I’ve been associated with metblogs for over two years, consistently blogging local events in a manner which would consistent with the theme of the site.

Lately, however, they’ve lost their charm. For an organization which promotes ‘localization’, they’ve much to learn about what it means.

You simply cannot impose your will or your style onto the world at large, without taking in considerations local culture, traditions and norms. And of course, your local readership.

With the rollout of their new platform, the powers that be decided to impose commenter registration. Why? In answer to ‘flame wars’ which were happening in a few select cities. Karachi was one of them. But has the situation changed? No! The people who were flaming are still at it, now armed with accounts, they continue to molest authors, bash each other and be, in general, a rowdy lot.

Who’s affected? The casual reader, who could’ve become part of the commenting crowd, but is now turned off by the fact they will have to go through an ardous registration process, as well as remember yet another password!

Many other cities around the metblogs networks have also been crying out against this, on the forums, on the mailing lists and on their own blogs, but what does the HQ have to say?

Put up or get out!

Personally, i cannot give my time and writings to support an organization which seeks (in literal terms) to dominate their will onto others. In this fashion, they’ve literally become an ‘american’ business, rather than a global business.

I had fun while i was there, and have made a group of very good friends whom (inshallah) i’ll carry on with for life. However, i’ve chosen today to resign from the network and bid farewell to the insidious rulings of the clique which i no longer choose to be part of.

Good bye metblogs!