Automattic Cuts WordPress Core Contributions to Match WP Engine’s Commitment
A Shift in Open-Source Strategy Sparks Debate
In a move that has reignited tensions within the WordPress community, Automattic—the company behind WordPress.com—announced it will significantly reduce its contributions to the WordPress core project. The decision aligns Automattic’s pledged hours with those of its rival, WP Engine, marking a pivotal moment for the open-source platform.
The Backstory: A Clash Over Contributions
The conflict traces back to September 2024, when Automattic CEO and WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg publicly criticized WP Engine for its minimal contributions to WordPress’s open-source ecosystem. Mullenweg went as far as calling WP Engine a “cancer to WordPress,” citing its private equity ownership and lack of support for sustainable growth.
In a recent blog post, Automattic revealed it would slash its weekly contributions under the Five For the Future program from 2,560 hours to just 45—matching WP Engine’s reported commitment. The company stated:
“These hours will likely focus on security and critical updates, ensuring the broader community benefits rather than any single entity.”
Key Implications of the Decision
- Resource Reallocation: Automattic plans to redirect efforts toward its ongoing legal battle with WP Engine.
- Financial Pressures: The move follows BlackRock’s 10% devaluation of its Automattic investment in December 2024—part of a cumulative 50% markdown.
- Strategic Shift: Engineers will prioritize commercial products like WordPress.com, Jetpack, and WooCommerce over core development.
Community Fallout and Leadership Concerns
The decision has drawn criticism, particularly after Thijs Buijs—a key WordPress sustainability team lead—stepped down amid disagreements with Mullenweg’s vision. Notably, Mullenweg disbanded the sustainability Slack channel, despite having championed its creation in 2022.
Meanwhile, Joost de Valk, founder of Yoast SEO, has proposed a decentralized “federated” model for WordPress repositories to reduce reliance on centralized governance.
What This Means for WordPress’s Future
- Ecosystem Balance: Automattic’s move highlights tensions between commercial interests and open-source stewardship.
- Security Concerns: Reduced core contributions could slow critical updates, potentially impacting millions of websites.
- Broader Debate: The situation raises questions about equitable responsibility among companies profiting from WordPress.
As the dust settles, the WordPress community faces a crossroads: Will this decision spur broader participation or further fragment the ecosystem? Only time—and collective action—will tell.
For updates, follow @ivan.42 or contact [email protected].
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