Results from the WordPress 2022 Annual Survey have been released. WordPress Executive Director Josepha Haden Chomphosy notes that this was a slimmed down version of the survey. It featured 29 questions - as opposed to nearly 100 in past editions. This led to a 26% increase in completion rate. However, there was also a 56% decrease in overall submissions.

Among the highlights of this year’s results:

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  53% of respondents say they’ve used the Block Editor. Meanwhile, the Classic Editor saw a 25% drop in use.
• 76% of respondents install WordPress themselves.
• 68% agree or strongly agree that WordPress is as good as, or better than, other site builders and CMSs.
• Ease of use, flexibility, and plugin options were rated as the top reasons to use WordPress.
• The most frustrating aspects of WordPress were Gutenberg’s unfinished status and the difficulty of learning full site editing.

For more in-depth data, a slideshow is available for download.

Links You Shouldn’t Miss

WordPress turns 20 years old this month. And it has had a major impact on freelancers during its run. The WP Minute’s Eric Karkovack took a look at how the software became the perfect tool for solo entrepreneurs and small agencies.

Stacks, the first-ever community theme, is now available in the WordPress theme directory. The theme is geared towards creating slide decks that can be used in presentations. In the official announcement, core contributor Ben Dwyer writes that it’s part of a “new initiative to provide high quality themes for free.”

Last week, WordCamp US announced a new approach to programming. The flagship event is looking for speakers outside of the WordPress community. However, the traditional call for speakers is still part of the plan. It’s now open to anyone interested in giving a presentation. WordCamp US will take place from August 24-26 in National Harbor, MD.

Keeping with the WordCamp theme, the events may look different in the near future. WordPress Head of Programs & Contributor Experience Angela Jin laid out the vision for the Next Generation of WordCamps. The big change is in event programming. That includes a more clearly defined audience and a focus on specific topics. Community feedback is welcomed.

From the Grab Bag 

Now it’s time to take a look at some other interesting topics shared by our contributors.

• 
  In acquisition news, WooCommerce multi-vendor plugin WC Vendors has been sold to Rymera Web Co. Rymera is known for building WooCommerce extensions, including Advanced Coupons and Wholesale Suite.
• MasterWP is providing $1,000 travel grants for WordCamp US speakers from underrepresented groups. The program is now accepting applications and sponsors.
• Security firm Patchstack reported a reflected XSS vulnerability in the free and pro versions of Advanced Custom Fields. The issue was patched in version 6.1.6, so make sure to update your installs.
• Speaking of Advanced Custom Fields, users will want to check out the ACF Annual Survey. The feedback received will help “guide the evolution” of the popular plugin.
• eCommerce platform Shopify has announced staffing cuts. In a letter to employees, founder and CEO Tobi Lütke said the platform’s workforce will be “smaller by about 20%”. Additionally, Shopify Logistics has been sold to supply chain management firm Flexport.
• Developers Aurooba Ahmed and Brian Coords have launched WordPress Icons Library. It’s a searchable index of all icons used within WordPress. Icons can be copied and pasted in various formats.
• You can hear Josepha Haden Chomphosy’s thoughts on WordPress’ 20th anniversary in the latest episode of the WordPress Briefing podcast.
• How do we navigate the future of WordPress? Bluehost will host a webinar on May 11 to discuss the latest trends and predictions.