diff --git a/daemon.py b/daemon.py
index df9a05c83..391d0cca1 100644
--- a/daemon.py
+++ b/daemon.py
@@ -176,6 +176,7 @@ from webapp_podcast import html_podcast_episode
 from webapp_theme_designer import html_theme_designer
 from webapp_minimalbutton import set_minimal
 from webapp_minimalbutton import is_minimal
+from webapp_utils import get_default_path
 from webapp_utils import get_avatar_image_url
 from webapp_utils import html_hashtag_blocked
 from webapp_utils import html_following_list
@@ -272,6 +273,7 @@ from languages import set_actor_languages
 from languages import get_understood_languages
 from like import update_likes_collection
 from reaction import update_reaction_collection
+from utils import acct_handle_dir
 from utils import load_reverse_timeline
 from utils import save_reverse_timeline
 from utils import load_min_images_for_accounts
@@ -18225,16 +18227,9 @@ class PubServer(BaseHTTPRequestHandler):
                                          self.server.domain, nickname)
                 set_minimal(self.server.base_dir,
                             self.server.domain, nickname, not_min)
-                if not (self.server.media_instance or
-                        self.server.blogs_instance):
-                    self.path = '/users/' + nickname + '/inbox'
-                else:
-                    if self.server.blogs_instance:
-                        self.path = '/users/' + nickname + '/tlblogs'
-                    elif self.server.media_instance:
-                        self.path = '/users/' + nickname + '/tlmedia'
-                    else:
-                        self.path = '/users/' + nickname + '/tlfeatures'
+                self.path = get_default_path(self.server.media_instance,
+                                             self.server.blogs_instance,
+                                             nickname)
 
         # search for a fediverse address, shared item or emoji
         # from the web interface by selecting search icon
@@ -21254,7 +21249,7 @@ class PubServer(BaseHTTPRequestHandler):
         if not handle:
             return False
         if isinstance(handle, str):
-            person_dir = self.server.base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle
+            person_dir = acct_handle_dir(self.server.base_dir, handle)
             if not os.path.isdir(person_dir + '/devices'):
                 return False
             devices_list = []
@@ -22310,7 +22305,7 @@ def load_tokens(base_dir: str, tokens_dict: {}, tokens_lookup: {}) -> None:
     for _, dirs, _ in os.walk(base_dir + '/accounts'):
         for handle in dirs:
             if '@' in handle:
-                token_filename = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/.token'
+                token_filename = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '/.token'
                 if not os.path.isfile(token_filename):
                     continue
                 nickname = handle.split('@')[0]
diff --git a/follow.py b/follow.py
index 7c9ba3151..db4d59ce2 100644
--- a/follow.py
+++ b/follow.py
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ __module_group__ = "ActivityPub"
 
 from pprint import pprint
 import os
+from utils import acct_handle_dir
 from utils import has_object_string_object
 from utils import has_object_string_type
 from utils import remove_domain_port
@@ -304,8 +305,9 @@ def unfollow_account(base_dir: str, nickname: str, domain: str,
         handle_to_unfollow = '!' + handle_to_unfollow
     if not os.path.isdir(base_dir + '/accounts'):
         os.mkdir(base_dir + '/accounts')
-    if not os.path.isdir(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle):
-        os.mkdir(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle)
+    handle_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
+    if not os.path.isdir(handle_dir):
+        os.mkdir(handle_dir)
 
     accounts_dir = acct_dir(base_dir, nickname, domain)
     filename = accounts_dir + '/' + follow_file
diff --git a/happening.py b/happening.py
index e9d460b67..1d479cfe9 100644
--- a/happening.py
+++ b/happening.py
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ from hashlib import md5
 from datetime import datetime
 from datetime import timedelta
 
+from utils import acct_handle_dir
 from utils import is_public_post
 from utils import load_json
 from utils import save_json
@@ -94,10 +95,10 @@ def save_event_post(base_dir: str, handle: str, post_id: str,
     See https://framagit.org/framasoft/mobilizon/-/blob/
     master/lib/federation/activity_stream/converter/event.ex
     """
-    if not os.path.isdir(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle):
-        print('WARN: Account does not exist at ' +
-              base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle)
-    calendar_path = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/calendar'
+    handle_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
+    if not os.path.isdir(handle_dir):
+        print('WARN: Account does not exist at ' + handle_dir)
+    calendar_path = handle_dir + '/calendar'
     if not os.path.isdir(calendar_path):
         os.mkdir(calendar_path)
 
