WordPress founder Matt Mullenweg recently posted an open critique of WP Engine, accusing the hosting provider of harming the WordPress ecosystem. In his statement, he labeled WP Engine a “cancer” to WordPress and encouraged the community to rethink their choice of hosting providers, citing concerns over how WP Engine markets itself as a WordPress-focused platform while altering key features.
Update: In respond to Matt Mullenweg’s action, WP Engine has issued a Cease-and-Desist Letter to Automattic over Mullenweg’s comments
“This is one of the many reasons they are a cancer to WordPress, and it’s important to remember that unchecked, cancer will spread. WP Engine is setting a poor standard that others may look at and think is ok to replicate.”
Mullenweg’s Criticism of WP Engine’s Post Revision Practices
The core of Mullenweg’s argument lies in the discrepancy between how WPEngine presents itself as a WordPress-focused service and how its internal changes affect the broader ecosystem. One of the most controversial changes involves the disabling of automatic post revisions, a feature that helps users recover older versions of content.
According to Mullenweg, these limitations prioritize profits over user experience, painting a picture of a company more focused on commercial gains than upholding WordPress’s mission.
The Broader Impact on WordPress and Commercial Hosting Providers
Mullenweg’s criticism has drawn attention due to his dual role as the project lead of the WordPress Open Source project and CEO of Automattic, a for-profit company with close ties to WordPress. Some in the community have questioned his motives, noting that Automattic benefits significantly from the WordPress project. His position raises concerns, as many feel Automattic has taken advantage of WordPress’s open-source nature while positioning itself as a defender of the platform’s values.
The dispute between WP Engine and Mullenweg has raised broader questions about the interaction between WordPress and the commercial hosting companies that build on the platform. While Mullenweg’s call to action has stirred discussions, the situation reflects the ongoing tension between open-source ideals and the business interests of companies profiting from WordPress. Whether users will respond to Mullenweg’s criticism and switch providers remains to be seen.
