

Crossword
Jonathan Wold & Luke Carbis
Perspectives on WordPress and the Open Web.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 15, 2025 • 15min
Breaking Toys
Automatic is reducing its contributions to WordPress core, and Luke suspects it's a strategic move by Matt to exert control. Jonathan explores alternative interpretations, but both agree that this action carries significant risks for the future of the project.

4 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 15min
Back to Business?
The hosts kick off the new season with light-hearted reflections on their holidays and a humorous avoidance of cricket talk. They navigate the intricacies of plugin submissions while weaving in amusing anecdotes from attending a live cricket match. A lively debate about food, including the quirky topic of pineapple on pizza, spices up the conversation. The discussion then shifts to the sponsorship dynamics at WordCamp Europe, exploring community sentiments and the push for more inclusive governance. Will the WordPress community truly get back to business?

7 snips
Nov 22, 2024 • 15min
The Price of Criticism
Public criticism in the WordPress community raises questions about accountability. Luke shares fears of being canceled for criticizing influential figures, citing past exclusions as examples. The duo reflects on the complexities of leadership and community dynamics. They also discuss the emotional toll of feeling excluded from platforms for speaking out. With a focus on the balance between excitement and uncertainty, they navigate the future of WordPress, considering its rich history and evolving landscape.

Nov 14, 2024 • 15min
Centralization, Governance, and Commercialization
What does a healthy future look like for WordPress? Luke shares three key takeaways from a WordCamp Sydney hallway track: the importance of centralization, the need for better governance, and the potential benefits of commercializing WordPress.org. Do Jonathan and the wider community agree?

Oct 31, 2024 • 15min
De-escalation
Is the WordPress drama finally winding down? Jonathan senses a de-escalation, but Luke points out there are still some unsettling loose ends. They discuss new data on WordPress growth, the departure of more plugins from WordPress.org, and the lingering questions about the future of the project.

Oct 24, 2024 • 15min
Identity Crisis
Matt Mullenweg's actions have sparked an identity crisis within the WordPress community. Luke and Jonathan grapple with the realization that their sense of belonging and purpose is intertwined with a project that might be slipping away. Can they find a way to reconcile their personal investments with the unsettling reality of WordPress today?

Oct 23, 2024 • 15min
Threshold
Luke has reached a point of acceptance about the future of WordPress, but that doesn't mean he's giving up. Join the conversation as he and Jonathan explore the different paths forward, from Matt Mullenweg's potential departure to the emergence of a more unified and empowered community.

5 snips
Oct 15, 2024 • 15min
Stages
Explore the emotional journey as hosts confront their feelings about recent events in the WordPress community. Delve into tensions sparked by a provocative blog post, likening it to childhood bullying. Discover contrasting definitions of success in open-source, emphasizing a shift from community values to profit. Navigate the challenges within the Fields API project, highlighting personal insights and legal concerns. Examine the implications of change in plugin ownership and governance structures on users and developers.

Oct 11, 2024 • 15min
Problemattic
Feelings of disappointment loom over the WordPress community as users react to a perplexing new login requirement. The hosts dive into a significant lawsuit involving WP Engine, questioning the legitimacy of a brewing conflict between open-source ideals and corporate interests. Ethical implications of financial responsibilities are scrutinized, alongside confusion regarding WordPress.org's nonprofit status. The conversation emphasizes the need for transparency and collaboration, as the community grapples with future guidelines and individual affiliations.

Oct 8, 2024 • 15min
Departure
Josepha Haden Chomphosy's departure raises concerns about the future of the WordPress community. Discussions on career pivots in tech highlight the necessity of adapting to change. Speakers navigate the delicate balance between optimism and the fear of missing out on career opportunities. The trend of declining experienced contributions within open source drives a conversation about community support and engagement. As the speakers reflect on leadership changes, they remain cautiously hopeful for the project's future.