@@ -121,11 +122,11 @@ def save_event_post(base_dir: str, handle: str, post_id: str,
         print('Mobilizon type event')
         # if this is a full description of an event then save it
         # as a separate json file
-        events_path = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/events'
+        events_path = handle_dir + '/events'
         if not os.path.isdir(events_path):
             os.mkdir(events_path)
         events_year_path = \
-            base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/events/' + str(event_year)
+            handle_dir + '/events/' + str(event_year)
         if not os.path.isdir(events_year_path):
             os.mkdir(events_year_path)
         event_id = str(event_year) + '-' + event_time.strftime("%m") + '-' + \
@@ -134,7 +135,7 @@ def save_event_post(base_dir: str, handle: str, post_id: str,
 
         save_json(event_json, event_filename)
         # save to the events timeline
-        tl_events_filename = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/events.txt'
+        tl_events_filename = handle_dir + '/events.txt'
 
         if os.path.isfile(tl_events_filename):
             _remove_event_from_timeline(event_id, tl_events_filename)
@@ -180,7 +181,7 @@ def save_event_post(base_dir: str, handle: str, post_id: str,
 
     # create a file which will trigger a notification that
     # a new event has been added
-    cal_notify_filename = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/.newCalendar'
+    cal_notify_filename = handle_dir + '/.newCalendar'
     notify_str = \
         '/calendar?year=' + str(event_year) + '?month=' + \
         str(event_month_number) + '?day=' + str(event_day_of_month)
@@ -962,7 +963,8 @@ def _dav_store_event(base_dir: str, nickname: str, domain: str,
             "name": location
         })
     handle = nickname + '@' + domain
-    outbox_dir = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/outbox'
+    handle_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
+    outbox_dir = handle_dir + '/outbox'
     if not os.path.isdir(outbox_dir):
         return False
     filename = outbox_dir + '/' + post_id.replace('/', '#') + '.json'
diff --git a/inbox.py b/inbox.py
index 56f22cff6..380290536 100644
--- a/inbox.py
+++ b/inbox.py
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ from languages import understood_post_language
 from like import update_likes_collection
 from reaction import update_reaction_collection
 from reaction import valid_emoji_content
+from utils import acct_handle_dir
 from utils import is_account_dir
 from utils import remove_eol
 from utils import text_in_file
@@ -800,7 +801,8 @@ def _inbox_post_recipients_add(base_dir: str, http_prefix: str, to_list: [],
             # get the handle for the account on this instance
             nickname = recipient.split(domain_match)[1]
             handle = nickname + '@' + domain
-            if os.path.isdir(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle):
+            handle_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
+            if os.path.isdir(handle_dir):
                 recipients_dict[handle] = None
             else:
                 if debug:
@@ -1518,7 +1520,8 @@ def _receive_like(recent_posts_cache: {},
             print('DEBUG: "statuses" missing from object in ' +
                   message_json['type'])
         return False
-    if not os.path.isdir(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle):
+    handle_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
+    if not os.path.isdir(handle_dir):
         print('DEBUG: unknown recipient of like - ' + handle)
     # if this post in the outbox of the person?
     handle_name = handle.split('@')[0]
@@ -1652,7 +1655,8 @@ def _receive_undo_like(recent_posts_cache: {},
             print('DEBUG: "statuses" missing from like object in ' +
                   message_json['type'])
         return False
-    if not os.path.isdir(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle):
+    handle_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
+    if not os.path.isdir(handle_dir):
         print('DEBUG: unknown recipient of undo like - ' + handle)
     # if this post in the outbox of the person?
     handle_name = handle.split('@')[0]
@@ -1785,10 +1789,10 @@ def _receive_reaction(recent_posts_cache: {},
             print('DEBUG: "statuses" missing from object in ' +
                   message_json['type'])
         return False
-    if not os.path.isdir(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle):
+    handle_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
+    if not os.path.isdir(handle_dir):
         print('DEBUG: unknown recipient of emoji reaction - ' + handle)
-    if os.path.isfile(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle +
-                      '/.hideReactionButton'):
+    if os.path.isfile(handle_dir + '/.hideReactionButton'):
         print('Emoji reaction rejected by ' + handle +
               ' due to their settings')
         return True
@@ -1965,10 +1969,10 @@ def _receive_zot_reaction(recent_posts_cache: {},
             print('DEBUG: "statuses" missing from inReplyTo in ' +
                   message_json['object']['type'])
         return False
-    if not os.path.isdir(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle):
+    handle_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
+    if not os.path.isdir(handle_dir):
         print('DEBUG: unknown recipient of zot emoji reaction - ' + handle)
-    if os.path.isfile(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle +
-                      '/.hideReactionButton'):
+    if os.path.isfile(handle_dir + '/.hideReactionButton'):
         print('Zot emoji reaction rejected by ' + handle +
               ' due to their settings')
         return True
@@ -2124,7 +2128,8 @@ def _receive_undo_reaction(recent_posts_cache: {},
             print('DEBUG: "statuses" missing from reaction object in ' +
                   message_json['type'])
         return False
-    if not os.path.isdir(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle):
+    handle_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
+    if not os.path.isdir(handle_dir):
         print('DEBUG: unknown recipient of undo reaction - ' + handle)
     # if this post in the outbox of the person?
     handle_name = handle.split('@')[0]
@@ -2504,7 +2509,8 @@ def _receive_delete(session, handle: str, is_group: bool, base_dir: str,
     if message_json['actor'] not in message_json['object']:
         if debug:
             print('DEBUG: actor is not the owner of the post to be deleted')
-    if not os.path.isdir(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle):
+    handle_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
+    if not os.path.isdir(handle_dir):
         print('DEBUG: unknown recipient of like - ' + handle)
     # if this post in the outbox of the person?
     message_id = remove_id_ending(message_json['object'])
@@ -2604,7 +2610,8 @@ def _receive_announce(recent_posts_cache: {},
         if debug:
             print('DEBUG: announced domain is blocked')
         return False
-    if not os.path.isdir(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle):
+    handle_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
+    if not os.path.isdir(handle_dir):
         print('DEBUG: unknown recipient of announce - ' + handle)
 
