The Light! It Burns! June 29, 2015 4:18 PM Subscribe
Could an option be added to automatically enable Dark Mode?
As a person who periodically clears his cookies and cache and always uses Dark Mode here (I'm highly sensitive to bright stuff and, when available, I pretty much always choose to use dark themes on sites I frequent) I'd much enjoy it if were an option to make it so that this mode were automatically enabled upon signing into here.
Of course manually having to click on the Dark Mode button upon signing into here ain't much of a biggie, but I have to assume that this would be easy to implement and that its implementation would be much welcomed by the more fastidious Dark Mode lovers here.
As a person who periodically clears his cookies and cache and always uses Dark Mode here (I'm highly sensitive to bright stuff and, when available, I pretty much always choose to use dark themes on sites I frequent) I'd much enjoy it if were an option to make it so that this mode were automatically enabled upon signing into here.
Of course manually having to click on the Dark Mode button upon signing into here ain't much of a biggie, but I have to assume that this would be easy to implement and that its implementation would be much welcomed by the more fastidious Dark Mode lovers here.
Oh god yes please! I accidentally hit the log out link all the time, and signing back in is always a horrible ze goggles do nothing experience.
posted by phunniemee at 4:24 PM on June 29, 2015 [7 favorites]
posted by phunniemee at 4:24 PM on June 29, 2015 [7 favorites]
I would really appreciate this! I have some long-term vision problems that sometimes require long-term dilation have resulted in photosensitivity and Dark Mode makes the site much better for me. Logging in isn't terrible for me normally, but the next time I have to have one eye dilated for six weeks, I'll really appreciate the ability to avoid the painful white background when I log in.
posted by immlass at 4:27 PM on June 29, 2015
posted by immlass at 4:27 PM on June 29, 2015
I love Dark Mode and acknowledge no other theme, personally, so I'm very much in support of pb being in support of us being in support of this.
posted by cortex (staff) at 4:53 PM on June 29, 2015 [45 favorites]
posted by cortex (staff) at 4:53 PM on June 29, 2015 [45 favorites]
Just throwing this out there, but if you had a way of knowing whether people prefer dark mode, perhaps that should be the default non-member experience, instead of having to turn it on. If people are just running across the site for the first time, I think dark mode is more aesthetically pleasing and projects quality.
posted by SpacemanStix at 5:06 PM on June 29, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by SpacemanStix at 5:06 PM on June 29, 2015 [3 favorites]
Any plans to incorporate a title-free option in the modern theme?
No, no plans for that. The classic themes are there and support title-hiding if you need it.
posted by pb (staff) at 5:08 PM on June 29, 2015
No, no plans for that. The classic themes are there and support title-hiding if you need it.
posted by pb (staff) at 5:08 PM on June 29, 2015
If people are just running across the site for the first time, I think dark mode is more aesthetically pleasing and projects quality.
That's actually on my to-do list for the summer (or at least the quantifiable part of it, since the qualitative bit is much harder to figure): A/B test light modern vs. dark modern and see if we see any difference in ad revenue from the random passersby who bring most of that money in. If that ends up making a persuasive positive difference, that'd really be the main thing.
posted by cortex (staff) at 5:11 PM on June 29, 2015 [10 favorites]
That's actually on my to-do list for the summer (or at least the quantifiable part of it, since the qualitative bit is much harder to figure): A/B test light modern vs. dark modern and see if we see any difference in ad revenue from the random passersby who bring most of that money in. If that ends up making a persuasive positive difference, that'd really be the main thing.
posted by cortex (staff) at 5:11 PM on June 29, 2015 [10 favorites]
Throwing in my vote for all dark mode all the time. Like others say, it's not a big deal to click the button, but real talk, I will never, ever use the light mode, ever, so it'd be nice to just skip it and have my logged in experience always be dark mode across all devices/sessions/etc.
posted by yasaman at 5:23 PM on June 29, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by yasaman at 5:23 PM on June 29, 2015 [1 favorite]
Oh yes please please find a way to let users make it dark all the time! I would love to have this nice dark pony! I would feed it and water it and give it the best pasture to roam in at will and plait flowers into its mane. Please don't say neigh!
