WordPress CEO Calls WP Engine "Cancer"

Matt Mullenweg, the CEO of Automattic and co-creator of WordPress, launched a scathing attack on WP Engine, a popular managed WordPress hosting provider. Mullenweg, during a speech at WordCamp US 2024, accused WP Engine of being a "cancer to WordPress" for profiting off the open source platform without giving much back.

• He cited the disparity in contributions to the "five for the future" initiative, where Automattic pledged 3,900 hours per week and WP Engine only 40 hours.
• Mullenweg also pointed out that WP Engine disables key features of WordPress, like post revisions, to save costs.
• He urged WordPress users to switch to alternative hosting providers like Hostinger, Bluehost Cloud, or Pressable.

WP Engine's Response

WP Engine has refuted Mullenweg's allegations, calling them "inaccurate and misleading." The company maintains that it is committed to supporting the WordPress ecosystem. However, it has sent a cease and desist letter to Automattic demanding a retraction of Mullenweg's comments.

Private Equity and the Future of WordPress

Mullenweg's criticisms are directed at both WP Engine and its main investor, the private equity firm Silver Lake. He argues that Silver Lake's focus on maximizing returns for its shareholders is incompatible with the open source philosophy of WordPress.

The Role of Automattic in the WordPress Ecosystem

Automattic, the company founded by Mullenweg, is a major player in the WordPress ecosystem. It offers a wide range of services, including WordPress.com, Jetpack, and WooCommerce. Automattic has a history of investing in other WordPress-hosting companies, including WP Engine itself.

The Importance of Open Source

The WordPress platform is based on the open source model, meaning that the source code is freely available to anyone to use, modify, and distribute. This model has been instrumental in the success of WordPress, but it also raises questions about how to balance the interests of commercial companies with those of the open source community.

The Impact on WordPress Users

The controversy between Mullenweg and WP Engine has implications for WordPress users. Users are being asked to choose between companies that are committed to the open source model and those that may prioritize profit over contribution. Mullenweg's call for a boycott could potentially lead to a shift in the WordPress hosting market.

The Future of WordPress

The future of WordPress remains uncertain. The open source model has been successful, but it is also vulnerable to the influence of commercial companies. The recent controversy highlights the challenges of navigating the complexities of the open source ecosystem.