Yoast CEO Calls for a Federated Approach to WordPress in the Wake of WP Engine Lawsuit


In a surprising turn of events, the WordPress community is facing a major crossroads. Following a preliminary injunction won by web hosting provider WP Engine against WordPress co-creator Matt Mullenweg and Automattic, the future of WordPress governance is under scrutiny. This blog post will delve into the recent developments, explore the proposed solutions, and analyze the potential implications for the WordPress ecosystem.


A Community Divided: The WP Engine Lawsuit and Its Fallout

On [date], WP Engine secured a preliminary injunction against Matt Mullenweg and Automattic, barring them from interfering with WP Engine's access to WordPress.org resources. This legal action stemmed from a dispute over the popular Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) plugin, which WP Engine had acquired in 20 [year]. After the acquisition, Mullenweg took control of the ACF plugin repository and forked it into a new plugin called Secure Custom Fields. This move sparked outrage within the WordPress community, with many criticizing Mullenweg's heavy-handed approach.

The lawsuit and subsequent injunction highlighted the ongoing tensions between Automattic, the commercial entity behind WordPress.com, and the broader WordPress community. While Automattic has played a pivotal role in WordPress's growth, concerns have been raised about the company's increasing control over the project.

Yoast's Call for a Federated WordPress: A Path Forward?

In the wake of the lawsuit, Joost de Valk, the CEO of Yoast, a prominent WordPress SEO plugin company, proposed a radical solution: a federated approach to WordPress governance. In a blog post titled "The Future of WordPress," de Valk argued that the current structure, where Automattic wields significant power, is unsustainable. He advocated for the creation of a WordPress Foundation, similar to the Linux Foundation, to oversee the project's development and governance.

De Valk's proposal outlined several key points:

  • Establishment of a WordPress Foundation: This independent entity would be responsible for managing the WordPress project, including core development, trademark ownership, and community assets like themes and plugins.
  • Decentralized Plugin and Theme Repositories: De Valk suggests that plugin and theme repositories should be federated, allowing for more community control and distribution.
  • Open-Sourcing the WordPress Trademark: Releasing the trademark to the public domain would symbolize a commitment to a more democratic WordPress.

Community Response and Mullenweg's Reaction

De Valk's proposal garnered significant attention within the WordPress community. Many core contributors and developers expressed support for the idea of a more decentralized WordPress. An open letter signed by 20 prominent WordPress figures echoed these sentiments, urging Mullenweg to embrace "community-minded solutions."

However, Mullenweg's response to the federation proposal was lukewarm. While acknowledging the potential merits of the idea, he expressed reservations about the feasibility of implementing it under the WordPress name. He suggested that de Valk pursue his vision as a separate project.

The Road Ahead: Will WordPress Embrace a Federated Future?

The coming months will be crucial for determining the future direction of WordPress. De Valk has indicated that he will hold discussions with other community leaders in January to chart a course forward. WP Engine has also expressed its support for this initiative.

Potential Implications of a Federated WordPress

A federated WordPress would have far-reaching consequences for the entire ecosystem. Here's a closer look at some of the potential implications:

  • Increased Decentralization and Community Control: A federated structure would distribute power away from Automattic and towards the wider WordPress community. This could lead to more democratic decision-making and a more diverse range of contributions.
  • Enhanced Innovation: With a broader range of stakeholders involved, a federated WordPress could foster a more innovative environment. This could lead to the development of new features, plugins, and themes that cater to a wider range of user needs.
  • Potential Fragmentation: A federated approach could also lead to fragmentation, with different entities vying for control and influence. This could make it more challenging for users to find the resources they need and could potentially slow down development.
  • The Role of Automattic: In a federated WordPress, Automattic's role would likely need to be redefined. The company could still play a significant role in commercializing WordPress and providing hosting services. However, its influence over the core project's development would likely diminish.

Conclusion: A Critical Juncture for WordPress

The WordPress community finds itself at a crossroads. The recent legal battle and the subsequent proposals for a federated approach have brought to the forefront critical questions about the project's governance and future.

The current model, with Automattic wielding significant influence, has its advantages. Automattic has been instrumental in driving WordPress's growth and providing essential infrastructure and resources. However, the recent events have exposed the potential drawbacks of this centralized model, including concerns about community control and the potential for conflicts of interest.

A federated approach, while potentially challenging to implement, offers a compelling alternative. By distributing power and decision-making among a broader range of stakeholders, a federated WordPress could foster a more democratic and inclusive environment. This could lead to increased innovation and a more vibrant ecosystem, ultimately benefiting the entire WordPress community.

The coming months will be crucial for determining the future direction of WordPress. The discussions between community leaders will be pivotal in shaping the project's governance and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

Ultimately, the success of WordPress depends on its ability to adapt and evolve. Whether it embraces a federated model or continues on its current path, the project must prioritize the needs of the community and ensure that it remains a vibrant and inclusive platform for years to come.

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