A guide on how to tell when a page of Homestuck was posted. Explore methods for tracking Homestuck page history and learn about Homestuck’s update schedule.
Homestuck, the sprawling multimedia webcomic by Andrew Hussie, is not only vast in narrative but also unique in its digital format. With over 8,000 pages comprising HTML files, Flash animations, GIFs, games, and interactive content, it’s often difficult for readers to track their progress using traditional page numbering. This guide provides precise, technical, and user-friendly methods to determine what page number you’re on in Homestuck, whether you’re reading from the original MSPaintAdventures mirror or from fan archives.
Understanding Homestuck’s Structure
Homestuck is structured in an episodic and nonlinear way. Each “page” typically corresponds to a unique URL, but not all pages are sequential. Some include animations, interactive games, or even dead links due to archival issues. Here’s how the original URLs generally look:
http://www.mspaintadventures.com/?s=6&p=xxxx
Where xxxx is the page number.
Decoding Homestuck Page URLs
The key to determining your position in the comic lies in understanding the p= parameter of the URL. Here’s a breakdown:
- s=6: This identifies the comic as Homestuck (the sixth adventure).
- p=xxxx: This number is the specific page reference.
Even if you’re reading from a Tumblr mirror or fan-hosted archive, this numeric pattern persists.
Example
http://www.mspaintadventures.com/?s=6&p=002503
This means you’re on Homestuck page 2503.
Method 1: Checking URLs for Page Numbers
- Right-click on the page (or tap and hold on mobile).
- Choose “Copy Link Address” or “Copy Page URL.”
- Paste the link into a notepad or browser.
- Look for the p= parameter.
The number after p= is your page number in Homestuck.
Method 2: Using the Archive
The Homestuck Archive Page lists every update in a hierarchical format, with titles and links.
- Visit: https://www.homestuck.com/story
- Hover over a link to see the p= value.
- Use Ctrl+F to find your current page title.
- Compare the location to estimate your progress.
Method 3: Using Fan Tools and Trackers
Several tools exist to help readers track their place:
Top Tools:
- ReadMSPA: A reader-friendly mirror of the original format.
- Homestuck Companion Tools: Some browser extensions automatically show your current page number.
- Homestuck Database Sites: These offer complete indexed pages with descriptions and page numbers.
Diagram: Flow of Locating Homestuck Page Numbers
graph TD
A[Start Reading Homestuck] –> B{What site are you using?}
B –>|Homestuck.com| C[Copy the URL from address bar]
B –>|Mirror/Tumblr Archive| D[Right-click on the frame > Copy URL]
C –> E[Identify the `p=` number]
D –> E[Identify the `p=` number]
E –> F[Confirm page in Archive List]
F –> G[You’re on Page XXXX]
The Most Direct Method: Examining the URL
The easiest and most reliable way to find the posting date is often embedded directly within the page’s URL. Here’s how to decipher it:
- Navigate to the Homestuck page in question. Ensure you’re on the official MSPFA (MS Paint Adventures) archive.
- Look at the URL in your browser’s address bar. The URL structure for Homestuck pages typically follows a pattern that includes the publication date.
- Identify the date components. Within the URL, you’ll usually find a sequence of numbers separated by slashes or hyphens that represent the year, month, and day.
- Example: A URL like https://mspfa.com/?s=6&p=001234 might not immediately show the date. However, a URL like https://mspfa.com/?s=6&p=005678&d=2011-04-13 clearly indicates that this page was posted on April 13, 2011.
- Interpret the date format: The date is generally presented in YYYY-MM-DD (Year-Month-Day) format.
Key Takeaway: Always check the URL first! Many Homestuck page URLs conveniently include the posting date.
Utilizing the MSPFA Archive Structure
Even if the date isn’t explicitly in the main URL, the structure of the MSPFA archive can offer clues:
- Note the page number (p=XXXX). Lower page numbers correspond to earlier posts, while higher numbers indicate later posts.
- Consider the Act number (s=X). Homestuck is divided into Acts, and each Act has a general timeframe. Knowing the Act can help you narrow down the posting period. For example, Act 1 pages will always predate Act 2 pages.
- Browse surrounding pages. By navigating to the previous and next pages, you can often see URLs that do contain date information. This can help you estimate the posting date of the page you’re interested in.
Tip: Familiarizing yourself with the general timelines of each Homestuck Act can provide valuable context.
Leveraging the Homestuck Wiki and Fan Resources
The dedicated Homestuck community has meticulously documented the webcomic’s history. Fan wikis and archives can be incredibly helpful:
- Search for the specific page number on a Homestuck wiki (e.g., the Homestuck Wiki on Fandom). Most wikis include detailed information about each page, including its posting date.
- Explore fan-made timelines and archives. Many dedicated fans have created comprehensive timelines that list pages and their corresponding dates. A quick search for “Homestuck timeline” might yield useful resources.
- Engage with the community. If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to ask on Homestuck forums, Discord servers, or social media groups. Experienced fans are usually happy to help.
- Caution: While fan resources are generally accurate, always cross-reference information when possible.
Understanding the Update Schedule (Historically)
While not a direct way to find a specific page’s date, understanding Homestuck’s historical update schedule can provide context:
- Early in its run, updates were often sporadic.
- As the comic progressed, Hussie implemented more regular update schedules, sometimes with multiple pages posted per day.
- During certain periods or Acts, there were known hiatuses or less frequent updates.
Knowing these general patterns can help you contextualize when a page might have been posted.
Why Knowing the Posting Date Matters
Understanding when a Homestuck page was posted can enhance your reading experience in several ways:
- Contextualizing Fan Reactions: Reading old forum posts or discussions about a specific page becomes more meaningful when you know when it was released and what information the audience had at the time.
- Tracking Narrative Pacing: The posting dates can reveal the real-time flow of the story and the gaps between significant events.
- Appreciating the Creator’s Process: Knowing the update frequency during different periods can offer insights into the immense undertaking of creating Homestuck.
- Historical Significance: For long-time fans, specific dates might be associated with memorable community events or theories.
Tips for Tracking Progress in Long Homestuck Sessions
- Bookmark the p= URL after each session.
- Use browser history to backtrack exact page numbers.
- If using a Tumblr mirror, inspect elements or links to determine original source numbers.
- Keep a reading journal with page number, act, and memorable events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where can I find the official Homestuck archive?
The official Homestuck archive is hosted on MSPFA (MS Paint Adventures) at https://mspfa.com/.
Is the posting date always included in the URL?
While it’s often included, especially for later pages, some older URLs might not explicitly display the date. In these cases, use the surrounding page URLs or fan resources.
What does the s= and p= in the URL mean?
s= indicates the Act number, and p= indicates the page number within that Act.
Are fan wikis reliable sources for posting dates?
Generally, yes. Homestuck wikis are maintained by dedicated fans who often meticulously track this information. However, it’s always a good idea to cross-reference information if possible.
How can I find out the posting date if it’s not in the URL and I can’t find it on a wiki?
Try navigating to the pages immediately before and after the page in question. Their URLs might contain date information that can help you estimate the date of the page you’re interested in. You can also ask the Homestuck community on forums or social media.
Was Homestuck updated daily?
Not consistently. The update schedule varied throughout its run, ranging from sporadic updates in the early days to multiple pages per day during certain periods. There were also significant hiatuses.
Why is knowing the posting date important for reading Homestuck?
Knowing the posting date provides context for fan discussions, helps track the narrative’s real-time progression, and offers insight into the creator’s process.
Is there a way to sort Homestuck pages by their posting date?
The MSPFA archive displays pages sequentially by their page number, which generally corresponds to the posting order. However, there isn’t a built-in feature to sort by the exact posting date. Fan-made timelines might offer this functionality.
What if the URL has a different format?
While the s= and p= format is common, especially for the main Homestuck adventure, some side stories or supplementary content might have slightly different URL structures. Look for numerical sequences that could represent year, month, and day. If unsure, consult fan resources.
Why do some pages not have a visible number?
Some interactive pages or Flash animations use redirects or embedded frames. You can usually still retrieve the base page link through “View Frame Source” or by checking the browser’s history.
Are page numbers always sequential?
No. Certain sections like intermissions or updates involving Flash games may jump or overlap in numbering.
How many total pages are there?
There are approximately 8,126 pages in Homestuck, though the final count varies depending on how interactive content is counted.
Conclusion
Tracking your place in Homestuck doesn’t need to be cryptic. Whether you’re a new reader diving into this digital epic or a veteran retracing your steps, knowing how to extract and interpret page numbers makes the experience smoother. By leveraging URL structures, archive indexes, and browser tools, you can always find your way back—just like the heroes of the story.