posted by Lynsey at 5:38 PM on June 29, 2015 [5 favorites]
posted by Lynsey at 5:38 PM on June 29, 2015 [5 favorites]
Please oh please, I'm always so confused about where I am if I've lost my cookies or are logging in from a new device. Dark mode 4 eva
posted by Mizu at 6:22 PM on June 29, 2015
posted by Mizu at 6:22 PM on June 29, 2015
iBooks has an Auto Night Mode feature such that if you are reading in the dark it shifts from black on white to white on black automatically. Now that would be something I would really support.
posted by Rock Steady at 6:41 PM on June 29, 2015
posted by Rock Steady at 6:41 PM on June 29, 2015
Here I was expecting quite a few folks to think me a lazy dolt for requesting auto Dark Mode. Must admit I'm very glad everyone's (so far) unanimously in support of this.
posted by GlassHeart at 6:58 PM on June 29, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by GlassHeart at 6:58 PM on June 29, 2015 [1 favorite]
Okay, so where does one activate Dark Mode?
I did not know this was a thing.
posted by saeculorum at 7:19 PM on June 29, 2015 [1 favorite]
I did not know this was a thing.
posted by saeculorum at 7:19 PM on June 29, 2015 [1 favorite]
Near the top of the sidebar on the front page of any subsite. It'll say "Dark mode is off" next to a little crescent moon. Click it to toggle.
posted by cortex (staff) at 7:27 PM on June 29, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by cortex (staff) at 7:27 PM on June 29, 2015 [1 favorite]
saeculorum: Okay, so where does one activate Dark Mode?
I realize someone beat me to it, but for you visual folks this screen-shot which shows you where exactly the Dark Mode button is located may be of help.
posted by GlassHeart at 7:40 PM on June 29, 2015
I realize someone beat me to it, but for you visual folks this screen-shot which shows you where exactly the Dark Mode button is located may be of help.
posted by GlassHeart at 7:40 PM on June 29, 2015
Aw you made it so we can't snark at the number of unread MeMails you have.
posted by shakespeherian at 8:31 PM on June 29, 2015
posted by shakespeherian at 8:31 PM on June 29, 2015
Does dark mode not show up in the tablet interface? Otherwise I'm blinder than I thought.
posted by aspo at 8:59 PM on June 29, 2015
posted by aspo at 8:59 PM on June 29, 2015
Aha! On a tablet it's down at the very bottom of the page, but only the front pages. The place I never ever look at...
posted by aspo at 9:00 PM on June 29, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by aspo at 9:00 PM on June 29, 2015 [2 favorites]
Sounds like we need a permanent, professional dark mode.
posted by Cranberry at 11:50 PM on June 29, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Cranberry at 11:50 PM on June 29, 2015 [1 favorite]
Another vote for dark mode. It's actually the first thing I click on since I use Metafilter on a number of computers that I don't want to leave logged in. I can't even stand light mode long enough for the login (if it were made part if user preferences, for instance) so am also personally behind permanent dark mode. I think it looks way classier too.
posted by Athanassiel at 11:53 PM on June 29, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Athanassiel at 11:53 PM on June 29, 2015 [1 favorite]
Aha! On a tablet it's down at the very bottom of the page, but only the front pages. The place I never ever look at...
Where? I still don't see it! I exclusively use MeFi on a tablet, but I don't see any toggle anywhere. Maybe I'm already in dark mode and I didn't know it??
posted by lollymccatburglar at 5:00 AM on June 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
Where? I still don't see it! I exclusively use MeFi on a tablet, but I don't see any toggle anywhere. Maybe I'm already in dark mode and I didn't know it??
posted by lollymccatburglar at 5:00 AM on June 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
Totally disagree with "dark mode". The name is EVIL MODE, and calling it "dark mode" isn't fooling anyone. Don't get me wrong, I think we should all be using it in our endless battle against the forces of good, but let's not pretend it's just a colour preference. It's Satan's stylesheet, and we ahould give our Infernal Lord credit where it's due. Hail perfidious beelzebub ("pb")!