     # is the announce actor blocked?
@@ -2825,7 +2832,8 @@ def _receive_undo_announce(recent_posts_cache: {},
             print('DEBUG: "users" or "profile" missing from actor in ' +
                   message_json['type'] + ' announce')
         return False
-    if not os.path.isdir(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle):
+    handle_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
+    if not os.path.isdir(handle_dir):
         print('DEBUG: unknown recipient of undo announce - ' + handle)
     # if this post in the outbox of the person?
     handle_name = handle.split('@')[0]
@@ -3176,7 +3184,7 @@ def _obtain_avatar_for_reply_post(session, base_dir: str, http_prefix: str,
 def _dm_notify(base_dir: str, handle: str, url: str) -> None:
     """Creates a notification that a new DM has arrived
     """
-    account_dir = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle
+    account_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
     if not os.path.isdir(account_dir):
         return
     dm_file = account_dir + '/.newDM'
@@ -3272,7 +3280,7 @@ def _like_notify(base_dir: str, domain: str,
         if not i2p_domain and not onion_domain:
             return
 
-    account_dir = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle
+    account_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir,  handle)
 
     # are like notifications enabled?
     notify_likes_enabled_filename = account_dir + '/.notifyLikes'
@@ -3335,7 +3343,7 @@ def _reaction_notify(base_dir: str, domain: str, onion_domain: str,
         if '/' + onion_domain + '/users/' + nickname not in url:
             return
 
-    account_dir = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle
+    account_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
 
     # are reaction notifications enabled?
     notify_reaction_enabled_filename = account_dir + '/.notifyReactions'
@@ -3388,7 +3396,7 @@ def _notify_post_arrival(base_dir: str, handle: str, url: str) -> None:
     This is for followed accounts with the notify checkbox enabled
     on the person options screen
     """
-    account_dir = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle
+    account_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
     if not os.path.isdir(account_dir):
         return
     notify_file = account_dir + '/.newNotifiedPost'
@@ -3408,7 +3416,7 @@ def _notify_post_arrival(base_dir: str, handle: str, url: str) -> None:
 def _reply_notify(base_dir: str, handle: str, url: str) -> None:
     """Creates a notification that a new reply has arrived
     """
-    account_dir = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle
+    account_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
     if not os.path.isdir(account_dir):
         return
     reply_file = account_dir + '/.newReply'
@@ -3424,7 +3432,7 @@ def _git_patch_notify(base_dir: str, handle: str, subject: str,
                       from_nickname: str, from_domain: str) -> None:
     """Creates a notification that a new git patch has arrived
     """
-    account_dir = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle
+    account_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
     if not os.path.isdir(account_dir):
         return
     patch_file = account_dir + '/.newPatch'
@@ -3440,7 +3448,7 @@ def _git_patch_notify(base_dir: str, handle: str, subject: str,
 def _group_handle(base_dir: str, handle: str) -> bool:
     """Is the given account handle a group?
     """
-    actor_file = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '.json'
+    actor_file = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '.json'
     if not os.path.isfile(actor_file):
         return False
     actor_json = load_json(actor_file)
@@ -3478,7 +3486,7 @@ def _send_to_group_members(server, session, session_onion, session_i2p,
             domain_str = shared_federated_domain.strip()
             shared_items_federated_domains.append(domain_str)
 
