WordPress vs. WP Engine | anderegg.ca
The WordPress world received a massive dose of drama over the last week. Before I get to my thoughts, here’s a rough timeline of recent events.
September 20: On the last day of WordCamp US, Matt Mullenweg was scheduled for an in-person Q&A session. You can check it out on YouTube. He starts by reading a blog post from September 17 to the crowd. He then gives his perspective on a private equity firm called Silver Lake and a specific managing director named Lee Wittlinger.
September 21: Mullenweg posted this article which reiterates a few points from the Q&A session, but also specifically calls WP Engine “a cancer to WordPress”. It calls WP Engine out for not having post revisions on by default.
September 23: WP Engine announces on X that it has sent a cease and desist letter to Automattic (Mullenweg’s company). The letter includes screenshots of text messages allegedly sent by Mullenweg. The texts include demands for payment, and were being sent up until the moment before Mullenweg started his Q&A session.
Between September 24 – 25: The WordPress Foundation’s trademark policy page was updated to include language that make the use of the letters “WP” less clear. Previously the page said: “The abbreviation “WP” is not covered by the WordPress trademarks and you are free to use it in any way you see fit.”
