Decoder with Nilay Patel Why Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg went to war over WordPress
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Jun 30, 2025 
Matt Mullenweg, Founder and CEO of Automattic, discusses his contentious legal battle with WP Engine, shedding light on his decision-making process and regrets. He delves into the evolution of Automattic, including innovative tools like Beeper and the Newspack platform aimed at supporting local journalism. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on WordPress dynamics and the challenges faced by the open-source community, emphasizing collaboration amidst rivalries and the need for adaptability in leadership.
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Web's Dual State: Peak and Peril
- The web as an application platform is at its peak, driven by powerful web apps and growing usage in transactions.
- However, as a media platform, the web is struggling, with audiences moving to closed distribution platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
Shifting Traffic via AI Search
- Google traffic to WordPress websites is not disappearing but changing shape, with AI search driving new types of engagement.
- Matt Mullenweg remains optimistic about traffic despite industry fears about search engine impact.
Guarding WordPress's Open Source Spirit
- The WordPress community must agree on shared goals to protect the ecosystem from commercial interests that threaten open source collaboration.
- WordPress has faced similar controversies before, and defending its openness is key to its survival.