-    followers_file = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/followers.txt'
+    followers_file = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '/followers.txt'
     if not os.path.isfile(followers_file):
         return
     if not post_json_object.get('to'):
@@ -3572,7 +3580,7 @@ def inbox_update_index(boxname: str, base_dir: str, handle: str,
     The new entry is added to the top of the file
     """
     index_filename = \
-        base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/' + boxname + '.index'
+        acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '/' + boxname + '.index'
     if debug:
         print('DEBUG: Updating index ' + index_filename)
 
@@ -5124,10 +5132,11 @@ def _receive_follow_request(session, session_onion, session_i2p,
             return True
     handle_to_follow = nickname_to_follow + '@' + domain_to_follow
     if domain_to_follow == domain:
-        if not os.path.isdir(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle_to_follow):
+        handle_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle_to_follow)
+        if not os.path.isdir(handle_dir):
             if debug:
                 print('DEBUG: followed account not found - ' +
-                      base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle_to_follow)
+                      handle_dir)
             return True
 
     is_already_follower = False
@@ -5891,7 +5900,7 @@ def run_inbox_queue(server,
                 mitm = True
             bold_reading = False
             bold_reading_filename = \
-                base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/.boldReading'
+                acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '/.boldReading'
             if os.path.isfile(bold_reading_filename):
                 bold_reading = True
             _inbox_after_initial(server, inbox_start_time,
diff --git a/manualapprove.py b/manualapprove.py
index 9d035ddc9..e8579a1ce 100644
--- a/manualapprove.py
+++ b/manualapprove.py
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ import os
 from follow import followed_account_accepts
 from follow import followed_account_rejects
 from follow import remove_from_follow_requests
+from utils import acct_handle_dir
 from utils import load_json
 from utils import remove_domain_port
 from utils import get_port_from_domain
@@ -149,7 +150,7 @@ def manual_approve_follow_request(session, session_onion, session_i2p,
     handle = nickname + '@' + domain
     print('Manual follow accept: ' + handle +
           ' approving follow request from ' + approve_handle)
-    account_dir = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle
+    account_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
     approve_follows_filename = account_dir + '/followrequests.txt'
     if not os.path.isfile(approve_follows_filename):
         print('Manual follow accept: follow requests file ' +
diff --git a/newswire.py b/newswire.py
index 600a7624a..56e667bc4 100644
--- a/newswire.py
+++ b/newswire.py
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ from datetime import timezone
 from collections import OrderedDict
 from utils import valid_post_date
 from categories import set_hashtag_category
+from utils import acct_handle_dir
 from utils import remove_eol
 from utils import get_domain_from_actor
 from utils import valid_hash_tag
@@ -1538,8 +1539,8 @@ def _add_blogs_to_newswire(base_dir: str, domain: str, newswire: {},
             if is_suspended(base_dir, nickname):
                 continue
 
-            if os.path.isfile(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle +
-                              '/.nonewswire'):
+            handle_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
+            if os.path.isfile(handle_dir + '/.nonewswire'):
                 continue
 
             # is there a blogs timeline for this account?
diff --git a/person.py b/person.py
index f821f009c..df74db97c 100644
--- a/person.py
+++ b/person.py
@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@ from roles import set_role
 from roles import actor_roles_from_list
 from roles import get_actor_roles_list
 from media import process_meta_data
+from utils import acct_handle_dir
 from utils import safe_system_string
 from utils import get_attachment_property_value
 from utils import get_nickname_from_actor
@@ -117,12 +118,13 @@ def set_profile_image(base_dir: str, http_prefix: str,
     full_domain = get_full_domain(domain, port)
 
     handle = nickname + '@' + domain
-    person_filename = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '.json'
+    person_filename = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '.json'
     if not os.path.isfile(person_filename):
         print('person definition not found: ' + person_filename)
         return False
-    if not os.path.isdir(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle):
-        print('Account not found: ' + base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle)
+    handle_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
+    if not os.path.isdir(handle_dir):
+        print('Account not found: ' + handle_dir)
         return False
 
     icon_filename_base = 'icon'
@@ -155,7 +157,7 @@ def set_profile_image(base_dir: str, http_prefix: str,
     elif image_filename.endswith('.svg'):
         media_type = 'image/svg+xml'
         icon_filename = icon_filename_base + '.svg'
-    profile_filename = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/' + icon_filename
+    profile_filename = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '/' + icon_filename
 
     person_json = load_json(person_filename)
     if person_json:
@@ -957,7 +959,7 @@ def person_lookup(domain: str, path: str, base_dir: str) -> {}:
         return None
     domain = remove_domain_port(domain)
     handle = nickname + '@' + domain
-    filename = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '.json'
+    filename = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '.json'
     if not os.path.isfile(filename):
         return None
     person_json = load_json(filename)
@@ -1087,7 +1089,7 @@ def set_display_nickname(base_dir: str, nickname: str, domain: str,
     if len(display_name) > 32:
         return False
     handle = nickname + '@' + domain
-    filename = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '.json'
+    filename = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '.json'
     if not os.path.isfile(filename):
         return False
 
