Ever thought about using WordPress to build a website? Maybe you already have one. What's going on right now between WordPress and WP Engine might make you want to think twice. It's a conflict that could significantly impact anyone using the platform. So today, we're diving deep into what started this whole thing and how it might affect you. It's really a story about trying to balance a free and open Internet with the reality of businesses built on that very foundation.

In today's episode, we're joined by an insightful guest who sheds light on the ongoing conflict between WordPress and WP Engine. For those unfamiliar, WordPress powers a significant portion of websites online as a widely used content management system known for its user-friendliness. WP Engine, on the other hand, is a major player in web hosting, providing the online space for websites to exist and making WordPress even easier for businesses that lack a tech team. Our guest helps us navigate this complex relationship and the stakes involved for both companies and their users.

The episode delves into the heart of the conflict, which centers around WordPress's open-source nature and WP Engine's business model. The tension escalated when Matt Mullenweg, WordPress co-founder, accused WP Engine of not contributing enough back to the WordPress community, leading to a ban on WP Engine by WordPress.org. This has significant implications for WP Engine users, particularly concerning automatic updates and plugin installations. The discussion broadens to explore the implications for the open-source community, raising questions about fairness and the sustainability of businesses built on open-source platforms. As the debate unfolds, it highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics between web hosts and the platforms they rely on, urging listeners to consider the broader impact on the digital world.

00:00:00 - Introduction to the WordPress and WP Engine Conflict

00:00:18 - Overview of WordPress and WP Engine

00:00:39 - Background of the Conflict

00:01:61 - Comparison to a Busy Downtown

00:01:93 - Public Accusations by Matt Mullenweg

00:01:10 7 - Implications of WP Engine's Ban by WordPress.org

00:02:12 2 - Impact on WP Engine Users

00:02:17 4 - Workaround Strategies by WP Engine

00:03:20 3 - Introduction to the ACF Plugin

00:04:21 9 - WordPress.org's Decision to Fork ACF

00:05:29 9 - Consequences of the Fork for Users

00:06:34 6 - Implications for Open Source Projects in General

This episode is brought to you by Patrick DE CARVALHO and the production studio "Je ne perds jamais." Let's speak Web, innovation and technologies and explore the future together.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickdecarvalho/