# Can I kill Sultantheme? **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [April 1, 2019, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-kill-sultantheme/831891 "2019-04-01T21:43:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2019, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-kill-sultantheme/831891/21 "2019-04-04T13:05:01Z")
The banner space is all over the page. Somebody changed something. ---
**Author:** ![Doug\_K](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b5ac83/32.png) [@Doug\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_K)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2019, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-kill-sultantheme/831891/22 "2019-04-04T13:50:49Z")
> [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > Well, it’s not the Devil, it’s Google. Some would argue that’s basically the same. 🙂 > > Google ranks you lower if you don’t have a mobile theme by default. You don’t have the use the [del]Devil’s[/del] Sultanstheme, but as I understand it, it has to be our default or the SDMB won’t show up anywhere near the top results on Google’s searches. > [@Chronos](#): > > Of course, Sultantheme can’t be mobile-friendly if it’s everything-hostile. Even if it was intended to be mobile-friendly, we don’t know if Google deems it to be so. As bad as Sultanstheme is on desktop, it’s even worse on mobile. Makes it nearly unusable. Anything but mobile friendly. ---
**Author:** ![TubaDiva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tubadiva/32/507_2.png) [@TubaDiva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TubaDiva)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2019, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-kill-sultantheme/831891/23 "2019-04-04T14:02:49Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > The banner space is all over the page. Somebody changed something. Haven’t heard back yet from my inquiry. Are you still seeing this? Is it always coming up like this or are you only seeing it intermittently? Jenny your humble TubaDiva Administrator ---
**Author:** ![AHunter3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ahunter3/32/368_2.png) [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2019, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-kill-sultantheme/831891/24 "2019-04-04T20:22:50Z")
I keep seeing this thread with **TubaDiva** as last poster and misreading it as her having created the thread and thinking \*\*\*YESSS!! Kill it dead! \*\*\* ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2019, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-kill-sultantheme/831891/25 "2019-04-05T05:28:53Z")
> [@AHunter3](#): > > I keep seeing this thread with **TubaDiva** as last poster and misreading it as her having created the thread and thinking \*\*\*YESSS!! Kill it dead! \*\*\* I thought Sultanstheme was someone’s user name. ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2019, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-kill-sultantheme/831891/26 "2019-04-05T14:10:58Z")
> [@Siam\_Sam](#): > > I thought Sultanstheme was someone’s user name. Thank God its not just me; I did the same thing. “Kill him? What the heck kind of posts has he been making? \*\* Kaylasdad\*\* doesn’t usually react like that to even the real serious assholes.” :smack: ---
**Author:** ![GrandWino](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grandwino/32/67_2.png) [@GrandWino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrandWino)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2019, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-kill-sultantheme/831891/27 "2019-04-05T17:49:53Z")
_changes name to SultanTheme_ _Reports Post_ ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2019, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-kill-sultantheme/831891/28 "2019-04-05T19:04:15Z")
> [@GrandWino](#): > > _changes name to SultanTheme_ > > _Reports Post_ Wow, a poster turning himself in to the Board authorities. That’s an new twist! LOL ---
**Author:** ![Disgruntled\_Penguin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@Disgruntled\_Penguin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Disgruntled_Penguin)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2019, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-kill-sultantheme/831891/29 "2019-04-05T19:55:48Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > If someone has an old bookmark with the http version, then all of the built-in links in the system (like the forum listing pages) will also go to http versions. > > If that person then copies and pastes a URL into a link, that link will also be to the http version. > > And if anyone then clicks on that link, then they’ll also get the http version, no matter what their bookmarks or settings. > > Other sites need not be involved. This can all happen on this site. And we can’t control what users do, but we should be able to control how the site responds: Is there any reason why http doesn’t auto-redirect to https? You should be able to do a 301 redirect on the server which will make all http calls be served as https links. This is how we did it when I worked at an ISP and the customer added SSL to their domain. This was done globally so no page edits need be made.This would solve the old bookmark issue. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2019, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-kill-sultantheme/831891/30 "2019-04-05T22:06:00Z")
> [@Disgruntled\_Penguin](#): > > You should be able to do a 301 redirect on the server which will make all http calls be served as https links. This is how we did it when I worked at an ISP and the customer added SSL to their domain. This was done globally so no page edits need be made.This would solve the old bookmark issue. It used to be set up that way. But it changed, for some reason. Personally, I’m a big fan of allowing an HTTP version of every site exist, just without being able to log in. (Obviously sites where logging in is the point would be pointless, but otherwise, it’s useful.) It still bugs me that there’s no HTTP Wikipedia that you just can’t edit, allowing people with old devices to still always get info. It’s fun surfing the SDMB on my 2nd Gen Kindle with free cellular Internet. ---