@@ -1105,7 +1107,7 @@ def set_bio(base_dir: str, nickname: str, domain: str, bio: str) -> bool:
     if len(bio) > 32:
         return False
     handle = nickname + '@' + domain
-    filename = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '.json'
+    filename = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '.json'
     if not os.path.isfile(filename):
         return False
 
@@ -1280,15 +1282,16 @@ def remove_account(base_dir: str, nickname: str,
     if os.path.isdir(base_dir + '/deactivated/' + handle):
         shutil.rmtree(base_dir + '/deactivated/' + handle,
                       ignore_errors=False, onerror=None)
-    if os.path.isdir(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle):
-        shutil.rmtree(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle,
+    handle_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
+    if os.path.isdir(handle_dir):
+        shutil.rmtree(handle_dir,
                       ignore_errors=False, onerror=None)
-    if os.path.isfile(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '.json'):
+    if os.path.isfile(handle_dir + '.json'):
         try:
-            os.remove(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '.json')
+            os.remove(handle_dir + '.json')
         except OSError:
             print('EX: remove_account unable to delete ' +
-                  base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '.json')
+                  handle_dir + '.json')
     if os.path.isfile(base_dir + '/wfendpoints/' + handle + '.json'):
         try:
             os.remove(base_dir + '/wfendpoints/' + handle + '.json')
@@ -1330,7 +1333,7 @@ def deactivate_account(base_dir: str, nickname: str, domain: str) -> bool:
     """
     handle = nickname + '@' + domain
 
-    account_dir = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle
+    account_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
     if not os.path.isdir(account_dir):
         return False
     deactivated_dir = base_dir + '/deactivated'
@@ -1365,7 +1368,7 @@ def activate_account(base_dir: str, nickname: str, domain: str) -> None:
     deactivated_dir = base_dir + '/deactivated'
     deactivated_account_dir = deactivated_dir + '/' + handle
     if os.path.isdir(deactivated_account_dir):
-        account_dir = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle
+        account_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
         if not os.path.isdir(account_dir):
             shutil.move(deactivated_account_dir, account_dir)
 
diff --git a/posts.py b/posts.py
index 851d0dbc7..7db8e8824 100644
--- a/posts.py
+++ b/posts.py
@@ -32,6 +32,7 @@ from webfinger import webfinger_handle
 from httpsig import create_signed_header
 from siteactive import site_is_active
 from languages import understood_post_language
+from utils import acct_handle_dir
 from utils import is_dm
 from utils import remove_eol
 from utils import text_in_file
@@ -134,7 +135,7 @@ def no_of_followers_on_domain(base_dir: str, handle: str,
     """Returns the number of followers of the given handle from the
     given domain
     """
-    filename = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/' + follow_file
+    filename = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '/' + follow_file
     if not os.path.isfile(filename):
         return 0
 
@@ -1022,7 +1023,7 @@ def _add_schedule_post(base_dir: str, nickname: str, domain: str,
     """
     handle = nickname + '@' + domain
     schedule_index_filename = \
-        base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/schedule.index'
+        acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '/schedule.index'
 
     index_str = event_date_str + ' ' + post_id.replace('/', '#')
     if os.path.isfile(schedule_index_filename):
@@ -2150,7 +2151,8 @@ def get_mentioned_people(base_dir: str, http_prefix: str,
             print('DEBUG: mentioned handle ' + handle)
         if '@' not in handle:
             handle = handle + '@' + domain
-            if not os.path.isdir(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle):
+            handle_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
+            if not os.path.isdir(handle_dir):
                 continue
         else:
             external_domain = handle.split('@')[1]
@@ -2322,7 +2324,7 @@ def create_report_post(base_dir: str,
 
