DGN Updates/Upgrades 2025

[TronRP]

As this has been an eventful time getting the forum back up and running, I do appreciate everyone for hanging in there.

 

With that said, this version of the forum is coming to an end and the new version is already active.  Unfortunately, the changeover will deprecate certain modules.  Most noticeably:

 

• Signing in with a Display Name has been removed in v5, email addresses must be used instead.
• Status updates have been removed from profile pages.

 

I will delay the upgrade process to give members time to review and/or save any status updates that they want to print or save elsewhere.

 

At the very latest, this upgrade will take place January of 2026.

 

I will notify everyone before the upgrade process begins.

 

 

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

 

 

Admin

[Scary Guy]

Is there any way to archive the forum as it is now and stick it in say https://old.dgn-online.net in case anyone wants to look at the history?  I would like to preserve it in some way if possible.

Other things on my mind is the domain change and name recognition.  eMails about the forum still say DetroitGothic.Net in the from field.  I hate to see it change but if this is the new domain this is what we should be using officially as the old domain seems to be dead.  Most just call it DGN anyway, so I propose we just call it that.

[TronRP]

I don't think I'm exactly clear on what you are wanting for the board.

 

The other domain I purchased was "detroit-gothic.net" as I was trying to keep the original name, but in some instances of the domain name, the hyphen kept getting dropped and redirecting to the GoDaddy page.

 

Also, I changed the email to read "DetroitGothic.Net" as it is still how I thought we designated ourselves.

The domain name does not always have to reflect the name of the actual site content.  As you know, it's just an information address telling the web where to direct users.

 

I kept everything as close to the 2019 change over as possible to maintain some sense of normality as the 2012 to 2015 forum setups no longer exists.

 

However, In order to maintain an archive site with this current setup, I would have to purchase another forum license key from Invision and host 2 sites in our package plan with an add-on database for the second domain name.  Other than that, I would have to code hijack.

[Scary Guy]

Eww, yeah no sense paying for two licenses then.  As long as the majority of posts and other content exists that's really all that matters.

As far as the name itself goes, saying "Detroit Gothic dot Net" makes people think that it links to a URL called https://detroitgothic.net because that's what it used to be.  We are not that anymore, we are something else evolved from that.  I hate change in general, but keeping the branding as detroitgothic.net may be confusing for some.  I think most should be able to figure it out, but my faith in humans is getting thin, and maybe if they can't figure it out they're too stupid to be here anyway.

 

Or go more formal with "The Detroit Gothic Network" which now that I say it like that sounds WAY better, and I'm slightly annoyed that we haven't been calling it that for the past 23 years.

[TronRP]

Dude...I like that...

 

As "The Detroit Gothic Network", we could even function as a Hub site with links to anything Goth/Alternative/Other.  Of course there would be the members area and those who are just passing through area.  It would be like the new incarnation of growth.

 

We have definitely evolved from where we were even since 2013

 

And as far back as 2003

[et-novum]

On 8/30/2025 at 8:33 PM, Scary Guy said:

"The Detroit Gothic Network

That's what I've been calling it, but I picked that up from my ex. I didn't realize it wasn't the common term.

[TronRP]

I do thank everyone for sticking around through all the craziness that has been going on with the forum.

 

With that said, starting the beginning of 2026, our corner of the internet will undergo a forced change over into a new format.  I would like to take that opportunity to create a new DGN experience by officially launching "The Detroit Gothic Network" that will have a more inclusive platform that will be more inviting to people of all different walks of life and genres.

 

There will be an exclusive "Members Only" area that will contain everything from this DGN forum that will be allowed under the new format.

 

Note: A full site backup is happening so that if there is a way to reinstate removed content in the future, that data will still be available.

~~~~~

 

Since change is going to happen with or without our consent, I figure we may as well RIDE IT IN STYLE!

[Soulrev]

4 hours ago, TronRP said:

I do thank everyone for sticking around through all the craziness that has been going on with the forum.

 

With that said, starting the beginning of 2026, our corner of the internet will undergo a forced change over into a new format.  I would like to take that opportunity to create a new DGN experience by officially launching "The Detroit Gothic Network" that will have a more inclusive platform that will be more inviting to people of all different walks of life and genres.

 

There will be an exclusive "Members Only" area that will contain everything from this DGN forum that will be allowed under the new format.

 

Note: A full site backup is happening so that if there is a way to reinstate removed content in the future, that data will still be available.

