Something Awful
ActiveOverview
Something Awful is a long-running comedy website and forum centered at forums.somethingawful.com, featuring discussion boards on topics like video games, movies, anime, and internet culture. Launched in 1999, it hosts user-generated threads, feature articles, and humorous content, with a focus on a tight-knit community known for sharp wit and internet memes. It stands out for its longevity and influence on early internet phenomena, maintaining a subscription model for core forum access.
Key Features
- Discussion Forums - Multiple subforums covering games, movies, anime, technology, and off-topic discussions.
- Let's Play Threads - User-hosted gameplay documentation with screenshots and commentary.
- FYAD (Fuck You And Die) - General off-topic forum for memes, humor, and casual conversation.
- Feature Articles - Humorous reviews and essays on media, games, and internet trends.
- Photoshop Contests - Image editing challenges and digitally manipulated picture threads.
- Moderation System - Strict rules enforced by moderators to maintain community standards.
- Gold Star Program - Recognition for high-quality posters with special badges.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free Access | Free | Limited read-only access to public areas and some threads. |
| Turbo Membership | $10 one-time | Full forum access, posting privileges, and permanent account status. |
Platforms & Requirements
Accessible via web browsers on desktop and mobile devices worldwide. No native apps; requires JavaScript and modern browser support. Older threads may load slowly on low-bandwidth connections.
Integrations & Ecosystem
- RSS feeds for forums
- Image upload and hosting
- Embedded YouTube and media links
- Private messaging system
- Thread subscription alerts
- External wiki links (SA Wiki)
- Basic search functionality
Alternatives
| App | Difference |
|---|---|
| Larger, decentralized subreddits with upvoting vs. SA's centralized, invite-only style moderation. | |
| 4chan | Anonymous posting and ephemeral threads vs. SA's registered accounts and persistent archives. |
| Discord | Real-time chat servers vs. SA's traditional threaded forum format. |
| Discourse | Modern, open-source platform with better mobile UX vs. SA's legacy web design. |
Reputation
Something Awful is regarded as a pioneer in internet forum culture, credited with spawning memes and communities like early Let's Plays. It has a loyal user base praising its humor and moderation but faces criticism for a cliquish atmosphere and tolerance of edgy content. Recent years have seen discussions of declining activity post-ownership changes.