         # save a notification file so that the moderator
         # knows something new has appeared
-        new_report_file = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/.newReport'
+        new_report_file = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '/.newReport'
         if os.path.isfile(new_report_file):
             continue
         try:
@@ -2745,7 +2747,7 @@ def group_followers_by_domain(base_dir: str, nickname: str, domain: str) -> {}:
     """Returns a dictionary with followers grouped by domain
     """
     handle = nickname + '@' + domain
-    followers_filename = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/followers.txt'
+    followers_filename = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '/followers.txt'
     if not os.path.isfile(followers_filename):
         return None
     grouped = {}
@@ -4353,18 +4355,14 @@ def archive_posts(base_dir: str, http_prefix: str, archive_dir: str,
                 domain = handle.split('@')[1]
                 archive_subdir = None
                 if archive_dir:
-                    if not os.path.isdir(archive_dir + '/accounts/' + handle):
-                        os.mkdir(archive_dir + '/accounts/' + handle)
-                    if not os.path.isdir(archive_dir + '/accounts/' +
-                                         handle + '/inbox'):
-                        os.mkdir(archive_dir + '/accounts/' +
-                                 handle + '/inbox')
-                    if not os.path.isdir(archive_dir + '/accounts/' +
-                                         handle + '/outbox'):
-                        os.mkdir(archive_dir + '/accounts/' +
-                                 handle + '/outbox')
-                    archive_subdir = archive_dir + '/accounts/' + \
-                        handle + '/inbox'
+                    archive_handle_dir = acct_handle_dir(archive_dir, handle)
+                    if not os.path.isdir(archive_handle_dir):
+                        os.mkdir(archive_handle_dir)
+                    if not os.path.isdir(archive_handle_dir + '/inbox'):
+                        os.mkdir(archive_handle_dir + '/inbox')
+                    if not os.path.isdir(archive_handle_dir + '/outbox'):
+                        os.mkdir(archive_handle_dir + '/outbox')
+                    archive_subdir = archive_handle_dir + '/inbox'
                 archive_posts_for_person(http_prefix,
                                          nickname, domain, base_dir,
                                          'inbox', archive_subdir,
@@ -4443,7 +4441,7 @@ def get_post_expiry_keep_dms(base_dir: str, nickname: str, domain: str) -> int:
     keep_dms = True
     handle = nickname + '@' + domain
     expire_dms_filename = \
-        base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/.expire_posts_dms'
+        acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '/.expire_posts_dms'
     if os.path.isfile(expire_dms_filename):
         keep_dms = False
     return keep_dms
@@ -4455,7 +4453,7 @@ def set_post_expiry_keep_dms(base_dir: str, nickname: str, domain: str,
     """
     handle = nickname + '@' + domain
     expire_dms_filename = \
-        base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/.expire_posts_dms'
+        acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '/.expire_posts_dms'
     if keep_dms:
         if os.path.isfile(expire_dms_filename):
             try:
@@ -4484,7 +4482,7 @@ def expire_posts(base_dir: str, http_prefix: str,
             nickname = handle.split('@')[0]
             domain = handle.split('@')[1]
             expire_posts_filename = \
-                base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/.expire_posts_days'
+                acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '/.expire_posts_days'
             if not os.path.isfile(expire_posts_filename):
                 continue
             keep_dms = get_post_expiry_keep_dms(base_dir, nickname, domain)
@@ -4519,7 +4517,7 @@ def get_post_expiry_days(base_dir: str, nickname: str, domain: str) -> int:
     """
     handle = nickname + '@' + domain
     expire_posts_filename = \
-        base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/.expire_posts_days'
+        acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '/.expire_posts_days'
     if not os.path.isfile(expire_posts_filename):
         return 0
     days_str = None
@@ -4542,7 +4540,7 @@ def set_post_expiry_days(base_dir: str, nickname: str, domain: str,
     """
     handle = nickname + '@' + domain
     expire_posts_filename = \
-        base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/.expire_posts_days'
+        acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '/.expire_posts_days'
     try:
         with open(expire_posts_filename, 'w+', encoding='utf-8') as fp_expire:
             fp_expire.write(str(max_age_days))
@@ -4577,7 +4575,7 @@ def archive_posts_for_person(http_prefix: str, nickname: str, domain: str,
     # remove entries from the index
     handle = nickname + '@' + domain
     index_filename = \
-        base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/' + boxname + '.index'
+        acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '/' + boxname + '.index'
     if os.path.isfile(index_filename):
         index_ctr = 0
         # get the existing index entries as a string
diff --git a/schedule.py b/schedule.py
index 86a7ab0b9..04960e032 100644
--- a/schedule.py
+++ b/schedule.py
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ __module_group__ = "Calendar"
 import os
 import time
 import datetime
+from utils import acct_handle_dir
 from utils import has_object_dict
 from utils import get_status_number
 from utils import load_json
@@ -27,7 +28,7 @@ def _update_post_schedule(base_dir: str, handle: str, httpd,
     the outbox
     """
     schedule_index_filename = \
-        base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/schedule.index'
+        acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '/schedule.index'
     if not os.path.isfile(schedule_index_filename):
         return
 
@@ -35,7 +36,7 @@ def _update_post_schedule(base_dir: str, handle: str, httpd,
     curr_time = datetime.datetime.utcnow()
     days_since_epoch = (curr_time - datetime.datetime(1970, 1, 1)).days
 
