Last week, my business was thrown a hurdle that was unexpected to say the least.
I’ve designed websites on WordPress for the past 10 years, and I have used two main hosting platforms: WP Engine and Flywheel (now owned by WP Engine). As of last week, I’ve had to consider completely new alternatives because WordPress suddenly revoked access from WPEngine to the WordPress servers.
In the world of websites, WordPress has been a trusted platform for years, and powers over 40% of the web. However, a recent conflict between WP Engine and WordPress raises questions about the stability and trustworthiness of the platform.
The Conflict: What’s Happening?
WP Engine has filed a lawsuit against Automattic (WordPress’s parent company) and Matt Mullenweg, accusing them of libel and attempted extortion. The dispute started over trademark usage and licensing, with Mullenweg criticizing WP Engine for profiteering off WordPress without giving back to the open-source community. Mullenweg even called WP Engine a “cancer to WordPress,” citing their minimal contributions compared to Automattic’s investments in WordPress development.
The tension escalated when Automattic demanded an 8% cut of WP Engine’s monthly revenue, which WP Engine perceived as unfair and overreaching.
As of October 1, 2024 WordPress has blocked WP Engine from accessing the WordPress servers and receiving the latest updates.
Could This Impact the Future of WordPress Websites?
At the core of this issue is trust.
WordPress has always been valued for its open-source nature and its ethos of empowering creators and developers. However, this legal battle highlights a vulnerability: the possibility of Automattic exerting its influence on companies it disagrees with.
What’s stopping them from pulling access to their platform for hosting providers or developers who don’t align with their vision? This fear is amplified by the fact that Automattic holds considerable control over the WordPress ecosystem.
For businesses and developers relying on WordPress, the lawsuit may raise concerns about whether the platform remains as democratic and community-driven as it claims. If Automattic can impose royalties or threaten access, smaller providers or developers may be at risk of being pushed out, altering the landscape of WordPress hosting and development.
What Should Users Do?
While the conflict does not pose an immediate threat to the millions of websites powered by WordPress, it could lead to higher costs, reduced features, or tighter control over how WordPress can be used in the future.
Users may want to stay informed about developments and explore alternative content management systems or hosting solutions that provide more independence from Automattic’s influence.
If you are currently using WordPress and WP Engine to host your site, I would consider immediately moving to different hosting. While WP Engine states that they are working around the issue of WordPress revoking access to their site – this could be a huge security issue if not handled correctly.
My opinion? Better safe than sorry. I won’t be risking my information or my clients’ information to exposure because of a bro beef. This shouldn’t be happening and I’ve already moved 70% of my clients to new hosting while I and 15% of my clients will be moving to a new platform entirely.
What Does the Future Hold?
While it’s too soon to predict the long-term effects, businesses relying on WordPress should pay close attention.
The outcome of this conflict could shape the future of website development on the platform and may force users to rethink their reliance on WordPress for business.
Personally, I’ll be using several other platforms while this legal battle plays out and cautiously recommending WordPress to those who could truly benefit from it (while laying out the risks).
As someone who has grown her business on WordPress sites for the past 10 years, I’m extremely disappointed to see how unpredictable this great platform has become. I appreciate Matt’s stance on open source platforms, however I cannot ignore the affect this has had on my business and my clients. I will continue to learn and support other web builders until I feel confident trusting WordPress again.
Sources/More Information:
https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/wordpress-vs-wp-engine-drama-explained
https://www.fudzilla.com/news/59822-wp-engine-sues-wordpress
https://www.sfgate.com/tech/article/automattic-workers-quit-matt-mullenweg-19816648.php
