As a dedicated open-source advocate with over 25 years of experience and the creator of AesirX, I've seen the real impact of collaboration in building strong, lasting ecosystems. Open source isn’t just about sharing code; it embodies a philosophy of collective growth, mutual respect, and the unwavering belief that we’re part of something much bigger than ourselves. Recent events at WordCamp US have highlighted how important these values are, particularly through Matt Mullenweg’s courageous stance in addressing significant community issues.
Supporting Matt Mullenweg: Courage and Commitment
I want to extend my heartfelt support to Matt Mullenweg for his bold decision to call out WP Engine on stage at WordCamp US. Addressing such a pivotal and contentious subject in a public forum takes immense courage, and it underscores Matt’s unwavering commitment to the integrity and sustainability of the WordPress ecosystem. By tackling these issues directly, Matt has emphasized the need to uphold fairness and transparency within our community. His actions set a precedent for open dialogue, accountability, and a collective effort to cultivate a healthier ecosystem.
Focusing on Contribution and Fairness in the Open Source Ecosystem
In the spirit of fostering a more equitable and collaborative environment, it’s essential to examine what true contribution means within the open-source community. Contributions are the lifeblood of projects like WordPress, ensuring their growth, sustainability, and continuous improvement. However, the current dynamics within the WordPress community raise important questions about fairness and the proportionality of contributions from different stakeholders.
WP Engine's Contributions: A Critical Examination
WP Engine, a major player in the WordPress hosting space, claims to contribute 40 hours per week to the WordPress project under the "Five for the Future" initiative. On the surface, this may seem commendable. However, when we dig deeper, the context reveals a different story. WP Engine generates nearly half a billion USD in revenue annually, predominantly built on the foundation of WordPress. Yet, their contribution of 40 hours per week, equivalent to a single full-time resource, falls short of what one would expect from a company of their stature and financial success.
The success of WP Engine is inherently tied to WordPress’s growth, yet their limited contribution in terms of development hours raises concerns about their commitment to maintaining the long-term vitality of the platform that underpins their business.
This disparity raises a pressing question: Is WP Engine's contribution a genuine effort to support the WordPress ecosystem, or is it a strategic move to leverage the "Five for the Future" initiative for marketing and branding purposes? When a company benefits so significantly from an open-source project, it bears a proportional responsibility to give back. A single full-time resource, while beneficial, does not align with the scale of WP Engine's impact and revenue.
The Free Rider Phenomenon
Smaller organizations and individual contributors often invest a substantial portion of their limited resources – sometimes 5-10 hours per week or more – into projects like WordPress. These contributions are driven by a deep understanding and appreciation of what we are collectively building. They represent sacrifices and a commitment to ensuring that the platform remains free, open, and accessible to all.
When large companies like WP Engine contribute at a rate that appears disproportionate to their benefits, it creates an imbalance within the community. It creates a perception of free-riding, where contributions are seen not as genuine support but as token gestures to reap marketing benefits. This undermines the efforts of smaller contributors, who invest significantly more relative to their means, often without the same level of recognition or reward.
Proposing a Tiered Contribution Model
To address these disparities and for a more fair and balanced contribution landscape, I propose the implementation of a Tiered Contribution Model based on company revenue. This model aims to align contributions with the financial benefits companies derive from the WordPress ecosystem, promoting equity and sustainability within our community.
- Tier 1: Up to $1 Million USD Annual Revenue
Contribution Expectation: 1-2 hours per week or more - Tier 2: $1 Million to $10 Million USD Annual Revenue
Contribution Expectation: 10-20 hours per week or more - Tier 3: $10 Million to $100 Million USD Annual Revenue
Contribution Expectation: 100-200 hours per week or more - Tier 4: $100 Million to $1 Billion USD Annual Revenue
Contribution Expectation: 1,000-2,000 hours per week or more - Tier 5: Above $1 Billion USD Annual Revenue
Contribution Expectation: 2,000+ hours per week or more
Additionally, contributions that exceed the expected levels for each tier should be eligible for special recognition. This not only rewards companies that go above and beyond their basic contributions but also encourages others to strive for higher levels of support. Openness in reporting contributions should not only be expected but actively encouraged, as open-source thrives on the transparency and trust that come with accountability.
Automattic: Leading by Example
While there is considerable discussion about how both Automattic and WP Engine may confuse users regarding the WordPress brand – Automattic with WordPress.com and WP Engine with its focus on managed hosting services – it is crucial to highlight the positive impact Automattic has had on the WordPress ecosystem. Automattic is nearing 4,000 hours of contribution, setting a high standard for other companies to follow. Their substantial support underlines the importance of leading by example in the open-source community. Despite the brand confusion issues, Automattic's dedication to contributing back to WordPress exemplifies the kind of commitment needed to sustain and grow our shared platform.
The Importance of Proportional Contribution
Open-source ecosystems thrive on the principle of reciprocity. Those who benefit the most from the community should contribute back in ways that reflect their usage and impact. For WP Engine, this means going beyond the minimum requirements and ensuring that their contributions are meaningful and proportionate to their revenue and influence.
A more balanced approach would involve WP Engine scaling their contributions to match the value they derive from WordPress. This could include increasing their development hours, funding critical initiatives, sponsoring events, or providing resources that directly benefit the broader community. Such actions would not only enhance the platform but also reinforce the company's commitment to the principles of open source.
Fostering a Collaborative and Equitable Community
To maintain the integrity and sustainability of the WordPress ecosystem, it’s essential to address these disparities in contribution. Here are a few steps the community can take:
- Establish Clear Contribution Guidelines: Define what constitutes meaningful contributions, especially for larger companies, to keep their efforts aligned with the community's needs.
- Enhance Transparency: Encourage companies to openly share their contributions and the impact they have on the project. Transparency strengthens trust and accountability.
- Promote Equitable Participation: Make sure that all contributors, whether individuals or organizations, feel valued and empowered to contribute in ways that best suit their capabilities and resources.
Building Together with Integrity
Open source thrives on the genuine contributions of its community members. While every contribution, big or small, is vital, these efforts must align with the benefits received. Companies like WP Engine have a responsibility to lead by example, showing that true contribution extends beyond fulfilling obligations – it reflects a commitment to the project’s success and the community's well-being.
To strengthen our ecosystem, let’s connect our actions with our values. Establishing clear contribution guidelines and promoting transparency will help ensure a sustainable future for WordPress. As we face these challenges, we must reaffirm our dedication to fairness, transparency, and authentic collaboration.
As a small-tech, privacy-first startup, AesirX, like many independent organizations, strives to make meaningful contributions. I personally contribute 5 hours per week, and we encourage voluntary participation from our partners and staff to keep supporting the ecosystem that supports us.
I invite the WordPress community, contributors, and organizations to reflect on their own contributions and join the conversation about creating a more equitable, sustainable open-source future.
Ronni K. Gothard Christiansen // VikingTechGuy
Creator, AesirX.io
