Why was the design of the website changed?

[Maserschmidt]

The site was persistently crashing with the old software, so something needed to be done. Here is the thread with the original announcement and explanation from TubaDiva (RIP😟).

It's that great getting up morning: The new site is nearly ready for you.

We told you that we were all very much aware that your experience on the Straight Dope Message Board over the last while has not been an optimal one. We told you that the board software was old and failing and overdue for a change. That we were not sure initially how that change was going to happen but we could not continue indefinitely like this. (Though I know to most of you it feels like it.) Well, today’s that day. Or will be soon. The Straight Dope Message Board is moving to new softw…