Normalerweise schreiben wir diesen Blog auf Deutsch, aber diese Botschaft ist so wichtig für die weltweite WordPress-Community, dass wir sie auf Englisch teilen möchten.
We usually write this blog in German, but this message is so important for the global WordPress community that we’ve decided to share it in English.
As the holiday season approaches, the WordPress community finds itself at a crossroads, caught between reflection and a growing sense of urgency. For some, this time of year seems ill-suited for addressing complex issues, while for others, it offers an ideal opportunity to pause and think about the road ahead. Regardless of the timing, one truth is undeniable: the debates surrounding WordPress governance and its future trajectory demand our immediate attention.
Joost de Valk and Karim Marucchi have brought forth bold and collaborative visions that challenge the status quo. Their proposals, spanning governance reform and the sustainability of WordPress’s technical and economic foundation, have ignited crucial discussions about the platform’s future. These conversations come at a time when the community faces mounting challenges, from governance friction to external legal pressures, all requiring a thoughtful and timely response.
At its heart, WordPress has always been a testament to collaboration – bringing together developers, designers, users, and leaders under a shared vision. But moving forward will require us to rethink how this collaboration functions, ensuring a balance between the leadership and the community at large.
As we navigate these challenges during a season of unity, it’s a fitting moment to ask ourselves: What kind of future do we envision for WordPress, and how can we work together to make it a reality?
Embracing Joost and Karim’s Vision for WordPress’s Future
The proposals introduced by Joost de Valk and Karim Marucchi are undeniably transformative. They tackle fundamental challenges in WordPress governance – issues that, if ignored, could jeopardize the platform’s standing as the web’s most widely used content management system. What makes their vision particularly compelling is its balance between ambition and practicality, recognizing the urgency of immediate action alongside the need for long-term planning.
Joost advocates for a decentralized governance structure that empowers the WordPress community with a stronger voice in decision-making. His call to establish a foundation to oversee key assets, such as WordPress.org and the WordPress trademark, reflects a deep commitment to transparency and inclusivity. This is not simply about redistributing control but about ensuring WordPress remains a true open-source project, accountable to its diverse contributors and users.
Karim complements this vision with a sharp focus on the broader business ecosystem. His roadmap addresses critical concerns such as supply chain security and positions WordPress as a foundational operating system for the open web. By aligning with Joost’s FAIR (Federated and Independent Repositories) proposal, Karim highlights the need to safeguard the plugin and theme ecosystem from vulnerabilities like single-point failures or monopolistic dominance.
A Real and Present Threat
The recent “holiday shutdown” of key WordPress.org services, along with other unilateral actions by Matt Mullenweg, underscores that this is no longer a theoretical debate but a pressing and tangible concern. The fact that a single individual can disrupt parts of the ecosystem highlights the fragility of the current governance structure. Joost and Karim’s proposals directly confront these vulnerabilities, advocating for a governance model that is both distributed and resilient.
Their combined plans outline a roadmap toward sustainability and innovation, focusing not only on the necessary changes but also on how to implement them without splintering the community. This vision is fundamentally collaborative, rooted in the belief that WordPress’s future depends on the unified efforts of its leaders, developers, and users.
While the finer details of “how” remain open to discussion, the overarching vision presented by Joost and Karim is one I fully support. However, as with any ambitious undertaking, the road ahead is paved with significant challenges.
The Symbiotic Relationship Between Matt and the Community
WordPress has become the powerhouse it is today thanks to a delicate and intricate balance between leadership and community. Over the past two decades, Matt Mullenweg, as co-founder and the driving force behind WordPress, along with his team at Automattic, has provided unwavering vision, resources, and leadership. Automattic, as one of WordPress’s primary contributors, has been instrumental in maintaining its infrastructure and enabling large-scale development.
This relationship has always been symbiotic. While Matt and his team have set the platform’s direction, the community has infused it with creativity, diversity, and technical innovation. Neither leadership nor community alone can claim full credit for WordPress’s success, nor can the platform continue to flourish without both fulfilling their roles. The true strength of WordPress lies in this collaborative partnership – a delicate dance where both parties must move in harmony.
The Growing Strains on Symbiosis
Recently, this symbiosis has shown signs of strain. The growing centralization of decision-making within Automattic and the increasing discontent within the community highlight the need for recalibration. The shutdown of WordPress.org services during the holidays and the ongoing legal battles involving WP Engine illustrate how fragile the current dynamic can be.
Yet, it is essential to remember that while the community drives much of the innovation and growth, Automattic’s resources, infrastructure, and stewardship provide a backbone that cannot easily be replaced. The WordPress ecosystem depends on this duality – the leadership and vision provided by Matt and Automattic on one side, and the collective power of the community on the other.
For WordPress to continue thriving, this relationship must evolve, not break. The solution isn’t to polarize or pit one against the other but to reinforce the ties that bind them. Only through mutual respect and collaboration can WordPress navigate the challenges ahead.
The Critical Role of Matt’s Support in WordPress Governance
Ambitious plans, no matter how well-conceived, require more than ideas and enthusiasm – they demand the support of all key stakeholders. For WordPress, this includes Matt Mullenweg. While frustrations within the community are valid, any effort to move forward without Matt’s engagement is not only unrealistic but destined to fall short.
