So… You might have heard whispers of a clash of the titans in the WordPress world – a battle between WordPress and WP Engine. It’s a bit of a techie drama, but it could have a real impact on your conference or event website, especially if you’re one of the many relying on WordPress. So, grab your coffee or a cocktail and let’s break it down.
What’s the Beef?
At the heart of this conflict is Matt Mullenweg, the founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, the company behind WordPress. Mullenweg has accused WP Engine, a major WordPress hosting provider, of not contributing enough back to the open-source WordPress project. He claims that WP Engine has profited handsomely from WordPress without giving back in the form of code development or financial support.
WP Engine, for their part, denies these claims, stating that they have invested significant resources in the WordPress ecosystem. They see Mullenweg’s demands for licensing fees as an attempt to stifle competition and control the WordPress market.
The Fallout
Things got messy quickly. Mullenweg blocked WP Engine from accessing crucial WordPress updates and resources, raising security concerns for websites hosted by WP Engine. This sparked a legal battle, with WP Engine filing a lawsuit against Automattic and Mullenweg for abuse of power.
The fight has caused turmoil in the WordPress community, with some developers worried about the future of open-source ideals. Mullenweg even offered buyouts to Automattic employees who disagreed with his actions, leading to a significant number of departures.
What Does It Mean for Event Websites?
We currently have about 60 client event websites on WordPress and If you’re running your event website on WordPress, this feud might have you feeling as uneasy as we are. But, here’s the deal:
- Security Risks: Although it has been said that WP Engine sites are currently unable to receive important updates, potentially leaving them vulnerable to security threats, we have four sites on WPEngine and have had no trouble this week.
- Uncertainty: The outcome of the legal battle is unknown. It’s possible that WP Engine could fork WordPress, creating a separate version of the platform and further fragmenting the community. This would create compatibility issues and headaches for users. If this happens, my thinking is that a fork would be catastrophic.
- Cost Increases: If WP Engine is forced to pay licensing fees, those costs could be passed on to their customers, which other providers will use to increase their pricing. Now, hosting is not a break-the-bank kind of cost, but many of our clients are nonprofits who watch every penny, so cost uncertainty is a bad thing.
What Should You Do?
Don’t panic…. yet! Here are some things to consider:
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on developments in the WordPress/WP Engine conflict.
- Evaluate Your Options: Explore alternative website building platforms like Squarespace or Wix. These platforms have come a long way in recent years and offer user-friendly interfaces and features suitable for event websites.
- Consider Member Management Systems: If you’re already using a member management system, see if it offers a website builder. While these builders might not be as sophisticated as WordPress, they can provide a simpler, integrated solution.
- Have a Backup Plan: Be prepared to migrate your website if necessary and it is easier to plan while the site is in good order and much harder and scarier to do if it just up and crashes a week before registration is supposed to open.
This situation is evolving rapidly, but by staying informed and proactive, you can navigate the uncertainty and ensure your event website remains secure and functional.
Check out this episode of the Event Tech Pull Up where Tess Vismale and I chat about the issue.