posted by the quidnunc kid at 5:38 AM on June 30, 2015 [10 favorites]
posted by the quidnunc kid at 5:38 AM on June 30, 2015 [10 favorites]
Dark Mode is Best Mode.
posted by jazon at 6:02 AM on June 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by jazon at 6:02 AM on June 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
lollymccatburglar, the Dark Mode switch is only available in the Modern theme. If you're using the Classic or Plain theme you won't see it.
posted by pb (staff) at 7:30 AM on June 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by pb (staff) at 7:30 AM on June 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
Classic Blue 4EVAR.
posted by eriko at 8:57 AM on June 30, 2015 [5 favorites]
posted by eriko at 8:57 AM on June 30, 2015 [5 favorites]
I love Dark Mode and acknowledge no other theme
You are like the anti-me. SimpleStyle4Lyfe!
posted by jessamyn (retired) at 9:36 AM on June 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
You are like the anti-me. SimpleStyle4Lyfe!
posted by jessamyn (retired) at 9:36 AM on June 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
Is there a way to put some kind of identifying mark next to the usernames of people using dark mode, so that I'll know not to engage with these weirdos?
posted by Atom Eyes at 9:43 AM on June 30, 2015
posted by Atom Eyes at 9:43 AM on June 30, 2015
I'm still using classic mode and will do so until the world ends in fire and ruin.
posted by poffin boffin at 9:46 AM on June 30, 2015 [22 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 9:46 AM on June 30, 2015 [22 favorites]
I'm still using classic mode and will do so until the world ends in fire and ruin.
Apocalyptic doom looks so cool in dark mode...
posted by SpacemanStix at 11:26 AM on June 30, 2015
Apocalyptic doom looks so cool in dark mode...
posted by SpacemanStix at 11:26 AM on June 30, 2015
Dark Mode is not dark enough.
posted by blue_beetle at 11:35 AM on June 30, 2015 [5 favorites]
posted by blue_beetle at 11:35 AM on June 30, 2015 [5 favorites]
Light mode? Dark mode? Never.
Classic theme until the end of days.
posted by dazed_one at 11:44 AM on June 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
Classic theme until the end of days.
posted by dazed_one at 11:44 AM on June 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
I'm still using classic mode and will do so until the world ends in fire and ruin.
Some say the Blue will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
posted by shakespeherian at 11:57 AM on June 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
Some say the Blue will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
posted by shakespeherian at 11:57 AM on June 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
I think someone needs to write a song about that (and post to Music of course)
posted by TwoWordReview at 12:52 PM on June 30, 2015
posted by TwoWordReview at 12:52 PM on June 30, 2015
Some say the Blue will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
I think I know enough of hate to say that a flameout would suffice.
posted by phunniemee at 1:53 PM on June 30, 2015 [9 favorites]
Some say in ice.
I think I know enough of hate to say that a flameout would suffice.
posted by phunniemee at 1:53 PM on June 30, 2015 [9 favorites]
I like dark mode so much I painted my terlet to match. I call it dark-commode.
/did not actually
posted by aydeejones at 4:04 PM on June 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
/did not actually
posted by aydeejones at 4:04 PM on June 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
lollymccatburglar, the Dark Mode switch is only available in the Modern theme. If you're using the Classic or Plain theme you won't see it.
Ahh, I see it now. Thanks, pb! So, Dark Mode is basically a "classic colors" switch. Out of interest, is it actually any darker than using classic mode itself?
(I ask because I frequently read Metafilter while putting my toddler to sleep in a dark room, and the dark/light spectrum on the ipad doesn't go nearly as dark as I'd like it too. In fact, I'm pretty much restricted to Metafilter in this situation- any of your typical white-background sites are way too bright.)
posted by lollymccatburglar at 10:13 PM on June 30, 2015
Ahh, I see it now. Thanks, pb! So, Dark Mode is basically a "classic colors" switch. Out of interest, is it actually any darker than using classic mode itself?