~~~~~

 

Since change is going to happen with or without our consent, I figure we may as well RIDE IT IN STYLE!

 

So few of us left! I'm just glad it's still around in some shape or form!

[Scary Guy]

On 9/8/2025 at 5:47 PM, TronRP said:

that will have a more inclusive platform that will be more inviting to people of all different walks of life and genres.

I mean it's already pretty damn welcoming, I mean as long as people aren't easily offended.  I do like the play nice rules where we attack the idea and not the person (it promotes the easy going ecosystem we have now), but I very much also value free speech as well.  If someone is acting like an ass I reserve the right to call them out on their asslike behavior.  If it gets me banned...  Well it isn't like that's never happened before.  I'm more than willing to get canceled for standing up for what I think is right.  I think everyone deserves a shot at redemption though and there have been a few other cantankerous people in the scene that have helped to make this place more interesting at the very least.

 

All that said I'm excited to see what 2026 brings.  Hell if you can do it now why wait?  If everything is backed up already I say rip that adhesive bandage off.  Then again if you're waiting so people can back up their images or something (I'm just guessing that's what is dropping because that's really the only thing I can think of) that's probably a good reason.

 

In fact, do you have a list of what will be lost so that users can back that content up themselves?

[TronRP]

8 hours ago, Scary Guy said:

I mean it's already pretty damn welcoming, I mean as long as people aren't easily offended.  I do like the play nice rules where we attack the idea and not the person (it promotes the easy going ecosystem we have now), but I very much also value free speech as well.  If someone is acting like an ass I reserve the right to call them out on their asslike behavior.  If it gets me banned...  Well it isn't like that's never happened before.  I'm more than willing to get canceled for standing up for what I think is right.  I think everyone deserves a shot at redemption though and there have been a few other cantankerous people in the scene that have helped to make this place more interesting at the very least.

 

All that said I'm excited to see what 2026 brings.  Hell if you can do it now why wait?  If everything is backed up already I say rip that adhesive bandage off.  Then again if you're waiting so people can back up their images or something (I'm just guessing that's what is dropping because that's really the only thing I can think of) that's probably a good reason.

 

In fact, do you have a list of what will be lost so that users can back that content up themselves?

~~~~~

Currently, the only thing I know that will be lost is the "Status Updates" box on the members' profile page.  The Invision Community discussion board has a lot of hosting community admins upset about it.  I really didn't even know what it was until I kept reading through the comments section. 😅

 

And I totally agree with you regarding the right to voice ones opinion, but I would like to make sure there is a designated area for that as people general feel like they are being attacked if someone opposes their way of thinking.  Having a forum specific area for those types of communications might even foster a mutual understanding of ideas, even if there isn't a mutual belief.  So yes, if you openly express your opinion about something (especially of a controversial manner) be prepared to discuss it.

 

I fully intend to keep the play nice rules and users having a respect for the freedom to use the forum itself.  Although, I have a hard time banning someone for voicing their opinion, I will not stand for blatant, uncalled for vulgarity specifically directed at another individual.  That can be taken elsewhere.

 

One of the rules will be:

• This site is governed under the understanding that all members are legal adults.  Therefore, any reported member and/or content will be thoroughly scrutinized and managed accordingly.
  • Scrutinized: to examine something very carefully and critically, inspecting it for detail and accuracy with the intent of finding flaws, meaning, or truth by means of a thorough and close review.

~~~~~

A lot of behind the scenes adjustments are still being made to streamline how the new setup will present and function, thus the projected launching.

[Scary Guy]

As much as I hate children I have always liked that this is a place where they can escape to.  A lot of kids feel isolated, lonely, and depressed.  Having a place where they can get advice with others is good.  I know many found their way here in the past and while that doesn't happen so much anymore many on the board have kids and some of those kids might even have kids now.