**Author:** ![Disgruntled\_Penguin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@Disgruntled\_Penguin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Disgruntled_Penguin)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2019, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-kill-sultantheme/831891/31 "2019-04-06T00:14:42Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > It used to be set up that way. But it changed, for some reason. > > Personally, I’m a big fan of allowing an HTTP version of every site exist, just without being able to log in. (Obviously sites where logging in is the point would be pointless, but otherwise, it’s useful.) It still bugs me that there’s no HTTP Wikipedia that you just can’t edit, allowing people with old devices to still always get info. > > It’s fun surfing the SDMB on my 2nd Gen Kindle with free cellular Internet. Really, how is it done now? I see rece nt artilces still telling people how and why to do them. It doesn’t negatively affect SEO functions. All is does is permanently redirect from one url or domain to another permanently . I am not involved in this as a business anymore but I like to keep current. What has replaced the 301 redirect then? PS: This is an article from october that discusses them. > **[301 Redirects for SEO: The Ultimate Guide for 2024](https://www.gotchseo.com/301-redirects-seo/)** > > What is a 301 redirect and how do you use it the right way for SEO? This guide will show you everything you'll ever need to know. Click now to start learning. Here’s one from november > **[How to Set Up a 301 Redirect in .htaccess With Examples](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/website/setting-up-a-301-permanent-redirect-via-htaccess/)** > > Learn how to create a 301 redirect within your htaccess file. This was an essential SEO tool. Apparently it’s still in use to some degree but if there’s something newer yeah, hit me with it. Maybe by PM so we don’t hijack? PS: I searched google for “alternative to 401 redirect” and they’re not coming up with anything in the top few links. and as this directly affects their bottom line, I’d think they’d push those results higher as it would affect any existing SEO work done and that’d be a game changer ---
**Author:** ![TubaDiva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tubadiva/32/507_2.png) [@TubaDiva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TubaDiva)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2019, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-kill-sultantheme/831891/32 "2019-04-06T00:28:20Z")
It’s not a matter of redirect. It’s a matter of “Google punish.” [https://hosting.review/tips-tools/google-ssl-update/](https://hosting.review/tips-tools/google-ssl-update/) Jenny ---
**Author:** ![Disgruntled\_Penguin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@Disgruntled\_Penguin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Disgruntled_Penguin)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2019, 9:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-kill-sultantheme/831891/33 "2019-04-06T09:06:57Z")
> [@TubaDiva](#): > > It’s not a matter of redirect. It’s a matter of “Google punish.” > > [https://hosting.review/tips-tools/google-ssl-update/](https://hosting.review/tips-tools/google-ssl-update/) > > Jenny Still don’t get it. Here’s an article from last August which is after the change mentioned above and google is recommending > [@](#): > > On a webmaster video hangout yesterday, Google trends analyst John Mueller strongly recommended that people migrating from HTTP to HTTPS do so with 301 redirects on a per-URL basis. He said you should not use other types of redirects, such as 303s or others; you should stick with 301 redirects for these migrations. > **[When migrating from HTTP to HTTPS, Google says to use 301 redirects](https://searchengineland.com/when-migrating-from-http-to-https-google-says-to-use-301-redirects-304200)** > > Don't get fancy with your HTTPS site migration. Keep it simple and consistent, and use 301 redirects, says Google. Here’s a post from this year which addresses why this won’t run afoul of google. > [@](#): > > A 301 redirect is implemented if the change you want to make is, well… permanent. The detour page now embodies the redirected page as if it was the former. A complete takeover. > > **The old page will be removed from Google’s index and the new one will replace it.** > **[How does 301 and 302 Redirect affect SEO?](https://seo-hacker.com/301-302-redirect-affect-seo/)** > > For the non-technical, a 301 and 302 redirect sounds foreign. Here, we'll be discussing what a 301 and 302 redirect is, how it affects SEO, and how we can use it. One more from after the google update you linked to, > [@](#): > > Google’s John Mueller offered an interesting explanation of how a 301 redirect will pass 100% of PageRank. The SEO community has known since about 2016 that there was no PageRank loss. But this is the first time that the “how” part of it has been discussed in this much detail. > > Regardless of what John Mueller said, 100% PageRank does not pass through 301 redirects in all situations. Note that this article states that there might be some effect from redirects google itself is saying that it won’t but in either case I wouldn’t say the effect would be considered punishing. What your article points out is that a site must feed out SSL pages not unsecured one and a 301 redirect achieves that. Finally, I just tested and the straight dope already has some redirects. I just tried [http://straightdope.com](http://straightdope.com) and it auto redirected to [https://straightdope.com](https://straightdope.com) but the link to this thread [https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=873373](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=873373) does not redirect when you drop the s so anyone who visits the site from an old link like that would actually penalize the site ranking as you’d be serving up an insecure page whereas with a redirect they would land on a secure page. That’s how I understood it. What am I missing? ---