(I ask because I frequently read Metafilter while putting my toddler to sleep in a dark room, and the dark/light spectrum on the ipad doesn't go nearly as dark as I'd like it too. In fact, I'm pretty much restricted to Metafilter in this situation- any of your typical white-background sites are way too bright.)
posted by lollymccatburglar at 10:13 PM on June 30, 2015
lollymccatburglar: …the dark/light spectrum on the iPad doesn't go nearly as dark as I'd like it to…
It turns out you can (ab)use some features the accessibility settings and zoom option (set to 1x/non-zoomed) to darken all the content on the iPad, which will add another level of dimness that combines with setting the brightness all the way down, which might help you.
posted by JiBB at 12:00 AM on July 1, 2015 [2 favorites]
It turns out you can (ab)use some features the accessibility settings and zoom option (set to 1x/non-zoomed) to darken all the content on the iPad, which will add another level of dimness that combines with setting the brightness all the way down, which might help you.
posted by JiBB at 12:00 AM on July 1, 2015 [2 favorites]
lollymccatburglar: "So, Dark Mode is basically a "classic colors" switch."
Wellllll, not so fast. The yellow is replaced with a chartreuse-y green that I (for one) really don't like, even though I have come to like just about everything else about Modern Theme. I fiddled with a Stylish userscript to change it back for a while, but it was unreliable and distracting (and not available on mobile) so I gave up. I wonder, if we are considering a default dark mode, might we consider a return to yellow?
posted by Rock Steady at 8:09 AM on July 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
Wellllll, not so fast. The yellow is replaced with a chartreuse-y green that I (for one) really don't like, even though I have come to like just about everything else about Modern Theme. I fiddled with a Stylish userscript to change it back for a while, but it was unreliable and distracting (and not available on mobile) so I gave up. I wonder, if we are considering a default dark mode, might we consider a return to yellow?
posted by Rock Steady at 8:09 AM on July 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
pb: "Any plans to incorporate a title-free option in the modern theme?
No, no plans for that. The classic themes are there and support title-hiding if you need it"
What about font/size preferences? I like titles just fine, but they are way too big. And I had forgotten how much I dislike the default font until I browsed without Stylish.
posted by team lowkey at 1:31 PM on July 1, 2015
No, no plans for that. The classic themes are there and support title-hiding if you need it"
What about font/size preferences? I like titles just fine, but they are way too big. And I had forgotten how much I dislike the default font until I browsed without Stylish.
posted by team lowkey at 1:31 PM on July 1, 2015
What about font/size preferences?
That is in our plans, yeah. I don't have a timeline for that, but I believe it's on the list. We work with an outside designer for things like that and they take time to develop.
I wonder, if we are considering a default dark mode, might we consider a return to yellow?
Sorry, no plans to change colors. We knew people wouldn't like many of the choices we made with the Modern theme and that's why we keep the classic themes available.
posted by pb (staff) at 1:41 PM on July 1, 2015
That is in our plans, yeah. I don't have a timeline for that, but I believe it's on the list. We work with an outside designer for things like that and they take time to develop.
I wonder, if we are considering a default dark mode, might we consider a return to yellow?
Sorry, no plans to change colors. We knew people wouldn't like many of the choices we made with the Modern theme and that's why we keep the classic themes available.
posted by pb (staff) at 1:41 PM on July 1, 2015
*sends pb sparkly sprinkles, magic fairy dust, pot of gold and a rainbow*
posted by infini at 2:24 PM on July 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by infini at 2:24 PM on July 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
Since we launched the Modern theme!
Oh :( classic theme 4ever. I was dreaming of like, a slightly darker version of the grey theme but for the entire site.
posted by emptythought at 2:58 PM on July 1, 2015
Oh :( classic theme 4ever. I was dreaming of like, a slightly darker version of the grey theme but for the entire site.
posted by emptythought at 2:58 PM on July 1, 2015
While we're all here I'd like to say once again how much I love the modern theme. Like every single day I think to myself, "gee, this is so much better than it used to be." You'd think the shine would have worn off by now but you'd be wrong. I use the site in mobile quite a bit and do a lot of window resizing on my desktop and it's always just seamless. (Except for how I still lose my place in a thread on my phone if I rotate the screen cough cough.)