 

That said there are a lot of really adult concepts here, and not just in the Sex & Sexuality subforum either.  That said I've always been a fan of not sheltering kids from information.  Knowledge is power and the more people (including kids) know about the world (both the good and ugly bits) the better equipped they are to navigate and deal with it.  I also get their parents not wanting them to have to grow up too fast either and have the worries of the world about them, but I think that's mostly a selfish reason on their part.  They don't want a child, they want a doll or a pet.

The problem with running communities that allow or even cater to kids is it can attract those that would prey on them as well.  While DGN has been a pretty safe environment both on and offline (mostly thanks to good policies, moderating, and parenting), I'm pretty sure we've also had some assholes whom have been banned and asked never to return.  IDK It's a heavy subject and a unilateral ban on everyone under 18 might be a good thing.  There are plenty of other places online they can go for entertainment too.  That and it isn't like anyone has never lied about their age online before.  I've had that happen in communities I've ran where I asked their real age (if they didn't state it) and then banned them for the remaining time until they actually turned 18.

 

Finally while it's true I don't have any kids myself I get many of the theories behind raising them.  I'm also not a helicopter pilot either, but if I see one in a tree I know someone fucked up.  The saying "it takes a village" exists for a reason, and everyone needs to take some more responsibility where they can.

Sorry, this turned into kind of a rant but I don't often speak on the subject and there is a lot for you to consider here.  I'd prefer a 18+ forum (less liability and stuff to worry about), but I'm also a selfish asshole.

[Soulrev]

22 hours ago, TronRP said:

~~~~~

Currently, the only thing I know that will be lost is the "Status Updates" box on the members' profile page.  The Invision Community discussion board has a lot of hosting community admins upset about it.  I really didn't even know what it was until I kept reading through the comments section. 😅

 

And I totally agree with you regarding the right to voice ones opinion, but I would like to make sure there is a designated area for that as people general feel like they are being attacked if someone opposes their way of thinking.  Having a forum specific area for those types of communications might even foster a mutual understanding of ideas, even if there isn't a mutual belief.  So yes, if you openly express your opinion about something (especially of a controversial manner) be prepared to discuss it.

 

I fully intend to keep the play nice rules and users having a respect for the freedom to use the forum itself.  Although, I have a hard time banning someone for voicing their opinion, I will not stand for blatant, uncalled for vulgarity specifically directed at another individual.  That can be taken elsewhere.

 

One of the rules will be:

• This site is governed under the understanding that all members are legal adults.  Therefore, any reported member and/or content will be thoroughly scrutinized and managed accordingly.
  • Scrutinized: to examine something very carefully and critically, inspecting it for detail and accuracy with the intent of finding flaws, meaning, or truth by means of a thorough and close review.

~~~~~

A lot of behind the scenes adjustments are still being made to streamline how the new setup will present and function, thus the projected launching.

I was just looking at old DGN from the internet archives, looks like a lot of history saved in there, but not much on details. Like you can view topics and stuff but can't actually read many posts. Some are there, but you have to really dig. I was wondering, did Troy ever archive  old DGN ? Idk if you were around back then but figured maybe you might have access to these things, if they exist? I found my original profile after doing some digging, I *knew* I joined DGN way earlier than '04. I think 04 was when old DGN crashed or something, and/or it was made with a new forum software or something. 
 

Just reading through a few topics and seeing all the names brought back so many memories! So many people back then - wonder what they're doing, now? I can still put faces to most of the names, too. 

Would be epic if DGN rose to that level of popularity, again. Indeed it seems those were the "good old days". 
 

 

[Scary Guy]

Yeah, I was on the original Spiral board and complained when they upgraded and everyone's join date got reset.  LOL mine is even older than that "December 5, 2000"

[TronRP]

On 9/15/2025 at 4:21 PM, Scary Guy said:

