Introduction:

In a fiery confrontation that’s sent shockwaves through the WordPress ecosystem, Automattic CEO and WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg has launched a scathing attack on WP Engine, labeling the company a “cancer” to WordPress. This bold accusation, made during his keynote at WordCamp US 2024, reveals deep frustrations over what Mullenweg perceives as WP Engine’s exploitation of the open-source WordPress project. This isn’t the first time Mullenweg has criticized companies profiting from WordPress, but his latest tirade against WP Engine has been particularly severe — and it’s igniting fierce debate within the community.

Let’s dive into the core of this conflict and why Mullenweg believes WP Engine is harming WordPress, a platform that powers over 40% of the web.

The Open Source Struggle: What’s Behind the Feud?

Mullenweg’s issue with WP Engine centers around the company’s business model, which profits from providing managed WordPress hosting services. According to Mullenweg, while businesses like WP Engine capitalize on WordPress’s popularity, they fail to give back to the project in meaningful ways. Automattic, the company Mullenweg founded, donates 3,900 hours per week towards WordPress's growth, whereas WP Engine reportedly contributes only 40 hours, despite both companies generating around half a billion dollars in revenue annually.

WP Engine’s limited contribution, Mullenweg argues, is symptomatic of a larger problem. Private equity investors, such as Silver Lake, which backs WP Engine, prioritize profits over the open-source values that WordPress was built on. “Silver Lake doesn’t give a dang about your open-source ideals,” Mullenweg said, urging WordPress users to consider switching to alternative hosting providers that contribute more to the ecosystem.

The Revisions Controversy: How WP Engine Limits Core WordPress Features

One of Mullenweg’s key grievances against WP Engine is how the company limits WordPress’s built-in revision tracking feature. The WordPress platform is designed to store every change made by users, allowing them to roll back to previous versions of their content. However, WP Engine disables this feature by default, allowing only three revisions that are automatically deleted after 60 days.

Mullenweg claims this restriction undermines the very purpose of WordPress, which is to protect and manage content. The decision to limit revisions, he argues, is driven by a desire to cut costs rather than serve users. "They disable revisions because it costs them more money to store the history of the changes in the database," Mullenweg contended. For users, this means losing the ability to recover valuable content — a move Mullenweg called a direct affront to WordPress’s core promise.

A Call to Action: Vote with Your Wallet

Mullenweg didn’t stop at criticizing WP Engine’s practices. He went a step further, urging WordPress users to reconsider where they host their sites. He encouraged attendees to explore other hosting providers like Hostinger, Bluehost Cloud, and Pressable, which may offer better support and uphold the values of the open-source community.

With growing concerns over private equity-backed companies like WP Engine prioritizing profits over community contributions, Mullenweg’s message is clear: “Vote with your wallet.” By choosing hosts that actively give back to the WordPress project, users can help ensure the platform remains sustainable for future generations.

A Battle for the Future of WordPress

This isn’t the first time Mullenweg has targeted companies for taking advantage of the open-source nature of WordPress. In previous remarks, he referred to GoDaddy as a “parasitic company” and an “existential threat to WordPress’ future” for similar reasons. However, his comments about WP Engine have escalated the rhetoric to a new level. By calling the company a “cancer,” Mullenweg is warning of the long-term risks of allowing companies that don't uphold WordPress’s founding principles to dominate the ecosystem.

What’s Next? WP Engine Responds

In the wake of these explosive remarks, WP Engine’s legal team has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Automattic, refuting Mullenweg’s accusations and requesting that he retract his statements. It remains to be seen how this legal battle will unfold, but one thing is certain: Mullenweg’s comments have reignited a crucial conversation about the future of WordPress and its open-source ideals.

Conclusion: A Fight for the Soul of WordPress

At its core, the feud between Matt Mullenweg and WP Engine is about more than just hosting services — it’s about the future of WordPress and the importance of giving back to the open-source community. As users and businesses continue to build on WordPress’s foundation, this conflict raises important questions about who benefits most from the project and how to ensure its long-term sustainability.

If you’re using WordPress, it might be time to ask yourself: who is really supporting the platform you rely on, and are they giving back enough to keep it alive for the next generation?

Take Action: Is It Time to Switch Hosting Providers?

When your hosting contract comes up for renewal, consider the values and practices of the company you’re supporting. Voting with your wallet could help sustain the future of WordPress.