Question 1

How to set up Lobsters on DigitalOcean?

Accepted Answer

The README provides a step-by-step guide using Hatchbox for deployment on DigitalOcean, including server creation, database setup with MariaDB, and SSL configuration. It requires familiarity with Rails production environments and command-line tools.

Question 2

Lobsters vs Hacker News clones like Telescope?

Accepted Answer

Lobsters is a Rails-based, self-hosted platform emphasizing minimal JavaScript and long-term sustainability, while alternatives like Telescope are often Node.js-based with more modern features but higher complexity. Lobsters is better for control-focused tech communities.

Question 3

Can I use SQLite with Lobsters in production?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the README mentions an ongoing migration to SQLite from MariaDB, and the codebase supports it, but current production setups use MariaDB. SQLite is viable for smaller instances or testing.

Question 4

What browsers does Lobsters support with its minimal JavaScript?

Accepted Answer

Lobsters targets a widely available baseline of CSS and avoids JavaScript for logged-out users, ensuring compatibility with old, experimental, and homemade browsers as highlighted in the README.

Question 5

How to customize Lobsters for my own community?

Accepted Answer

Fork the repo and edit config files like application.rb for branding, but be aware that the project is reluctant to adopt features not useful to lobste.rs. Sister sites are supported, but customization requires Rails knowledge.

Question 6

Is Lobsters actively maintained?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but as a volunteer project with limited development time, focus is on long-term sustainability rather than rapid feature updates. There's a chat room for support, and breaking changes are communicated to sister sites.

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