#169 – Wes Tatters on the Evolution of Internet Communities and WordPress Open Source
May 14, 2025
auto_awesome
Wes Tatters, a tech veteran and driving force behind Rapid Cloud, shares his insights on the internet's evolution. He discusses the shift from closed platforms to open-source projects like WordPress, highlighting the importance of content ownership. Wes reflects on the rise of online communities and the challenges they face, including the impact of social media and AI. He emphasizes the value of openness and collaboration, while examining the strengths and growing pains within the WordPress ecosystem and the need for authentic digital communication.
Wes Tatters discusses the transition from closed online platforms to an open-source ethos in tech, exemplified by WordPress.
He highlights the paradox of increased internet connectivity leading to social loneliness, emphasizing the need for genuine community engagement.
Deep dives
Wes Tatters' Journey Through Tech History
Wes Tatters shares his extensive experience in the tech space, starting from his early involvement with personal computers like the Commodore 64 and TRS-80, to becoming an author and a leading figure in cloud hosting. His journey highlights how foundational technologies, initially developed for military purposes by DARPA, have evolved into the interconnected web we rely on today. He reflects on the transformative nature of communication tools that have allowed people to connect globally, noting how early forums and bulletin boards created communities long before the emergence of social media. Tatters emphasizes the miraculous leap from the cumbersome communication methods of the past to the real-time interactions enabled by today’s internet technologies.
The Evolution of Online Communities
The podcast discusses the changing face of online communities, transitioning from isolated environments like AOL to a more open-source ethos represented by platforms such as WordPress. Wes underscores how early online experiences, such as writing for Netscape, were pivotal in shaping his understanding of community dynamics within tech. As the internet progressed, the capabilities for self-expression and global reach expanded significantly, allowing individuals to share their content without the constraints of traditional media. This democratization of the web fostered a sense of ownership and freedom that continues to influence online interactions today.
Challenges and Loneliness in the Modern Internet
The discussion reflects on the challenges presented by contemporary internet culture, particularly the feelings of social loneliness exacerbated by the rise of social media and mobile technologies. Wes highlights a troubling survey that suggests increased loneliness among users, which contrasts sharply with the original intent behind online communities. He suggests that whereas the internet once fostered genuine connections, many individuals now find themselves entangled in superficial online relationships that fail to fulfill their social needs. This paradox of increased connectivity leading to isolation highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of community within the digital age.
The Future and Self-Correcting Nature of Online Communities
Wes expresses optimism about the internet's ability to self-correct, a quality originally built into its design that enables communities to adapt and evolve. He argues that despite the missteps and challenges of the past decade, there are ongoing efforts and conversations aimed at fostering positive change within digital spaces, particularly in the WordPress community. The emergence of new protocols and a resurgence in interest toward more decentralized platforms reflect a desire for more genuine relationships and ownership of content online. Looking ahead, Wes believes that listening to diverse voices within the community and fostering constructive dialogues will be essential for navigating future challenges.
On the podcast today we have Wes Tatters, and he's here to discuss the evolution of the internet, from early tech days and community-building on platforms like CompuServe, to the emergence of open-source projects and the rise of WordPress. Wes reflects on the transition from closed platforms to owning content and highlights the importance, and challenges, of online communities. He touches on the impacts of social media, AI, and the self-correcting nature of internet communities, while examining the strengths and growing pains within the WordPress ecosystem. The conversation underscores the enduring value of openness, collaboration, and listening. If you’re interested in how the history of the internet directly shaped WordPress, the open web, and the communities we build today, this episode is for you.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