Sorry, this turned into kind of a rant but I don't often speak on the subject and there is a lot for you to consider here.  I'd prefer a 18+ forum (less liability and stuff to worry about), but I'm also a selfish asshole.

~~~~~

As  aforementioned, the assumption will be that anyone signing up in the members section of DGN will by of legal age.  The "guest" area will consists of informative links, like a hub that can be viewed by anyone.  Therefore, that section of the site will maintain a level of General Audience.

 

Knowing what kids know today, there's almost nothing on this site that they don't already know, haven't already experimented on or with, or aren't looking for more info on that's not already available to them elsewhere on the internet.  Whereas I'm not in the business (anymore) of educating little kids, there's almost nothing you can do to stop them.  But should it become blatantly apparent to the admin that someone is purely an immature child trying to pose as whatever age they listed, actions will be taken accordingly.

 

I can't predict how things will go as things have not been tested yet.  Life is organic and there's always going to be something.  Therefore, that bridge will be crossed upon arrival. 

[TronRP]

On 9/16/2025 at 2:21 PM, Soulrev said:

I was just looking at old DGN from the internet archives, looks like a lot of history saved in there, but not much on details. Like you can view topics and stuff but can't actually read many posts. Some are there, but you have to really dig. I was wondering, did Troy ever archive  old DGN ? Idk if you were around back then but figured maybe you might have access to these things, if they exist? I found my original profile after doing some digging, I *knew* I joined DGN way earlier than '04. I think 04 was when old DGN crashed or something, and/or it was made with a new forum software or something. 
 

Just reading through a few topics and seeing all the names brought back so many memories! So many people back then - wonder what they're doing, now? I can still put faces to most of the names, too. 

Would be epic if DGN rose to that level of popularity, again. Indeed it seems those were the "good old days". 
 

 

~~~~~

@Scary Guy had shared a link with me regarding an ezBoard version of the forum.  I did learn a bit more about the original vision behind what was then referred to as Detroit Gothic in various sections.  However, it does appear that 2004 is the year Troy began using a new hosting site and therefore, all the forum site data I have starts then.  Also, it appears that there was some sort of data hiccup? around early 2015 and some information was lost and/or reset.  I was handed the reins a few months after that.

 

I joined DGN in 2012, so by the time I got here, I was hearing about how it used to be.  I have no idea if it could ever reclaim that kind of "glory", but right now, I'm just excited to see what the near future potential will bring. 

[Soulrev]

13 hours ago, TronRP said:

~~~~~

As  aforementioned, the assumption will be that anyone signing up in the members section of DGN will by of legal age.  The "guest" area will consists of informative links, like a hub that can be viewed by anyone.  Therefore, that section of the site will maintain a level of General Audience.

 

Knowing what kids know today, there's almost nothing on this site that they don't already know, haven't already experimented on or with, or aren't looking for more info on that's not already available to them elsewhere on the internet.  Whereas I'm not in the business (anymore) of educating little kids, there's almost nothing you can do to stop them.  But should it become blatantly apparent to the admin that someone is purely an immature child trying to pose as whatever age they listed, actions will be taken accordingly.

 

I can't predict how things will go as things have not been tested yet.  Life is organic and there's always going to be something.  Therefore, that bridge will be crossed upon arrival. 

 

I wholeheatedly agree about kids these days. My son is way more mature and knowledgeable than I ever expected, and he literally turns 16 tomorrow! 🤯 Crazy how time flies! I think the fact that most kids now have unbridled access to the internet, and the internet has been around all of their lives, they're growing up a little faster than we did (in a way). Although, there are clear differences in how we were raised compared to kids these days. But yeah at this point, being proactive on our behalf is a good thing but, when it comes down to it, there's little we can actually do to "shield" them from what they want to know/do. 

[Scary Guy]

On 9/18/2025 at 3:55 AM, TronRP said:

~~~~~

@Scary Guy had shared a link with me regarding an ezBoard version of the forum.  I did learn a bit more about the original vision behind what was then referred to as Detroit Gothic in various sections.  However, it does appear that 2004 is the year Troy began using a new hosting site and therefore, all the forum site data I have starts then.  Also, it appears that there was some sort of data hiccup? around early 2015 and some information was lost and/or reset.  I was handed the reins a few months after that.

 

I joined DGN in 2012, so by the time I got here, I was hearing about how it used to be.  I have no idea if it could ever reclaim that kind of "glory", but right now, I'm just excited to see what the near future potential will bring. 

 

I feel that the days of independent websites being major anythings are gone.  I do hope I'm wrong though because I miss the old internet, when things were actually cool.  Search engines didn't suck, webrings were a thing, site directories where people just shared a bunch of URL bookmarks were neat to go through, etc...  That still exists somewhat, but for the most part ALL the major web traffic is shared between a few sites owned by a few corporations.