-    schedule_dir = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/scheduled/'
+    schedule_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '/scheduled/'
     index_lines = []
     delete_schedule_post = False
     nickname = handle.split('@')[0]
@@ -168,7 +169,7 @@ def _update_post_schedule(base_dir: str, handle: str, httpd,
 
     # write the new schedule index file
     schedule_index_file = \
-        base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/schedule.index'
+        acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '/schedule.index'
     with open(schedule_index_file, 'w+', encoding='utf-8') as schedule_file:
         for line in index_lines:
             schedule_file.write(line)
diff --git a/scripts/blocked b/scripts/blocked
index 7dffe76b0..31cdfcde0 100755
--- a/scripts/blocked
+++ b/scripts/blocked
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 #!/bin/bash
-journalctl -u epicyon | grep 'getJson Forbidden ' > .blocked_events.txt
+journalctl -u epicyon | grep 'get_json Forbidden ' > .blocked_events.txt
 if [ ! -f .blocked_events.txt ]; then
     echo 'No blocking events'
 else
diff --git a/shares.py b/shares.py
index 06dff55db..2feaef84e 100644
--- a/shares.py
+++ b/shares.py
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ from posts import get_person_box
 from session import post_json
 from session import post_image
 from session import create_session
+from utils import acct_handle_dir
 from utils import remove_eol
 from utils import has_object_string_type
 from utils import date_string_to_seconds
@@ -275,7 +276,7 @@ def _indicate_new_share_available(base_dir: str, http_prefix: str,
         for handle in dirs:
             if not is_account_dir(handle):
                 continue
-            account_dir = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle
+            account_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
             if shares_file_type == 'shares':
                 new_share_file = account_dir + '/.newShare'
             else:
@@ -421,7 +422,7 @@ def _expire_shares_for_account(base_dir: str, nickname: str, domain: str,
     handle_domain = remove_domain_port(domain)
     handle = nickname + '@' + handle_domain
     shares_filename = \
-        base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/' + shares_file_type + '.json'
+        acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '/' + shares_file_type + '.json'
     if not os.path.isfile(shares_filename):
         return
     shares_json = load_json(shares_filename, 1, 2)
diff --git a/utils.py b/utils.py
index a3f4723df..a6261426b 100644
--- a/utils.py
+++ b/utils.py
@@ -290,6 +290,10 @@ def acct_dir(base_dir: str, nickname: str, domain: str) -> str:
     return base_dir + '/accounts/' + nickname + '@' + domain
 
 
+def acct_handle_dir(base_dir: str, handle: str) -> str:
+    return base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle
+
+
 def is_featured_writer(base_dir: str, nickname: str, domain: str) -> bool:
     """Is the given account a featured writer, appearing in the features
     timeline on news instances?
@@ -749,7 +753,8 @@ def get_followers_of_person(base_dir: str,
     followers = []
     domain = remove_domain_port(domain)
     handle = nickname + '@' + domain
-    if not os.path.isdir(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle):
+    handle_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
+    if not os.path.isdir(handle_dir):
         return followers
     for subdir, dirs, _ in os.walk(base_dir + '/accounts'):
         for account in dirs:
@@ -981,9 +986,10 @@ def create_person_dir(nickname: str, domain: str, base_dir: str,
     """Create a directory for a person
     """
     handle = nickname + '@' + domain
-    if not os.path.isdir(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle):
-        os.mkdir(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle)
-    box_dir = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/' + dir_name
+    handle_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
+    if not os.path.isdir(handle_dir):
+        os.mkdir(handle_dir)
+    box_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '/' + dir_name
     if not os.path.isdir(box_dir):
         os.mkdir(box_dir)
     return box_dir
@@ -1450,7 +1456,8 @@ def follow_person(base_dir: str, nickname: str, domain: str,
     else:
         handle = nickname + '@' + domain
 
-    if not os.path.isdir(base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle):
+    handle_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
+    if not os.path.isdir(handle_dir):
         print('WARN: account for ' + handle + ' does not exist')
         return False
 
@@ -1464,7 +1471,7 @@ def follow_person(base_dir: str, nickname: str, domain: str,
         handle_to_follow = '!' + handle_to_follow
 
