The messy WordPress drama, explained
- Matt Mullenweg criticized WP Engine for disabling key features, sparking a legal dispute.
- WP Engine was banned from WordPress.org, disrupting services for many users.
- The controversy highlights concerns about the responsibilities of companies benefiting from open-source projects.
The ongoing conflict in the WordPress community centers around Matt Mullenweg, co-founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, and WP Engine, a hosting provider for WordPress sites. In mid-September, Mullenweg publicly criticized WP Engine, labeling it a 'cancer' to the community due to its practices, including disabling users' access to revision history for posts. This sparked a legal dispute, with WP Engine sending a cease-and-desist letter to Mullenweg, claiming his comments were damaging and that their use of the 'WP' brand was fair use. Mullenweg retaliated by banning WP Engine from accessing WordPress.org resources, which disrupted many websites relying on WP Engine for updates and security. The WordPress Foundation also updated its trademark policy, emphasizing that businesses profiting from WordPress should contribute back to the community. This situation has raised concerns among developers and users about the implications for the broader WordPress ecosystem, as many fear similar actions could affect them. The community is now seeking clarity on trademark usage and the responsibilities of companies benefiting from open-source projects.