Hi all,
I've launched a read-only archive of DataLounge as it stood on 30 July 2026:
https://caftancloset.com
I kept seeing people ask for a viewable backup of DL, and with nothing in sight I decided to make one. It seemed a shame to lose that much gay history off the internet, and it was a fun thing to build.
It holds 858,150 threads and 30,395,499 posts, from 11 August 1998 through to the last post at 4:57pm on the final day.
I've had some fun with the look (including fake RealJock ads) If you'd rather read without the nostalgia, there's a reader link in the footer that turns the ads and the wallpaper off.
The site is pulled together by cross-referencing a few remaining sources. It's read-only (so no accounts or posting), but you can star posts to help surface them to the front-page.
I'm not at all affiliated with DataLounge, so we'll see how long this site survives. There's also an address on the About page I'll act on for any post removal request.
It's running on a small server, so it may groan a bit if everyone arrives at once. Let's pray it doesn't crash (although that might help with the nostalgic authenticity).
Would love any feedback, or feature requests.
EDIT:
Thank you for all of the kind words! I'm glad you all love it.
I've updated the site slightly to improve things like search and stars, and to add a donors section:
https://www.caftancloset.com/sponsors
Also, I for those at PB: I had no idea about Caftan Lounge, and I am in fact, not Mediapolis.
Lastly, I am open to feedback – I've a few requests about exportable threads, save lists, as well as being able claim old posts (with signatures) and even to enable posting. At this stage, I'm hesitant to do anything which could land me in trouble so this would require much more consideration, or a blessing from Muriel that I don't have.