To a degree it actually does make the web better though and feel like the old internet!  It takes the dumbest users and keeps them in walled gardens.  Maybe there's a link outside of it but most just read the title and move on.  Which is fine, stay the hell away.  This leaves the rest of the internet to those brave enough to venture out of the garden and into the forest.  Only the curious and those they drag with them will find the gems online, such as this site.  I think some are starting to wise up and want smaller more independent communities that cater to them.  Lemmy > Reddit for example.  People are tired of being censored and canceled just because they have a thought that exists outside of the Overton window.

 

One major thing that's holding the site back is new signups seem to be nonexistent.  The last real user joined over two years ago and I helped with that because @Serxera is a friend of mine.  I don't think he logs in much but I know he lurks from time to time.

Another is more in person events.  We used to have a "DGN Night" at City Club every Saturday before that died and got resurrected as "The Gathering" later.  Both were good ways to meet people and bring them here.  I still think the weekly cards were dumb but I did save some of the ones from the more special events.  I have way too many keepsakes though and it's hard to keep track of them all.

 

 

19 hours ago, Soulrev said:

I wholeheatedly agree about kids these days. My son is way more mature and knowledgeable than I ever expected, and he literally turns 16 tomorrow! 🤯 Crazy how time flies! I think the fact that most kids now have unbridled access to the internet, and the internet has been around all of their lives, they're growing up a little faster than we did (in a way). Although, there are clear differences in how we were raised compared to kids these days. But yeah at this point, being proactive on our behalf is a good thing but, when it comes down to it, there's little we can actually do to "shield" them from what they want to know/do. 

 

I disagree, there are ways to protect them up to a point but proper parenting isn't easy and is annoying.  Monitoring their activities, blocking sites (don't use net nanny software, just block the domains so they don't feel restricted and they think the site just doesn't work), and make them use a dumb "feature" phone. Though if you do that then all the kids at school will laugh at them so you might want to homeschool them too to save them from the ridicule.

[Soulrev]

1 hour ago, Scary Guy said:

 

I disagree, there are ways to protect them up to a point but proper parenting isn't easy and is annoying.  Monitoring their activities, blocking sites (don't use net nanny software, just block the domains so they don't feel restricted and they think the site just doesn't work), and make them use a dumb "feature" phone. Though if you do that then all the kids at school will laugh at them so you might want to homeschool them too to save them from the ridicule

No I get what you're saying and agree with that as well, I guess I should have explained a little better but when it comes down to it, I think it should be the parents' responsibility to know what your kids are doing online, and not so much the responsibility of "us" as a website/community, to protect them, if that makes sense? But yeah, when kids go to public school or even just to a friend's house for a weekend, most parents have no clue what they're actually doing.

 

Don't get me wrong, my son is home schooled and does *not* have unlimited access to the internet. I make sure to limit his screen time and we get him out of the house and active as much as possible. Also, I agree proper parenting is *not* easy, and some just don't want to or don't know how. I have tried to raise my son to use his critical thinking skills, common sense, to be courteous and humble, and always open to new ideas. I think a certain level of honesty is required, too. I try not to sugar coat things for him. To a point. 
 

But I think a policy of honesty between parents and child can be very helpful. My son and I have a great relationship. I make sure he knows that I am his father and I will always love him no matter what and that there's nothing in this world he can't talk to me about. This isn't easy to accomplish, especially with teenagers. I guess for me it was easy because I was so shut-off from my parents, I didn't want that to happen with my son. For example I've been very honest and up-front with my son about some of the worst mistakes I have made in my life, such as my former drug use, and what that cost me. Jail time, loss of friends and family, etc. I'm pretty sure I won't have to worry about him taking that road. But if he does I will surely do my best to help him, rather than throw him to the curb- as my parents did.

 

Thankfully, I've hardly ever had to punish him for misbehaving or things like that. I get quite a lot of compliments on his politeness and manners, too. He really is a great kid and I couldn't ask for better.

