The ongoing WordPress drama
Matt Mullenweg vs WP Engine - What it means for the future of open source and websites
‘WP Engine is a cancer.’ With this provocative statement, Matt Mullenweg, the founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, sparked a conflict that has since developed into a full-blown drama. The dispute between WordPress and WP Engine - one of the largest WordPress hosting providers - is not just about technical details, but also about the question of how open source projects are influenced by large companies. But why should we be interested in these internal conflicts in the WordPress world? Quite simply, they shed light on the future of the open source movement and raise the question of what alternatives are available for modern companies that want high-performance, customised websites.
What is behind the dispute?
The conflict between Matt Mullenweg and WP Engine has been simmering since mid-September 2024. The trigger: WP Engine, which offers hosting and website management solutions based on WordPress, was sharply criticised by Mullenweg because the company had deactivated important functions, such as the undo function, in order to save costs. Mullenweg saw this as a direct attack on the promises and values that characterise WordPress as an open source product - and even described WP Engine as a threat to the entire WordPress ecosystem.
But the conflict goes even deeper. Mullenweg accuses WP Engine and its investor Silver Lake, a billion-dollar private equity firm, of maximising profits at the expense of the open source community without making a significant contribution to further development. WP Engine responded that it was being unfairly attacked and filed a lawsuit against Mullenweg and Automattic. The dispute escalated when WP Engine briefly lost access to WordPress.org and many websites were suddenly no longer able to perform updates. This move particularly affected smaller companies that rely on the smooth functioning of the platform.
What does this mean for the future of WordPress?
This public dispute shows how fragile the foundations of open source projects can be when commercial interests and control come into play. Many in the community are now wondering whether WordPress under Automattic's management is really still the free, open project it once was. At the same time, the question arises as to what role companies like WP Engine will play in this future and whether we need to prepare ourselves for further conflicts of this kind.
Another, equally important question: Is WordPress still the best choice for modern websites? In recent years, it has become apparent that the platform, despite its widespread use, is often cumbersome and overloaded. Plugins designed to add necessary functionality often slow down loading times, and customisation options are limited without in-depth programming knowledge.
Why LEWO does without WordPress
At LEWO, we have decided to turn our backs on WordPress. Why? Because our customers need fast, high-performance and, above all, customised solutions. WordPress may be a convenient solution for simple blogs and smaller websites, but for customised, high-performance websites, we quickly reach the limits of the system.
Instead of struggling with ready-made themes and countless plugins, we rely on self-coded websites that are precisely tailored to the needs of our customers. The result? Websites that not only load at lightning speed, but are also perfectly optimised for search engines - without any superfluous ballast. Every line of code is designed for performance and functionality. No unnecessary bells and whistles, just pure efficiency.
The way forward
In a world where speed and individuality determine the success of a website, it is crucial not to rely on ready-made solutions. WordPress undoubtedly has its place and will continue to play an important role on the web in the future. But for companies that demand more - more control, more performance, more flexibility - the path leads away from WordPress and towards individual, customised solutions.
The future of the web belongs to those who are fast, flexible and creative. At LEWO, we have specialised in helping to shape this future. While WordPress and its users continue to argue about the right way forward, we are ready to set new standards - with websites that not only meet today's requirements, but are also equipped for the future.