Dreamwidth

Dreamwidth is an open source^[1][2] social networking and blogging site based on LiveJournal code and committed to open access, interoperability, and respecting user privacy.^[3][4] It was originally launched in 2009.^[5]

Dreamwidth Studios, LLC operates on a user-funded business model. Users can support the site by purchasing extra features for their accounts or gifting paid features to others.^[6][7][8] Dreamwidth does not accept or display third-party advertising.^[3][9]

Dreamwidth's site policies on 18+ content^[10] meant the site attracted some attention as a Tumblr alternative in the wake of the 2018 Tumblr porn ban.^[11]

Features

• Private posts^[12]

• Comment screening^[13]

• HTML and rich text options for post formatting^[14]

• OpenID for subscribing to Dreamwidth journals, using a Reading Page (subscription feed), and commenting on Dreamwidth posts^[15]

• RSS and Atom feeds generated for all accounts^[16]

• RSS feed reader capability^[17][18]

Legal Advocacy

Dreamwidth has played a role in actively combating legal challenges to user privacy on the internet. In partnership with NetChoice, Dreamwidth staff have participated in cases such as NetChoice v. Skrmetti and Netchoice v. Yost.

• 2026-02-10 Update on Legal Cases
• 2024-10-04 Netchoice v Skrmetti (TN)
• 2024-09-17 The Current List of Cases
• 2024-09-17 In which we update you about our lawsuits, and welcome a wave of new friends!
• 2024-01-07 In which we help to sue Ohio
• 2024-01-03 In which we level up our fight for your digital civil rights

Articles & Further Info

• Dreamwidth Advocacy - community with news about Dreamwidth legal advocacy
• 2025-11-23 How Online Privacy Has Been Championed by Dreamwidth
• 2018-12-03 A Tumblr User’s Guide to Dreamwidth
• 2009-09-15 Interview with Mark Smith and Denise Paolucci, the founders of Dreamwidth
• 2008-07-18 Why Monetizing Social Media Through Advertising Is Doomed To Failure

See Also

• Tumblr
• Pillowfort
• Cohost
• Archive of our own

References