But I love it and it's wonderful and thank you.
posted by phunniemee at 3:04 PM on July 1, 2015
But I love it and it's wonderful and thank you.
posted by phunniemee at 3:04 PM on July 1, 2015
I love the modern theme - specifically dark mode - so much.
Like. In a "probably not healthy to like something this much" way.
posted by dotgirl at 3:23 PM on July 1, 2015
Like. In a "probably not healthy to like something this much" way.
posted by dotgirl at 3:23 PM on July 1, 2015
I cling to the classic and still lament the loss of my darkly black rotary phone.
posted by a humble nudibranch at 3:56 PM on July 1, 2015
posted by a humble nudibranch at 3:56 PM on July 1, 2015
I'm glad we still have the classic theme. I especially appreciate it because most web sites have one and only one theme available for UI and have no compunction about changing it without warning or recourse. Managing the quirks for four stylesheets is a pain in the ass. I think it's a testament to how much the staff here cares about us. So thank you.
That green is ugly as sin, though. I'm glad I don't have to look at it.
posted by double block and bleed at 9:24 PM on July 1, 2015
That green is ugly as sin, though. I'm glad I don't have to look at it.
posted by double block and bleed at 9:24 PM on July 1, 2015
As long as Classic is available and supported (nothing personal pb, I just pretty much hate all current ideas about web design) I'm happy.
posted by Pope Guilty at 10:08 PM on July 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by Pope Guilty at 10:08 PM on July 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
hey, nothing personal taken. It's not a competition! We want folks to be happy reading the site so we have some options.
posted by pb (staff) at 10:16 PM on July 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by pb (staff) at 10:16 PM on July 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
I just don't want to come off as devaluing your work and all.
posted by Pope Guilty at 10:24 PM on July 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Pope Guilty at 10:24 PM on July 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
"That is in our plans, yeah. I don't have a timeline for that, but I believe it's on the list. We work with an outside designer for things like that and they take time to develop."
I really like the new UI with the dark theme (and I'll add to the chorus requesting an "always on" toggle in preferences), but from the beginning I just could not stand Source Sans. With Stylish, I've been changing it to Open Sans (style originally provided by someone here, pardon that I can't recall who it was) and recently I accidently turned Stylish off and I was startled by how awful that Source Sans looked. I'm sure I'm not the only person who feels this way. I'm quite happy with sans typefaces for electronic displays like this, but that Source Sans at that sizing and weight goes beyond where I'm comfortable and looks like blobby blocks of shouty text. It looks faux-bolded to me, actually. Ugh. Maybe it looks better on other platforms?
posted by Ivan Fyodorovich at 10:26 PM on July 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
I really like the new UI with the dark theme (and I'll add to the chorus requesting an "always on" toggle in preferences), but from the beginning I just could not stand Source Sans. With Stylish, I've been changing it to Open Sans (style originally provided by someone here, pardon that I can't recall who it was) and recently I accidently turned Stylish off and I was startled by how awful that Source Sans looked. I'm sure I'm not the only person who feels this way. I'm quite happy with sans typefaces for electronic displays like this, but that Source Sans at that sizing and weight goes beyond where I'm comfortable and looks like blobby blocks of shouty text. It looks faux-bolded to me, actually. Ugh. Maybe it looks better on other platforms?
posted by Ivan Fyodorovich at 10:26 PM on July 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
Thanks, Pope Guilty, I appreciate that. I've been here a long time and a ton of my work is in the Classic theme too. The fact that you still like it means you like a lot of work that I've done there too.
