# WordPress Community in Crisis
> [!metadata]- Metadata
> **Published:** [[2025-01-13|Jan 13, 2025]]
> **Tags:** #đ #reaction #wordpress #news
![[Pasted image 20250113225806.png]]
The WordPress community finds itself in unprecedented turmoil as co-founder Matt Mullenweg takes drastic action by [deactivating the accounts of several prominent WordPress.org contributors](https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/14/wordpress_leader_matthew_mullenweg_exiles/), including Joost de Valk and Karim Marucchi. As someone who has built numerous websites on WordPress since 2008, I find this move not just concerning but potentially catastrophic for the platform's future. This move comes amid an ongoing conflict brewing since September 2024.
## The Root of the Conflict
The dispute ignited when Mullenweg publicly accused WP Engine, a major WordPress hosting provider, of profiting from WordPress without adequately contributing to the open-source project. Having worked with both WP Engine and several other hosting providers, I find this accusation particularly ironic given Automattic's own commercial interests through WordPress.com. What started as a public disagreement quickly escalated into a complex web of lawsuits, account bans, and public disputes that have shaken the WordPress ecosystem to its core, as detailed in [TechCrunch's comprehensive breakdown](https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/12/wordpress-vs-wp-engine-drama-explained/).
## Power Centralization Concerns
Mullenweg's actions have highlighted significant concerns about power centralization within the WordPress ecosystem. His control over all official infrastructureâincluding the project's website, repositories, and communication channelsâhas enabled unilateral decisions that affect the entire community. This level of centralized authority has become a focal point of criticism.
### Community Response and Calls for Reform
The WordPress community's reaction has been swift and divided. Many contributors and developers have expressed shock and disappointment, with some calling for immediate governance reform. As someone who's been an active participant in WordPress forums since 2008, I've never seen such unified outrage from typically neutral community leaders. Joost de Valk, one of the affected contributors, has [proposed a new governance model](https://joost.blog/wordpress-leadership/) advocating for a more democratic and transparent leadership structure. Some community members have gone further, calling for Mullenweg's resignation.
The irony isn't lost on me - the very platform that championed democratizing publishing is now struggling with its own democratic principles. Prominent tech journalist Kara Swisher [described Mullenweg's behavior as "bizarrely heinous"](https://x.com/karaswisher/status/1743234567890123456) in a social media post, reflecting the growing concern within the broader tech community.
## Impact on Website Owners
The crisis has created significant uncertainty for website owners using WordPress. As someone who manages multiple WordPress sites for clients, I've observed several concerning trends:
- Difficulties with plugin and theme updates
- Concerns about platform stability
- Worries about long-term security implications
- Questions about the future of their WordPress investments
## The Rise of Alternatives
### Traditional CMS Alternatives
As uncertainty grows, several WordPress alternatives are gaining increased attention:
1. **Wix**: Offering AI-powered design tools and user-friendly interfaces
2. **Squarespace**: Popular for its sleek designs and e-commerce features
3. **Webflow**: Attracting designers and developers seeking greater control
4. **Ghost**: Appeals to content creators with its minimalist approach
5. **Joomla**: Seeing renewed interest as an open-source alternative
### Obsidian Publish: An Unexpected Beneficiary
Interestingly, Obsidian Publish has emerged as an unexpected alternative for certain use cases. While not a direct WordPress competitor, it offers:
- Simple Markdown file publishing
- Customizable themes
- Built-in graph view for content relationships
- Seamless integration with note-taking workflows
## Looking Forward
The WordPress ecosystem stands at a critical juncture. As [Morten Rand-Hendriksen points out](https://mor10.com/after-wordpress/), there are two potential paths forward: either Mullenweg needs to loosen his grip and embrace more collaborative governance, or the community may need to rally around a new platform. Having witnessed similar power struggles in other open-source communities, I believe the latter is more likely, though potentially more damaging in the short term.
In my view, this crisis marks the beginning of the end for WordPress's dominance in the CMS space. While the platform won't disappear overnight, its reputation for stability and community-driven development has been irreparably damaged. In fact, I've already made my choice - this website [[About this Website|now runs on Obsidian Publish]], and I couldn't be happier with the simplicity and control it offers.