WP Engine Blocked from WordPress.org Resources
The WordPress community is in uproar following a major decision by WordPress.org to ban WP Engine from utilizing its resources. The tension between Automattic, the company behind WordPress, and WP Engine has escalated, resulting in significant ramifications for users of the popular hosting provider.
Automattic vs. WP Engine
The conflict between Automattic and WP Engine took a controversial turn this week. Both companies have issued Cease and Desist orders against each other, with WP Engine removing the news feed from the WordPress admin dashboard as a reactionary measure. In response, WordPress.org has now prohibited WP Engine from accessing any of its valuable resources.
WordPress.org’s Official Statement
WordPress co-creator and Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg made the announcement, elaborating on the reasons for the ban:
“Pending their legal claims and litigation against WordPress.org, WP Engine no longer has free access to WordPress.org’s resources. WP Engine wants to control your WordPress experience, they need to run their own user login system, update servers, plugin directory, theme directory, pattern directory, block directory, translations, photo directory, job board, meetups, conferences, bug tracker, forums, Slack, Ping-o-matic, and showcase. Their servers can no longer access our servers for free.”
Mullenweg continued: “The reason WordPress sites don’t get hacked as much anymore is we work with hosts to block vulnerabilities at the network layer. WP Engine will need to replicate that security research on their own. Why should WordPress.org provide these services to WP Engine for free, given their attacks on us?”
The statement also reiterated claims from the earlier post titled “WP Engine is Not WordPress.” Mullenweg stressed that WP Engine’s practices compromise the core values and functionalities that WordPress offers its users:
“WP Engine is free to offer their hacked up, bastardized simulacra of WordPress’s GPL code to their customers, and they can experience WordPress as WP Engine envisions it, with them getting all of the profits and providing all of the services.”
The Impact on Users: Immediate and Long-term
- Restricted Functionality:
WP Engine customers may encounter limitations in installing plugins and updating themes through WordPress.org resources, which could affect site performance and security. - Community and Support:
With the ban, WP Engine users might miss out on community-driven support, updates, and contributions that are central to the WordPress ecosystem. - Flywheel Users Affected:
It’s important to note that Flywheel, an entity acquired by WP Engine in 2019, is also affected by these restrictions.
WP Engine’s Response
In light of these developments, WP Engine released a status page outlining the current state:
“There is currently no impact on the performance, reliability, or security of your site, nor does it impact your ability to make updates to your code or content. We know how important this is for you and we are actively developing a remediation for this issue.”
Despite these assurances, users should remain vigilant and stay updated through official channels for any potential changes or recommendations.
Key Takeaways for WP Engine Users
- Immediate Actions:
Contact WP Engine’s support team to understand how these changes might affect your specific setup. Ensure that any immediate needs, such as plugin updates, are addressed promptly. - Evaluate Hosting Options:
Given the severity of the situation, it might be prudent to explore other WordPress-compatible hosting providers, particularly those that fully comply with WordPress.org’s guidelines and policies. - Stay Informed:
Keep an eye on updates from both WP Engine and WordPress.org to navigate this evolving scenario effectively. Understanding the broader implications can help in making informed decisions that align with your website needs and goals.
The Larger Context: A Clash of Titans
The Automattic and WP Engine dispute is a significant event within the WordPress ecosystem. With both companies generating substantial revenue and influence, their actions and decisions have wide-reaching impacts on the WordPress community at large.
Trademarks and Contributions
At the heart of the dispute are issues related to trademark policies and contributions to the open-source project. Automattic accuses WP Engine of exploiting the WordPress brand without adequate contributions, while WP Engine contends that Automattic’s criticisms are unfounded.
This ongoing saga between WP Engine and WordPress.org underscores the importance of adhering to the core principles and trademark policies of the WordPress platform. Users are encouraged to stay informed and proactive in ensuring their site’s health and compliance with WordPress standards.
For those considering a change in hosting providers, exploring options that align with WordPress.org’s values and guidelines can provide peace of mind and ensure the integrity and security of your website.