In the world of open-source development, few platforms have influenced the web like WordPress, powering 43% of all websites. Its rise to dominance can be attributed to its community-driven solid ethos, empowering developers and creators to contribute freely. However, recent comments from Jack Arturo, creator of Very Good Plugins, reveal growing discontent within the WordPress community about its governance structure.
In his tweet, Jack stated, “I have no time for dictators, especially ‘benevolent’ ones,” pointing at the concentration of power in a single individual. He advocated for a more democratic approach: “43% of the web is too much to be at the whim of a single person.” Jack’s concerns, although personal, resonate with many in the community who feel unheard in the current WordPress ecosystem.
no, we’re not giving up on #WordPress over the #WPDrama.@wpfusion is now powering 30,000+ sites, with 8 employees. We’ve just passed $4MM in total revenue. WordPress made that possible 🫡🙏🧡
But I wonder how many others are “quiet quitting”?
I built @EchoDashh in part to…
— Jack Arturo (@verygoodplugins) October 7, 2024
The WordPress “Benevolent Dictator” Model
For years, WordPress has followed a benevolent leadership model with Matt Mullenweg, co-founder of WordPress, playing a central role in guiding its direction. This approach has allowed WordPress to experience tremendous growth and innovation, such as the introduction of the Gutenberg editor. However, some community members, including developers like Jack Arturo, feel that this centralization of decision-making can sometimes overlook the diverse perspectives within the WordPress ecosystem. While Mullenweg’s leadership has steered WordPress through many successful changes, the conversation around shared decision-making continues to evolve as the platform grows.
Patricia BT’s blog on “WordPress Leadership Proposal” discusses the need for more structured and inclusive leadership in WordPress. Patricia highlights the tension between leadership and community voices, noting that while benevolent dictatorship has worked in the past, it may no longer be sufficient for a platform as vast as WordPress.
A Call for Collective Leadership
Jack Arturo’s proposal for a group or committee to guide WordPress leadership is gaining traction. This approach would introduce more checks and balances, ensuring decisions represent the interests of the diverse global WordPress community. Arturo tweeted, “Yes, but it would need to be some kind of group or committee.”
Patricia BT’s blog further explores this concept, suggesting that adopting a committee or council-based governance could allow for more transparency and collaboration. WordPress continues to power a significant portion of the web, so the stakes are higher than ever. Decisions should reflect the input of developers, users, and stakeholders across the ecosystem rather than the vision of a single individual.
Post-Economic, But Not Post-Principled
Arturo’s comments also highlight a growing trend in the tech world: developers who are “post-economic”—successful enough to speak out against systems they believe are flawed without fearing financial repercussions. Jack’s stance isn’t about profit but about principle. As someone who has built a career on open-source software, Jack’s decision to stand up for his values signals the deep-rooted need for reform in how WordPress is governed.
The Need for a Governance Structure
Patricia BT’s leadership proposal echoes Jack’s concerns about transparency and representation. She writes that for WordPress to remain relevant, it must shift towards a more decentralized governance model. This would ensure that key decisions reflect its global user base’s diverse interests and needs. A governing committee or council comprising representatives from different parts of the WordPress community would allow for more inclusive decision-making.
Many successful open-source projects like Python and Drupal have adopted similar models. They utilize steering committees and councils to make decisions, balancing leadership with community input. WordPress, as Patricia suggests, could benefit from a similar approach, ensuring that the voices of those contributing to its ecosystem are heard.
A Call to Action: Shaping the Future of WordPress
Arturo and Patricia BT’s concerns point to more democratic processes in WordPress governance. A committee-based system, where developers, users, and contributors can participate in decision-making, could mark the next chapter in WordPress’ evolution.
While there is still “lots of money to be made in WordPress” as Arturo mentions, the platform’s future should be more than financial gain—it’s about sustainability, inclusivity, and shared responsibility. For WordPress to continue thriving, it must embrace a leadership structure representing its community.
Final Thoughts: What Comes Next?
As we reflect on these discussions, it’s clear that WordPress is at a crossroads. While the current leadership model is successful in many ways, it may not be enough to meet the challenges of the future. The platform’s continued growth and relevance depend on how it adapts to the evolving needs of its community.
The conversation around WordPress governance is far from over. Your voice matters whether you’re a developer, business owner, or user. It’s time to get involved and advocate for the changes you want to see.
What do you think about WordPress governance? Is it time for a change, or does the current system work? Let us know in the comments below.
