Just a quick note to everyone: we’re back!

Something went kaplooie with the Metblogs database and we were down for about a week and a half.  We’re back up though, and I’m very glad to be back.  Five stories were lost, but I had saved copies of them elsewhere, so they now appear below (although one is missing a graphic I deleted, and another is missing the links to two videos).  Some things are still being worked out, videos that were embedded I don’t think are working at the moment, so I’ll adjust accordingly.  The comments from those posts are gone (at least I think), which is a shame, there were some nice conversations going on in the YinzCam and Conflict Kitchen posts.  But, we live to blog another day, so I couldn’t be happier.  Once again, I would like to make mention of my post, “A note on Metblogs.”

Also, in case you hadn’t noticed, the Steelers are playing in the Super Bowl this weekend.  I had a bunch of things to post about that, I’ll try to get a Steelers recap post up later today.

As always, thanks for reading.

There has been a lot of excitement over the last week or so about the future of Metblogs.  You’ve probably seen the box up above as it has changed.  Thankfully, it is now showing a much more positive message than it had been at one point.

Jason and Sean have done an awesome job and with the public’s support, we’re able to stay open.  They wrote:

We’re so amazingly humbled by you guys that we just don’t have the words to adequately express our gratitude so we’re just going say thank you and hope you understand how much it means to us. We’re extremely excited about the next steps and without your support we wouldn’t be able to take them. So seriously, thanks again everyone.

I don’t know exactly what the future of Metblogs will hold.  I know that some cities, as well as the Hub are going away.  As far as I know, it will only be inactive cities that are going away for now.  So for now, I’ll keep plugging away, I love writing for Metblogs, and even though sometimes I know I don’t cover enough, and I know I am only one person in this big old blogosphere, I’m happy to add my perspective on this amazing city.  I’m not the captain, but if you’d like to join me and write for Pittsburgh Metblogs, let me know, and I’ll do everything I can to get you added.

In the meantime, please head over and read the goodbye post, which includes some awesome statistics about the Metblogs network, as well as the announcement of our continued existence.  And if you feel so inclined, feel free to pitch in a couple bucks, Jason and Sean have paid for this out of their own pockets and could use a little bit of help if you’re able.

Across the network, authors have been dishing out their feelings about Metblogs (make sure to check out why metblogs matter), and truth be told, we all have a good time, we wouldn’t be here if we didn’t.  (For once) I don’t have anything to add, just know that I’m very happy to be here, and I hope that you enjoy reading the site.  In the words of one of my favorite authors:

This is for you

This post is not about Heinz, ketchup, the field or even the proposed removal of the pickle from the bottle.  This post is about the 57th city to join Metblogs: San Diego.

The crew over there has been working overtime to fill the site up and get it ready for today’s launch, so head on over and check it out.  Want to see the entire network?  Check it out here, or click on the appropriate continent on the map here at the main map.

San Diego Metblogs

We are looking for some new bloggers here at the Pittsburgh Metroblog.

About Metroblogging:

Metroblogging is a conversation about the city – there are over 50 city specific Metroblogs around the world. As an author you get the opportunity to write for this international network of bloggers. It is really interesting to hear what other cities are covering an occasionally we blog across cities. When you travel you can blog in another city – I blogged Hawaii last year.

If you have one of those fancy smancy cell phone cameras you can even write a blog post write from your phone.  We encourage mobile blogging – see something interesting on the street – send it in and share with Pittsburgh.

You can write about anything you want – post photos, video, a restaurant review, a rant – the possibilities are endless.

The Requirements:

• You can write about anything you want, but it must relate to Pittsburgh
• We are looking for people that will write 3 posts per week

The Rewards:  Sorry blogging doesn’t pay, yet – but this is a great way to get your name and writing out there to a wider audience.  You are also welcome to link to your website or blog on your author profile.

Want to join the fun? Questions? – email me info – at – Iheartpgh.com