Media Temple (mt) have looked after this site’s hosting superbly. They handled problems (all of which were down to user error) promptly and with a bit of extra care. Under almost all circumstances, I support companies who work hard for their customers’ loyalty. But, they were bought by GoDaddy.

GoDaddy has an impressive reputation for chauvinism, playing on stereotypes, and generally mocking people.

No, seriously:

and…

(video has since been deleted, but you can search YouTube for GoDaddy commercials to get the gist.)

I think you get the picture. In fact, sorry for the pictures. I feel dirty having them on my site, and I feel worse thinking that my hosting money would be supporting such a company.

More troublingly, GoDaddy played a big role in supporting SOPA. Yes, they backed down, and stopped their support… eventually. But that’s a big mark against any company.

(mt) were quick to point out, on Twitter, that they’ve taken the acquisition seriously – that GoDaddy has reinvented itself. Maybe they have; maybe they will. But they’re the same company, and they make me feel sick.

@beauvais Not necessarily Zach, take a look at our FAQ – http://t.co/c8OAuXEvUu *MP

— (mt) Help (@mediatemplehelp) October 15, 2013

Their FAQs point out the reasons they went along, and say they’ll stay an independent, autonomous company. I wish them the best, but no. Between casual chauvinism, mocking “nerds”, and generally seeking profit above freedom – it was an easy decision to make.

Honestly, I didn’t feel there was a decision to make except on finding a new host.

For now, I’ve moved my online property over to UK-based TSOHost, on the recommendation of quite a few twitter friends. They migrated my site and domain on the same day, and seem pretty clued up on support so far. I have a few remaining domain names with (mt), one of which – mentaldemocracy.com – I might sell. The rest, I’ll either transfer over next week, or simply wind them up.