Five For Friday: This Man Controls 40% of the Internet, and It’s a Problem

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Read the original - https://medium.com/notes-and-theories/this-man-controls-40-of-the-internet-and-its-a-problem-1b37a66e6185

The WordPress Controversy: Mullenweg vs. WP Engine

The journey of WordPress began in the early 2000s, when 19-year-old Matt Mullenweg forked a CMS called b2/cafelog, laying the foundation for what would become the world’s most popular open-source CMS. By 2009, WordPress powered 40% of the Internet, valued for its simplicity, SEO capabilities, and open-source nature, enabling users to modify and improve it freely.

However, this openness has recently been challenged. In September 2024, Mullenweg publicly criticized WP Engine, a WordPress hosting company, for contributing minimally to the open-source project while benefiting from the WordPress brand. WP Engine responded with a cease-and-desist letter, prompting Mullenweg to retaliate by blocking its customers from updating its websites and controversially seizing control of a WP Engine plugin, ACF, citing community risk.

Ethical and Practical Concerns:

1. Concentration of Power: Though community-driven, WordPress is controlled by Mullenweg through Automattic, his company that profits extensively from WordPress-related services. This creates concerns about monopolistic behavior and conflicts of interest.

2. Conflicts of Interest: Automattic’s ownership of WordPress.com, Pressable, Jetpack, and WooCommerce positions it as a competitor to WP Engine, raising questions about whether Mullenweg’s actions serve the community or personal business interests.

3. Erosion of Open-Source Principles: The situation undermines the “benevolent dictator for life” concept, where the leader prioritizes community benefit. Critics argue Mullenweg’s actions threaten the trust and collaboration central to open-source projects.

4. Future of WordPress: The fallout has prompted speculation about a potential fork of WordPress to distance it from Mullenweg, signaling a major shift in the open-source ecosystem.

Wider Implications:

The dispute has revealed vulnerabilities in WordPress’s governance and open-source model. Users now realize their websites may be less autonomous than assumed, especially if they are reliant on specific hosting providers.

Despite its dominance, WordPress faces criticism for being slow, buggy, and overly dependent on plugins. Automattic projects like WooCommerce and Jetpack are also deemed inadequate or overpriced, fueling discontent with the platform’s direction.

Conclusion:

The conflict between Mullenweg and WP Engine has fractured trust in the WordPress ecosystem and raised doubts about its long-term sustainability. As legal battles continue, the open-source community faces critical questions about leadership, collaboration, and the future of its most iconic project. A fork of WordPress appears increasingly inevitable as users and contributors seek alternatives to ensure its independence and integrity.

New Song I’m Enjoying 🎵

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@wozsmith_coach

Slow cooker chicken tikka masala 🥘😮‍💨 This is an absolute belter when you’re craving an Indian takeaway (I think this was actually better…... See more

What I’m Drinking 🥃

MSRP: $60
Distillery: Nevada H&C Distilling Co.
Why It Makes Our List: This small-batch bourbon offers a rich and complex character. The small-batch production ensures a high-quality product with unique qualities. It’s an excellent option for both sipping and cocktails.

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