Welcome to the third installment of "Hey Hexe", a bi-monthly, super-duper, deviantART how to. This time around our focus is not really a how to but rather a "What is?". Since I often receive tons of emails during site maintenance our focus this round is " Hey Hexe what is read only mode and why can't I do anything during one?"

Now let's get started!



Ah the mysteries of read-only mode. What goes on during one? Why do we have them? Are the little monkeys playing again?




FAQ #505: What is Read-Only mode? Why is the site in 'read-only mode'?

What you are seeing is a sometimes necessary state of the site. Read-only mode goes into effect sometimes when deviantART is under maintenance, usually for certain upgrades and modifications or when one or more of the servers isn't synchronized with the rest of the set. This can be done manually, or automatically by the site if certain performance triggers are activated.

In the case of server de-synchronization, read-only mode is used to allow the servers to re-synchronize.



FAQ #684: I have heard a rumor that deviantART goes in to read-only mode for Hot Topics. Is this true?

Read-only mode is also used for Hot Topics. Yes that ever popular rumor you heard about the site going in to read-only for Hot Topics is true.




FAQ #646: I cannot login during Read-Only mode. Why?

When the site goes in to read-only the site will appear to users in a logged out state, when this happens you will often see a message appear "You must be logged in to use this section of deviantART", this is normal and nothing to panic over. When the site comes out of read-only mode you will automatically be re-logged in to your account and be able to comment and submit deviations once again.

If you're not at your home location of use and wish to logout during a read-only mode you will need to clear your cookies, you can do this by following the steps listed here FAQ #645: I was told I should try deleting my cookies. How do I do this?




In closing...

One interesting question that often comes up amongst users during read-only mode is why you can still use dAMN during this time, but cannot open a new connection.

The reason for this is simple, dAMN is not located on the main server so when you're on dAMN chatting you will still be able to keep chatting when the site goes in to read-only mode. You cannot however at this time open a new connection to dAMN because the main server cannot connect during this time to the chat server, or lookup your login information.

FAQ #701: How come I can still chat on dAMN while in read-only mode, but cannot open a new connection to it?




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I hope you have enjoyed the third installment of "Hey Hexe" and will keep your eyes peeled for future installments!

If you'd like to see something covered in future installments, please feel free to note me with your suggestions.