It is happening right now. We are seeing the cannibalistic open-source project now, that eats its best add-ons, and it’s Wordpress. It feels like you wrote the script for what is happening.
Although I didn't write the script, per se, I lived through the exact pattern we're seeing now. The writing has been on the wall for over 14 years, but nobody wanted to see it. To the people on top, "open source" is a way to hypnotize the masses and control them via their contributions. It's a gross way to treat people.
I couldn't agree more. I started reaching fatigue probably 6-7 years ago. From both a consumer standpoint and creator/maintainer of such plugins/themes, it was clear to see that the ecosystem was fractured. I found myself wondering why no one had built exactly what you're saying needs to exist. Unfortunately, it wasn't as easy to get away from WordPress as I thought it would be. It still seems to be the lesser of several evils for many people. That doesn't make me any less tired, though. The first company that does what you've described will have my business from day one.
I agree wholly with you on the subscription event horizon. That will create two paths... one, smart people will work from the angle of a zero sum game. Hit the limit and then trade out underperformers for new, better performers. Two, the lazy will "stop" using a subscription at the limit but never turn it off and keep paying for it assuming it will come back into focus. To me, the first is a natural evolution of business and competition. The second is a failure that bloats and falsely stimulates businesses, practices and outcomes.
Very good points - I agree. I think WP will (or could) get there, but it would need to be intentional. Yes, by letting everyone in, as Open Source, you lose some things. There *are* standards to get plugins into the main repo, and WP could tighten those standards. In doing that, it would mean more to be in the main repo. Maybe it's time to raise those standards. Your idea of one theme is very interesting. We do a LOT of WP development and, on a recent project, we basically created a theme that pulled what we needed from Woo and left the slow stuff out. We're using this as a base for future e-comm sites. I think doing this was a good investment for us and our clients. Anyway, I might be rambling, but I get your point. WP isn't optimal, and it could head either direction - good or bad. These conversations need to happen, so thanks for doing this video.
Interesting indeed. You've managed to crystalise some thoughts I've had recently about Wordpress and explain the problems beautifully. I wish I had an answer.
Are you going to try and fill this gap? It would be worth a lot of money to me to have everything under one roof. Monster project, but if anyone could do it right it's you.
That's why Shopify is gaining so much ground. As much of a WordPress fan I am, woocommerce is 🗑️🗑️🗑️ I totally agree with your stance which is why I stick to a small number of plugins and 1 - 2 themes.
Also, if WordPress was actually a real CMS, then you could create your own functionality for e-commerce and make it look exactly how you want and not deal with these integrations
Terrific video. Microsoft has been doing that (cannibalizing 3rd party add-ons to Windows into the Windows distro) forever. I find your analysis really interesting. MS has been excoriated for killing small, 3rd party businesses, but it now appears that Windows itself is a better, more stable, more secure operating system as a result. For example, MS Defender has become good enough that I no longer pay for 3rd party security. Still on the fence with Edge.
![😱 Matt Mullenweg vs. WPEngine [Part 1]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/C_wb01v-CA0/mqdefault.jpg)
![😱 Matt Mullenweg vs. WPEngine [Part 1]](/img/tr.png)
Maximum power foresight here. As a developer and a WordPress site owner I agree.
I think I know what needs to be done 😅
It is happening right now. We are seeing the cannibalistic open-source project now, that eats its best add-ons, and it’s Wordpress.
It feels like you wrote the script for what is happening.
Although I didn't write the script, per se, I lived through the exact pattern we're seeing now. The writing has been on the wall for over 14 years, but nobody wanted to see it. To the people on top, "open source" is a way to hypnotize the masses and control them via their contributions. It's a gross way to treat people.
I couldn't agree more. I started reaching fatigue probably 6-7 years ago. From both a consumer standpoint and creator/maintainer of such plugins/themes, it was clear to see that the ecosystem was fractured. I found myself wondering why no one had built exactly what you're saying needs to exist. Unfortunately, it wasn't as easy to get away from WordPress as I thought it would be. It still seems to be the lesser of several evils for many people. That doesn't make me any less tired, though. The first company that does what you've described will have my business from day one.
I agree wholly with you on the subscription event horizon. That will create two paths... one, smart people will work from the angle of a zero sum game. Hit the limit and then trade out underperformers for new, better performers. Two, the lazy will "stop" using a subscription at the limit but never turn it off and keep paying for it assuming it will come back into focus. To me, the first is a natural evolution of business and competition. The second is a failure that bloats and falsely stimulates businesses, practices and outcomes.
Very good points - I agree. I think WP will (or could) get there, but it would need to be intentional.
Yes, by letting everyone in, as Open Source, you lose some things. There *are* standards to get plugins into the main repo, and WP could tighten those standards. In doing that, it would mean more to be in the main repo. Maybe it's time to raise those standards. Your idea of one theme is very interesting.
We do a LOT of WP development and, on a recent project, we basically created a theme that pulled what we needed from Woo and left the slow stuff out. We're using this as a base for future e-comm sites. I think doing this was a good investment for us and our clients.
Anyway, I might be rambling, but I get your point. WP isn't optimal, and it could head either direction - good or bad. These conversations need to happen, so thanks for doing this video.
Well argued and thoughtful, Chris. Thanks.
Interesting indeed. You've managed to crystalise some thoughts I've had recently about Wordpress and explain the problems beautifully. I wish I had an answer.
Super clear analysis. Finally you made see the forest through the trees.
Are you going to try and fill this gap? It would be worth a lot of money to me to have everything under one roof. Monster project, but if anyone could do it right it's you.
That's the idea, but I need to figure out a bulletproof way to finance it...
@TheRealPearsonified Keep us informed, and how we can help rally confidence in your project. You've got a ton of support out here!
That's why Shopify is gaining so much ground. As much of a WordPress fan I am, woocommerce is 🗑️🗑️🗑️
I totally agree with your stance which is why I stick to a small number of plugins and 1 - 2 themes.
Also, if WordPress was actually a real CMS, then you could create your own functionality for e-commerce and make it look exactly how you want and not deal with these integrations
Terrific video. Microsoft has been doing that (cannibalizing 3rd party add-ons to Windows into the Windows distro) forever. I find your analysis really interesting. MS has been excoriated for killing small, 3rd party businesses, but it now appears that Windows itself is a better, more stable, more secure operating system as a result. For example, MS Defender has become good enough that I no longer pay for 3rd party security. Still on the fence with Edge.
There are so many better options that are purpose built than using hack together, plug-ins and themes from WordPress