Under Matt’s leadership, Automattic wields significant influence over the WordPress ecosystem. Its contributions, from development expertise to infrastructure maintenance, form the foundation upon which the platform operates. The notion that WordPress could continue to thrive without cooperation from its largest single contributor is, at best, wishful thinking. Overlooking this reality risks alienating a crucial player and undermining the very ecosystem that reformers aim to strengthen.
The Balance Between Criticism and Cooperation
This is not to dismiss the valid criticisms of Matt’s decision-making or the growing calls for more democratic governance. Constructive critique is essential for accountability and growth. However, personal attacks or a wholesale rejection of Matt’s role do more harm than good. Such actions sow division, erode trust, and make meaningful collaboration nearly impossible.
Engaging with Matt doesn’t mean abandoning the vision of a decentralized and inclusive governance structure. Rather, it means approaching him in good faith, presenting well-defined pathways for collaboration, and acknowledging the value his contributions bring to WordPress – even in light of recent frustrations. Letting go of personal grievances may be a necessary price to pay for the success of WordPress. I recognize that this perspective may attract criticism, but the “greater good” for the WordPress project must take precedence.
For WordPress to truly progress, cooperation is not optional – it is indispensable. This does not imply that progress should hinge solely on Matt’s approval. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of bridging divides, respecting contributions, and fostering an environment where all stakeholders – from Automattic to independent contributors – feel genuinely invested in WordPress’s shared success.
A Unified Vision for the Road Ahead
The path forward for WordPress is challenging but far from impossible. It requires compromise, resilience, and, above all, collaboration. This is not the time for fragmentation or power struggles – it is a moment to unite, harnessing our collective strengths for the greater good of the platform and its ecosystem. We must not lose sight of the fact that people’s livelihoods are intricately tied to WordPress.
For WordPress to thrive, it must adopt a more inclusive and decentralized governance model. The proposals from Joost and Karim provide a solid foundation for this evolution, but their implementation will require the support of all key stakeholders.
Simultaneously, collaboration with Matt and Automattic is non-negotiable. Their leadership, resources, and institutional expertise are vital to the platform’s success. Recognizing their significance does not equate to endorsing centralization – it is about leveraging their strengths while building a governance framework that guarantees fairness, accountability, and inclusivity for everyone involved.
The Role of the Community
The community has an equally vital role to play. Moving forward requires setting aside personal grievances and focusing on constructive, solution-driven approaches. Criticism, when necessary, should remain objective and aimed at fostering progress. Every contributor, business, and user has a vested interest in preserving WordPress as the open-source powerhouse it continues to be.
This moment presents a unique opportunity to reimagine what WordPress governance could become. It’s a chance to welcome fresh perspectives, establish thoughtful governance practices, and rebuild trust throughout the ecosystem. By working together – with respect, transparency, and a shared commitment to WordPress’s future – the community can not only overcome the challenges ahead but also emerge stronger, more cohesive, and better prepared to drive innovation in the years to come.
Toward a Unified Future for WordPress
WordPress stands at a pivotal crossroads, facing challenges that demand decisive action, unity, and a clear vision for the future. The proposals put forth by Joost de Valk and Karim Marucchi offer a comprehensive roadmap toward sustainability, decentralization, and inclusivity. This type of bold thinking is essential for WordPress to not only endure but thrive in an ever-evolving web ecosystem.
At the core of this conversation is the recognition that WordPress’s success has always been rooted in collaboration. Matt Mullenweg, Automattic, and the wider community have all played indispensable roles in shaping its remarkable journey. As discussions around governance and the platform’s direction continue, we must keep in mind that this is not about taking sides – it is about forging a shared path forward that acknowledges and values the contributions of every stakeholder.
Facing the Challenges Ahead
Challenges undoubtedly lie ahead. The community must confront its frustrations and strive for solutions that rise above personal grievances. Likewise, Matt must engage constructively and recognize the importance of embracing a more inclusive governance model. These are not minor tasks, but they are essential if WordPress is to remain the platform we all believe in.
This is a moment to recommit to what makes WordPress extraordinary: its symbiosis – the collective strength of its people. By working together, respecting differences, and pursuing a shared vision, we can ensure that WordPress continues to empower millions of users, businesses, and developers worldwide. The stakes are undeniably high, but so is the potential for what we can accomplish – together. Achieving a state of symbiosis, not stalemate, is the key to unlocking a brighter future for WordPress.
As the year draws to a close, I want to extend my warmest wishes to everyone in the WordPress community. May you find time to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with the people who matter most to you. Here’s to a stronger, more united future for WordPress in the year ahead. Happy Holidays!
6 Antworten
Great post, Hendrik!
I love that you’re highlighting how Automattic is the most important contributor to the project and that you point out the symbiosis between Automattic and WordPress. Those calling for a fork are simply naïve. Many people don’t fully realize how vital and significant that relationship is.
At the same time, while Matt may have a different agenda for WordPress.org than the community, we should avoid personal attacks. I get that many people are angry, but some of the comments I’ve read have been downright disrespectful. The community and the way we treat each other are among the most important and beautiful aspects of WordPress. We need to be careful not to let that fall apart.
I’m curious to see if Matt will actually embrace a new governance structure. Personally, I doubt it. It’s starting to feel almost like a small revolution—let’s hope it remains peaceful.