     # was this person previously unfollowed?
-    unfollowed_filename = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/unfollowed.txt'
+    unfollowed_filename = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '/unfollowed.txt'
     if os.path.isfile(unfollowed_filename):
         if text_in_file(handle_to_follow, unfollowed_filename):
             # remove them from the unfollowed file
@@ -1484,7 +1491,7 @@ def follow_person(base_dir: str, nickname: str, domain: str,
     handle_to_follow = follow_nickname + '@' + follow_domain
     if group_account:
         handle_to_follow = '!' + handle_to_follow
-    filename = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '/' + follow_file
+    filename = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '/' + follow_file
     if os.path.isfile(filename):
         if text_in_file(handle_to_follow, filename):
             if debug:
@@ -3816,7 +3823,7 @@ def get_account_timezone(base_dir: str, nickname: str, domain: str) -> str:
     """Returns the timezone for the given account
     """
     tz_filename = \
-        base_dir + '/accounts/' + nickname + '@' + domain + '/timezone.txt'
+        acct_dir(base_dir, nickname, domain) + '/timezone.txt'
     if not os.path.isfile(tz_filename):
         return None
     timezone = None
@@ -3830,7 +3837,7 @@ def set_account_timezone(base_dir: str, nickname: str, domain: str,
     """Sets the timezone for the given account
     """
     tz_filename = \
-        base_dir + '/accounts/' + nickname + '@' + domain + '/timezone.txt'
+        acct_dir(base_dir, nickname, domain) + '/timezone.txt'
     timezone = timezone.strip()
     with open(tz_filename, 'w+', encoding='utf-8') as fp_timezone:
         fp_timezone.write(timezone)
diff --git a/webapp_profile.py b/webapp_profile.py
index 08b39d6fb..4a30a3749 100644
--- a/webapp_profile.py
+++ b/webapp_profile.py
@@ -2158,9 +2158,9 @@ def _html_edit_notifications(base_dir: str, nickname: str, domain: str,
     ntfy_topic = ''
 
     ntfy_url_file = \
-        base_dir + '/accounts/' + nickname + '@' + domain + '/.ntfy_url'
+        acct_dir(base_dir, nickname, domain) + '/.ntfy_url'
     ntfy_topic_file = \
-        base_dir + '/accounts/' + nickname + '@' + domain + '/.ntfy_topic'
+        acct_dir(base_dir, nickname, domain) + '/.ntfy_topic'
     if os.path.isfile(ntfy_url_file):
         try:
             with open(ntfy_url_file, 'r', encoding='utf-8') as fp_ntfy:
diff --git a/webapp_search.py b/webapp_search.py
index 8f94cd0b1..97be7ba07 100644
--- a/webapp_search.py
+++ b/webapp_search.py
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ import os
 from shutil import copyfile
 import urllib.parse
 from datetime import datetime
+from utils import acct_handle_dir
 from utils import get_base_content_from_post
 from utils import is_account_dir
 from utils import get_config_param
@@ -299,7 +300,7 @@ def html_search_shared_items(translate: {},
             if not is_account_dir(handle):
                 continue
             contact_nickname = handle.split('@')[0]
-            shares_filename = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + \
+            shares_filename = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + \
                 '/' + shares_file_type + '.json'
             if not os.path.isfile(shares_filename):
                 continue
diff --git a/webapp_utils.py b/webapp_utils.py
index c818cff63..377233fa6 100644
--- a/webapp_utils.py
+++ b/webapp_utils.py
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ import os
 from shutil import copyfile
 from collections import OrderedDict
 from session import get_json
+from utils import acct_handle_dir
 from utils import remove_id_ending
 from utils import get_attachment_property_value
 from utils import is_account_dir
@@ -464,7 +465,7 @@ def shares_timeline_json(actor: str, pageNumber: int, items_per_page: int,
         for handle in dirs:
             if not is_account_dir(handle):
                 continue
-            account_dir = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle
+            account_dir = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle)
             shares_filename = account_dir + '/' + shares_file_type + '.json'
             if not os.path.isfile(shares_filename):
                 continue
@@ -1953,3 +1954,16 @@ def language_right_to_left(language: str) -> bool:
     if language in rtl_languages:
         return True
     return False
+
+
+def get_default_path(media_instance: bool, blogs_instance: bool,
+                     nickname: str) -> str:
+    """Returns the default timeline
+    """
+    if blogs_instance:
+        path = '/users/' + nickname + '/tlblogs'
+    elif media_instance:
+        path = '/users/' + nickname + '/tlmedia'
+    else:
+        path = '/users/' + nickname + '/inbox'
+    return path
diff --git a/webfinger.py b/webfinger.py
index 4f97ff4bb..7235ed909 100644
--- a/webfinger.py
+++ b/webfinger.py
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ import urllib.parse
 from session import get_json
 from cache import store_webfinger_in_cache
 from cache import get_webfinger_from_cache
+from utils import acct_handle_dir
 from utils import get_attachment_property_value
 from utils import get_full_domain
 from utils import load_json
@@ -520,7 +521,7 @@ def webfinger_update(base_dir: str, nickname: str, domain: str,
     if not wf_json:
         return
 
-    actor_filename = base_dir + '/accounts/' + handle + '.json'
+    actor_filename = acct_handle_dir(base_dir, handle) + '.json'
     actor_json = load_json(actor_filename)
     if not actor_json:
         return