 

Idk but to go back to the topic - I think if we incorporate "age verification" that will only discourage more participation. I guess it would be best if we conducted the community as a "public space" that is adult "oriented" but not necessarily "adults only" - as kids will always find their way into places they don't belong if they really want to. As DGN goes now I'd say it's already a fairly "safe" space aside from a few topics/sections. Seems over the years, the relatively "open  door" policy of DGN has worked pretty well, in my opinion.

 

I think it's not just DGN, either, but it seems the day of the "forum" has long since passed. I still belong to several forums that have essentially "died" in the past 15 years or so. I blame Facebook and the other main "social medias" for a lot of this. 

Edit to add - also the few forums that are still actually active and have a lot of participation, that I have seen, are mostly "specialty" forums for like say, certain hobbies or specific topics. 
 

I think the whole "goth" scene, though, is pretty damn small, these days, and DGN's lack of activity is sort of a direct reflection of that. That's just my "take" on it, though.

 

 

Edited September 19, 2025 by Soulrev

[Scary Guy]

But this is a specialty forum, dedicated to the Detroit goth scene, those in it, and our friends.

When is the last time you were in Detroit anyway?  Yes, I've seen some pretty dead nights.  The last Frequency had a few people but it was fairly sparse.  But when I was at Black Planet (same bar) that place was PACKED, both in the venue and outside on the smoking patio.  City Club and I guess Small's (I don't actually know because I haven't been there in a long time) still do pretty well as well.  Necto's Mondays have thinned out a bit but are pretty popular with the college kids.
 

Of course that's just the clubs.  Actual community needs work, and there's always been infighting and cliques but those grow in any community.  It kinda sucks when two or more parts of it do something on the same night so it results in splitting the crowd making for a really weak night.  Or there's little interest in an event because people think it's lackluster which also results in a sparse crowd and a weak night since no one wants to go out.

 

I will complain about something else in a bit.  I mean that was going to happen anyway but it's something specific that deserves its own thread.

[TronRP]

With respect to the upgraded site launch, the date has been pushed back due to unforeseen circumstances. 

 

The current format will remain functional, albeit a bit buggy, until further notice.

 

Thank you for your patience.

[Soulrev]

Oh man I just tried loading the website a few times and kept getting "500 bad gateway" errors so I was hoping the site didn't go away alrready!

 

At any rate, happy new year (as if getting older and more decrepit is something to celebrate xD)!

 

What is the current plan, is DGN sticking around a while longer? Moving to a different site or forum software? Any dates set in stone, yet?

 

Just in case I never get to give this to you guys, if y'all ever want to find me or talk to me you can hit me up on Discord my username over there is "deadstill_" (without the quotes obv.). Just specify who you are and "from DGN" so I know not to ignore (I get a lot of spam requests)

 

This and Discord are the *only* forms of social media you'll find  me on, for future reference

[Scary Guy]

Discord sucks.  Signal is the only way to go.  Seems like everything wants to get access to your data, your thoughts, ideas, hopes, and dreams are just profit for SaaSholes.

Signal is one of the few things I actually trust, and that list is getting narrower and narrower by the day.  I'm also still on XMPP which is also secure (with OMEMO encryption) and IRC which isn't at all secure but it is fun and most don't really pay attention to it.  No one really "owns" it though some run servers with different policies.  I can be found on Libera.chat under the name you'd expect..

[TronRP]

Yes, I plan to have DGN hang around for as long as possible. 

 

The issue is, our current hosting provider seems to be a bunch of techs with just enough knowledge to run basic site functions.  They are constantly performing server upgrades because they are light years behind other hosting sites, so they go into maintenance mode on a regular basis. 

 

At present, the only way to upgrade DGN is to move to a Cloud account.  We would have access to all the bells and whistles, but our data would be managed by an outside source.  We are currently Self-hosted, but that puts us at the mercy of the settings of the Host server.

 

Kind of a double edge sword.

 

I wasn't savvy enough to run the VPS, I did a test run with, not to mention it was a bit expensive. 

 

I've been running demo sites to make sure I know what will happen to our site functions and accessibility should I chose to go with a Cloud Account.

 

Although I like self hosting, the lack of up to date software on the behalf of the host server is what's killing it.

Edited January 12 by TronRP