posted by pb (staff) at 10:28 PM on July 1, 2015 [6 favorites]
posted by pb (staff) at 10:28 PM on July 1, 2015 [6 favorites]
*throws more glitter at pb*
posted by infini at 12:59 AM on July 2, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by infini at 12:59 AM on July 2, 2015 [4 favorites]
Glitter!!! I'd be so down for a glitter mode....please?
posted by pearlybob at 2:40 AM on July 2, 2015
posted by pearlybob at 2:40 AM on July 2, 2015
Another vote for Dark Mode. I hate hate hate Light Mode. And while you're at it, can you change that hideous green back to a more aesthetically pleasing, and historically accurate yellow?
posted by salmacis at 8:02 AM on July 2, 2015
posted by salmacis at 8:02 AM on July 2, 2015
I use classic, but occasionally check out the new theme. Apparently I had Dark Mode enabled. The white - no - far too Professional. Actually, just too bright. much nicer here in the dark.
posted by theora55 at 8:26 AM on July 2, 2015
posted by theora55 at 8:26 AM on July 2, 2015
Maybe it can be a url based option, so metafilter.com/?=dark could be bookmarked and work?
posted by gryftir at 8:14 PM on July 2, 2015
posted by gryftir at 8:14 PM on July 2, 2015
While searching for the Dark Mode toggle up then down the page. I came across a little squiggle near FAQ | Contact | on the bottom right hand corner of the page. This page. Any page.
What is that little squiggle? It's tiny and looks like a little face.
It is this little creature: ☃
It's not clickable. What is it, and why is it there? Pls forgive if this was already asked, and already answered. Thank you.
posted by seawallrunner at 9:19 PM on July 2, 2015
What is that little squiggle? It's tiny and looks like a little face.
It is this little creature: ☃
It's not clickable. What is it, and why is it there? Pls forgive if this was already asked, and already answered. Thank you.
posted by seawallrunner at 9:19 PM on July 2, 2015
What is it, and why is it there?
That's a Unicode Snowman. A long time ago we moved MetaFilter to new servers. And while our new DNS settings were propagating across the Internet, some people would be routed to the old server and some to the new server. We put a unicode snowman on the new server so folks would know when they got the new DNS settings. It stuck. There's no reason for it now.
If you're seeing unicode snowman that means you're using the Classic theme so you won't see a Dark Mode toggle. The Dark Mode toggle is only available in the Modern theme.
posted by pb (staff) at 9:25 PM on July 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
That's a Unicode Snowman. A long time ago we moved MetaFilter to new servers. And while our new DNS settings were propagating across the Internet, some people would be routed to the old server and some to the new server. We put a unicode snowman on the new server so folks would know when they got the new DNS settings. It stuck. There's no reason for it now.
If you're seeing unicode snowman that means you're using the Classic theme so you won't see a Dark Mode toggle. The Dark Mode toggle is only available in the Modern theme.
posted by pb (staff) at 9:25 PM on July 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
thank you pb for answering about the Snowman!
And yes I read the comments and answers about Dark Mode, thank you. I tried the Modern/Dark, didn't like it as much as I like Classic, and returned to Classic.
posted by seawallrunner at 9:28 PM on July 2, 2015
And yes I read the comments and answers about Dark Mode, thank you. I tried the Modern/Dark, didn't like it as much as I like Classic, and returned to Classic.
posted by seawallrunner at 9:28 PM on July 2, 2015
Woah, this is awesome. I might actually use Modern now.
Although I too would much appreciate a Classic Green switch for Modern Dark. And one for the classic style of text highlighting. Chartreuse on blue on a MeTa page is fugly.
posted by snuffleupagus at 8:15 PM on July 7, 2015
Although I too would much appreciate a Classic Green switch for Modern Dark. And one for the classic style of text highlighting. Chartreuse on blue on a MeTa page is fugly.
posted by snuffleupagus at 8:15 PM on July 7, 2015
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Yep, I think we can find a way to add a consistent dark mode option. The easiest way would probably be adding a fourth theme called Modern Dark. If you had that theoretical new theme set, Dark Mode would be switched on automatically when you log in.
posted by pb (staff) at 4:19 PM on June 29, 2015 [30 favorites]