ShopTalk 636: W Hot Drama Week (WordPress, WP Engine, and Web Components – Oh My!)
Oct 7, 2024
Delve into the tensions brewing in the WordPress community as WP Engine faces off against Matt Mullenweg, sparking debates on commercial interests vs. open-source values. Explore the fallout from WP Engine's loss of access to WordPress resources, which raises user security concerns. The conversation shifts to the ethics of tech leaders' charitable contributions and critiques of web components, pondering their risks and real-world usability. With humor intertwined, the hosts dissect the complexities of navigating tech standards and community engagement.
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Dave's WordPress History
- Dave Rupert has been a longtime WordPress fan and user, building numerous sites with it.
- Automattic, the company behind WordPress, was a major sponsor of his show, ShopTalk, for an extended period.
The Core Issue
- Automattic felt WP Engine wasn't contributing enough to the WordPress ecosystem, financially or through talent.
- Their "five for the future" initiative suggests companies dedicate 5% of their resources to WordPress core development.
Alternative Approach
- Instead of directly attacking WP Engine, Automattic could have highlighted the "five for the future" initiative and encouraged participation.
- Gradually increasing pressure on non-compliant companies would be a more diplomatic approach.