Homestuck, the sprawling webcomic by Andrew Hussie, has a notoriously complex history. Its updates were spread over many years, and pinning down the exact posting date of a specific page can be surprisingly tricky. This guide will walk you through several methods to determine when your favorite Homestuck page first graced the internet.
What Information Do You Already Have?
Before we dive into the methods, consider what information you already possess. Knowing the Act, Intermission, or even a rough idea of the page's content will significantly narrow your search.
Method 1: Using the Official Homestuck Website (MS Paint Adventures)
While the original website has undergone changes, the archive remains largely intact. If you know the page number or have a link to a specific page, you can navigate to it directly. The URL often provides some clues (though not always consistent dating), and many pages contain dates within the image itself as annotations from Andrew Hussie.
However, this method is not foolproof, as some page numbers may be inaccurate or missing in the archive.
Method 2: Using the Homestuck Wiki (Mspaintadventures.com Wiki)
The Homestuck Wiki is a comprehensive resource for all things Homestuck. Each page entry usually includes a "date" field specifying when it was posted. Search for the relevant page on the Wiki—you can often search by page number, character involved, or even a key plot point. The Wiki is community-maintained, so accuracy may vary slightly across entries; however, it's a far better starting point than starting from scratch.
Method 3: Leveraging Online Archives and Fan Communities
Various online archives and fan communities may have preserved older versions of the Homestuck website, potentially containing additional date information. While not a guaranteed method, searching through these resources could turn up unexpected clues. Be aware of the reliability of different sources; some might contain inaccuracies or outdated information.
How are Homestuck Pages Dated In-Universe?
It's worth noting that Homestuck's in-universe timeline is separate from its real-world posting schedule. The comic frequently jumps around in time, making in-universe dates unreliable for determining real-world posting dates.
Why Is Pinpointing the Exact Date Difficult?
The difficulty in determining precise posting dates stems from several factors:
- The sheer volume of content: Homestuck's vast size makes manual checking extremely time-consuming.
- Inconsistent dating practices: Date annotations weren't consistently applied across all pages.
- Website updates and archiving issues: Changes to the website and various archiving efforts may have introduced inconsistencies.
Conclusion: A Collaborative Effort
Determining the exact date of a Homestuck page often requires a combination of methods and a bit of detective work. Using the official website, the Homestuck Wiki, and online fan communities in conjunction is the best approach. While it might not always be completely precise, you'll significantly improve your chances of uncovering the page's posting date. Remember, the Homestuck community is a valuable resource – don't hesitate to ask for assistance in dedicated forums or communities!
