from under us. That was worse than hearing I had to have a root canal!
Then I kept reading. WHEW! EarlG is in charge.
Life is okay, I can start breathing again.
And as an old-timer, along with other DU'ers, I think I know what you are talking about when you say you're going to bring something back for the membership drive.
It has to be GROVELBOT!
You always have been great. I am so pleased to see both of you will be here for us. Thank you.
It still feels like home.
Now don't you guys leave ;-/. Because there is no way I am joining turdbook!
looking forward to the future together.
to help.
I'm so glad that DU will continue to be there for us.
In my opinion, it is - hands down - the best messageboard interface that I've ever used. People have come and gone over the long history, but the purpose has always been the same.
And when you need a bump to keep running, send Grovelbot. We'll be here to help.
Sid
Good luck to you..I'm sure you'll do fine..
Looking at David's pic, I remember him when he was just a kid..no gray hair, no wife, no kids
God, I'm old
This is a tough time everywhere and many organizations are getting leaner. It's never pleasant but it is business.
Please let Skinner have some unemployment or severance or whatever.
Seriously, it's great being here. Maybe you could have a sort of Grand Re-Opening/Re-Introduction thread somewhere. 
Maybe the Lounge?
Thank You...
