In a recent and fiery address at WordCamp US 2024, Matt Mullenweg, the co-founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, took aim at WP Engine, a key player in the managed WordPress hosting space. His remarks, which he described as a necessary critique, accused WP Engine of being a “cancer to WordPress,” underscoring his belief that the company is profiting disproportionately from the open-source platform without adequately contributing to its ecosystem.
Mullenweg’s comments centered on the disparity in contributions to the WordPress project, particularly highlighting the “Five for the Future” initiative. Automattic, under Mullenweg’s leadership, reportedly contributes around 3,900 hours per week to the WordPress project, whereas WP Engine’s contribution stands at a mere 40 hours. This stark contrast raises questions about the motivations behind WP Engine’s business model and its long-term commitment to the WordPress community.
The open-source nature of WordPress provides a unique landscape for businesses to thrive, with over 40% of websites globally powered by WordPress. This vast market has led to the rise of various companies, including Automattic and WP Engine, which have built profitable business models around the platform. However, Mullenweg argues that WP Engine’s approach may undermine the very foundation of what makes WordPress valuable.
In his address, Mullenweg didn’t hold back. He criticized WP Engine for disabling core features that enhance user experience, specifically the version control system that allows users to revert changes in their content. According to Mullenweg, this practice not only diminishes the user experience but also reflects a broader issue of prioritizing profit over user needs. He stated, “They disable revisions because it costs them more money to store the history of the changes in the database, and they don’t want to spend that to protect your content.”
The implications of Mullenweg’s statements extend beyond a simple critique of WP Engine. He also took aim at Silver Lake, the private equity firm that controls WP Engine, questioning its commitment to the ideals of the open-source community. “Silver Lake doesn’t give a dang about your open source ideals; it just wants return on capital,” he remarked, urging the WordPress community to consider where they spend their money and to support companies that genuinely contribute to the ecosystem.
The fallout from Mullenweg’s speech was immediate. In a follow-up blog post, he reiterated his concerns, emphasizing that WP Engine’s practices could set a troubling precedent for other companies in the space. He noted, “Unchecked, cancer will spread,” warning that if WP Engine’s model goes unchallenged, it may encourage other companies to adopt similar profit-driven tactics at the expense of the community.
This discourse is not unprecedented for Mullenweg. He has previously voiced concerns about other companies, including GoDaddy, labeling them as “parasitic” and a potential threat to WordPress’s future. His consistent advocacy for the open-source community highlights his commitment to maintaining the integrity and sustainability of WordPress as a platform.
In an age where the balance between profitability and community support is increasingly scrutinized, Mullenweg’s comments resonate deeply. They serve as a reminder for both users and developers within the WordPress ecosystem to critically assess the companies they support. As Mullenweg pointed out, alternatives to WP Engine exist, such as Hostinger, Bluehost Cloud, and Pressable, which may offer better alignment with open-source values and provide superior service.
As the conversation around corporate responsibility in the tech industry continues to evolve, Mullenweg’s bold stance is likely to inspire further dialogue within the WordPress community. His call to action encourages users to think critically about their choices and to support businesses that prioritize the health of the ecosystem.
As this situation develops, it will be interesting to see how WP Engine responds to the criticism and whether Mullenweg’s words will lead to a broader reckoning within the industry regarding the treatment of open-source projects. For users, the message is clear: when it’s time for contract renewals, consider not just the price but the values behind the service you choose.
