There’s an Epic Feud Going On Right Now. Here’s What You Need to Know
The world of WordPress is vast, powering almost 40% of all websites on the internet. Much of this is driven by prominent hosting platforms, most notably Automattic (founded by WordPress creator Matt Mullenweg) and WP Engine. Both companies offer hosting solutions that simplify managing WordPress sites, catering to users who seek a plug-and-play experience rather than managing the open-source WordPress project themselves.
But lately, a public feud between Automattic and WP Engine has been making waves in the WordPress community.
What Happened?
It all started when Mullenweg publicly criticized WP Engine during a conference and on his blog. He went as far as labeling WP Engine a “cancer to WordPress,” accusing the company of profiteering while not contributing as much to the WordPress community. For context, both WP Engine and Automattic generate around half a billion dollars in revenue annually, so these remarks sparked significant interest across the tech world.
WP Engine responded by sending a cease-and-desist letter to Automattic, accusing Mullenweg and his company of making baseless accusations. The letter also hinted that Automattic had threatened a “scorched earth” approach if WP Engine didn’t agree to certain demands, including paying Automattic a percentage of its revenue. Not backing down, Automattic followed with its own cease-and-desist letter, accusing WP Engine of trademark infringement related to the WordPress and WooCommerce brands.
Even the WordPress Foundation, a non-profit organization responsible for maintaining the open-source WordPress project, chimed in, claiming that WP Engine had repeatedly violated the WordPress trademark policy.
The ongoing tension in the WordPress ecosystem took a significant turn when WordPress.org, the platform powering a vast number of websites globally, blocked hosting provider WP Engine from accessing its resources. This means that WP Engine can no longer utilize crucial elements like themes and plugins from the WordPress.org platform.
Matt Mullenweg, WordPress co-creator and CEO of Automattic, made the announcement in a blog post, explaining that this ban is in place while pending legal claims are addressed. He stated that WP Engine will no longer have access to the platform’s resources due to the ongoing conflict between the two companies.
Mullenweg did not hold back in his critique, saying, “WP Engine wants to control your WordPress experience. If that’s the case, they need to manage everything on their own—user logins, server updates, plugin and theme directories, translations, bug trackers, and more. Their servers can no longer access our servers for free.”
He went on to accuse WP Engine of offering a “hacked-up, bastardized simulacrum of WordPress’s GPL code,” allowing them to profit without contributing back to the WordPress community. According to Mullenweg, WP Engine customers are now locked into experiencing WordPress as WP Engine envisions it, rather than benefiting from the full, open-source power of the platform.
As a result of the ban, WP Engine users will no longer be able to install plugins or update their themes directly from WordPress.org, causing potential disruptions for site owners who rely on these features.
Why Does This Matter?
While trademark issues may seem like inside baseball, they hold significant weight for the future of WordPress as both an open-source project and a commercially viable ecosystem. Automattic has long argued that it’s essential to protect the WordPress brand, ensuring that companies leveraging the platform contribute fairly to the community.
At the same time, WP Engine is a major player, providing critical hosting infrastructure for WordPress websites worldwide. This conflict is already disrupting thousands of businesses that rely on both platforms for their digital presence.
The Bigger Picture: The WordPress Ecosystem and Your Business
As a business or brand looking to build a website, it’s essential to know the landscape of the platforms you rely on. Whether you’re drawn to the flexibility of open-source WordPress or prefer the convenience of hosting solutions like WP Engine or Automattic, the ongoing tension is a reminder of the complexities that can arise behind the scenes.
This is where Commonwealth Creative steps in. We specialize in WordPress development and hosting solutions tailored specifically to your needs. Whether you want to get started with a simple WordPress website or need ongoing development and hosting support, we ensure you avoid the pitfalls of navigating the complex WordPress ecosystem on your own.
By partnering with us, you get:
- Expert WordPress development and design for seamless functionality and great user experience.
- Hosting and security audits to ensure your site is not only up-to-date but also safeguarded from potential threats.
- Personalized solutions with unlimited requests and revisions so your site evolves as your business grows.
At The Commonwealth Creative, we handle the complexities of WordPress so you can focus on growing your business. Whether you’re looking for a one-time WordPress site build or ongoing development and hosting services, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to Learn More?
As this dispute unfolds, ensuring your website’s stability and future growth is more important than ever. Reach out to The Commonwealth Creative today to discuss how we can make your WordPress site a powerful asset for your business. Contact us for more information, or to get started on building a secure, scalable WordPress site that fits your brand’s needs.
