Michael, As was mentioned here, a 503 would be the most appropriate HTTP response code to serve. It would also prevent non-js users and text-only users from bypassing, it would avoid the flicker effect, and would cause search engines to correctly "back off" trying to index our pages. It would also correctly shut down all editing (if the site can not be read, why do you need "emergency" edit rights anyway?) I have no idea why this ineffective kludge was effected instead. On Jan 18, 2012 11:13 AM, "Michael" codejodler@gmx.ch wrote:
Today, virtually NONE of my (many) friends ever noticed something changed, until i told them.
And even with js, you can see the 'real' page popping up first before the redirect takes action. It does not feel like 'oops wikipedia is gone !!?' but more like just another anyyoing advert.
You should do a straightforward real shutdown instead, and deliver a fake 404 with explanation link. And for several more days.
And yes i would even block editing since this is also alerting people.
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