If the default #CoSo browser experience has too many elements for your needs, go ahead and enable the "Ostrich Mode". It'll remove some of the bonus elements. You can always re-enable them later.
From the CounterSocial User Guide:
"For a minimal desktop layout, visit Edit Profile > Preferences to enable “Ostrich Mode”. This mode will remove the “extras” including the news ticker, CoSoCom emergency radio scanner, and live news station feeds."