**Author:** ![TubaDiva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tubadiva/32/507_2.png) [@TubaDiva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TubaDiva)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2019, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-kill-sultantheme/831891/34 "2019-04-06T16:19:56Z")
All I can do is mention this to management. Jenny your humble TubaDiva Administrator ---
**Author:** ![Disgruntled\_Penguin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@Disgruntled\_Penguin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Disgruntled_Penguin)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2019, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-kill-sultantheme/831891/35 "2019-04-06T18:45:45Z")
> [@TubaDiva](#): > > All I can do is mention this to management. > > Jenny > your humble TubaDiva > Administrator Sounds good. I wasn’t actually complaining but just trying to add a bit of my experience to the board I quite enjoy. I’ve never encountered the problems mentioned in this thread. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2019, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-kill-sultantheme/831891/36 "2019-04-06T21:27:12Z")
Has anyone actually determined what it is about the Sultantheme that is detected as “mobile-friendly” and hence elevates the SDMB’s page rank? The reason I ask is that making this abomination the default seems to me to be deeply ironic. So a casual user doing a Google search is more likely to be directed to the SDMB because of Sultantheme being the default. And what does that user then experience? Putting it bluntly, she experiences a half-assed broken UI\*, and for added effect, it’s infested with obnoxious ads (a completely different issue, granted – but just saying). We who have signed up here know how to subscribe or otherwise block ads and how to set the original theme as the default, and frankly to me those are prerequisites to the site being usable. What the first-time visitor experiences must truly be a horror. When corresponding with friends I’m often reluctant to give them direct links to the site for fear of what they’ll experience, not just because of the Sultantheme but perhaps even to the point of getting their browser hijacked or their computer infected by a rogue ad! I say this not to be ornery but to try to be helpful. I’m suggesting that first-time visitors here probably don’t get a very welcoming experience, and that’s not conducive to having them stick around and growing the membership. I’m fully aware that it costs money to run a message board, and admittedly I haven’t a clue about the economics of this one, but I do know that some boards that are essentially just small-time one-man operations have managed just fine with minimally intrusive ads and a perfectly ordinary desktop-oriented vBulletin interface. – - Yes, I know some people like and use the Sultantheme. There are some matters of subjective preference here. What is not subjective is the general trend that whenever some site feature is discovered to be broken, it’s usually only in the Sultantheme. And many aesthetic aspects of it are really pretty bad. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2019, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-kill-sultantheme/831891/37 "2019-04-08T15:10:01Z")
wolfpup: It’s simply the fact that it resizes to fit different sized screens. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2019, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-kill-sultantheme/831891/38 "2019-04-08T18:06:07Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > wolfpup: It’s simply the fact that it resizes to fit different sized screens. This site is practically unreadable on my iPhone using the standard theme. If I turn it to landscape then manually zoom I can read text but it’s a pain. That is the only reason I use Sultantheme. ---
**Author:** ![KarlGauss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/karlgauss/32/3713_2.png) [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2019, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-kill-sultantheme/831891/39 "2019-04-08T20:39:59Z")
Does having used Sultantheme (briefly) have anything to do with the board software now forgetting where I am in a thread? For a week or so, basically since around the time this thread was started, if I click to ‘view first unread’ post, I’m not taken there. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2019, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-kill-sultantheme/831891/40 "2019-04-10T02:23:30Z")
> [@Disgruntled\_Penguin](#): > > Really, how is it done now? I see rece nt artilces still telling people how and why to do them. It doesn’t negatively affect SEO functions. All is does is permanently redirect from one url or domain to another permanently . Sorry. I was unclear. I meant that the SDMB used to redirect to the HTTPS site if you used the HTTP URL anywhere on the site. Now it no longer does so. (I do not know what method they used to accomplish this.) I then added that I personally like having access to the HTTP version of sites–at least, as long as you don’t have to log in. (When you need to log in, it makes sense to be more secure.) I wish there was a read-only HTTP version of Wikipedia, for example. The reason why is simply so it would still work on old devices, particularly the Amazon Kindle. [This xkcd comic](https://xkcd.com/548/) illustrates the reason why. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-kill-sultantheme/831891.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-kill-sultantheme/831891.md?page=3)