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Deep Underground Poetry is Closing Down
Sadly the Deep Underground Poetry website will be shutting its doors on May 12th 2025
Why?
When DU began (originally in 1999) the internet was a very different place, everything was new and small websites sprung up everywhere. Over the last 25 years much has changed, and the regulatory burden on websites, particular those who host user content, has grown massively. It’s really difficult for a small site, which operates internationally, to keep on top of the pace of change. Large sites have the benefit of vast resources at their disposal, whereas smaller sites have gradually been closed down. Sadly now it’s our turn to say goodbye.
I have kept DU going for many years, for the benefit of the community, but not always felt able to do the website justice, with the very limited time and resources I have. I feel this community would now be better served elsewhere.
Would you consider selling the website?
Unfortunately, the legal costs involved in such a transaction would be prohibitive, as we’d need to ensure safe transfer of user data across many different countries and jurisdictions. I don’t think this is a realistic proposition for a website which doesn’t make a profit. Of course, members are free to start their own site (with a different name) or move to other existing websites.
What now?
I want to thank everyone who has been involved with the website over the years, and I’ll be starting a thread specifically for thank yous and sharing memories of our time at Deep Underground Poetry.
The website is no longer accepting new members. Please take the next two months to back up any of your content which you don’t have elsewhere, and reach out to any people you want to say goodbye to. Please be mindful of staying safe online and not sharing personal details with strangers.
Any remaining DU Supporter subscriptions will be cancelled by 5th April, to ensure that no one is paying for a period after the website closes. Of course, supporters are free to log in to PayPal and cancel their subscriptions before this date.
Thank you all for being part of the community, it has been an amazing journey, spanning the greater part of my life and I would love to hear your stories about what DU has meant to you.
I wish everyone the very best for the future,
DU Webmistress
Why?
When DU began (originally in 1999) the internet was a very different place, everything was new and small websites sprung up everywhere. Over the last 25 years much has changed, and the regulatory burden on websites, particular those who host user content, has grown massively. It’s really difficult for a small site, which operates internationally, to keep on top of the pace of change. Large sites have the benefit of vast resources at their disposal, whereas smaller sites have gradually been closed down. Sadly now it’s our turn to say goodbye.
I have kept DU going for many years, for the benefit of the community, but not always felt able to do the website justice, with the very limited time and resources I have. I feel this community would now be better served elsewhere.
Would you consider selling the website?
Unfortunately, the legal costs involved in such a transaction would be prohibitive, as we’d need to ensure safe transfer of user data across many different countries and jurisdictions. I don’t think this is a realistic proposition for a website which doesn’t make a profit. Of course, members are free to start their own site (with a different name) or move to other existing websites.
What now?
I want to thank everyone who has been involved with the website over the years, and I’ll be starting a thread specifically for thank yous and sharing memories of our time at Deep Underground Poetry.
The website is no longer accepting new members. Please take the next two months to back up any of your content which you don’t have elsewhere, and reach out to any people you want to say goodbye to. Please be mindful of staying safe online and not sharing personal details with strangers.
Any remaining DU Supporter subscriptions will be cancelled by 5th April, to ensure that no one is paying for a period after the website closes. Of course, supporters are free to log in to PayPal and cancel their subscriptions before this date.
Thank you all for being part of the community, it has been an amazing journey, spanning the greater part of my life and I would love to hear your stories about what DU has meant to you.
I wish everyone the very best for the future,
DU Webmistress
Dear Wedmiss,
I’m gobsmacked and very sad to learn of this. For the better part of six years this site has taught me so much and given me even more by way of friendships and nurturing opportunities to try something I never would have done before, write poetry. With deep affection and great humility, thank you. H🌷
I’m gobsmacked and very sad to learn of this. For the better part of six years this site has taught me so much and given me even more by way of friendships and nurturing opportunities to try something I never would have done before, write poetry. With deep affection and great humility, thank you. H🌷
I too thought of it as a second home.
So many great people and stories to tell.
You've done a great job over the years offering a space for new poets like myself to explore writing.
I'm very saddened to hear this news.
Thank you sincerely
Poetspeak
So many great people and stories to tell.
You've done a great job over the years offering a space for new poets like myself to explore writing.
I'm very saddened to hear this news.
Thank you sincerely
Poetspeak
