Automattic Reduces WordPress Contribution Hours amidst Tensions with WP Engine

Automattic Adjusts WordPress Contributions Amidst Legal Dispute

Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, announced a significant reduction in its contributions to the WordPress open-source project. The adjustment is intended to align with the level of input by other companies like WP Engine, revealing continued friction between Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg and the greater WordPress community.

Reduction in Contribution Hours

Instead of the previously committed 3,988 hours each week, Automattic will now offer approximately 45 hours towards the WordPress project under the "Five for the Future" initiative. This program urges companies to allocate five percent of their resources to WordPress.org. Automattic stated that these hours will likely target security and critical updates.

Reasons Behind the Cutback

Automattic attributes the cutback primarily to the time and financial drain caused by ongoing legal challenges with WP Engine. The company also cites harsh criticism from certain community members who have called for Mullenweg and others to reduce their involvement with the WordPress project.

"We’ve made the decision to reallocate resources due to the lawsuits from WP Engine. This legal action diverts significant time and energy that could otherwise be directed toward supporting WordPress’s growth and health. We remain hopeful that WP Engine will reconsider this legal attack, allowing us to refocus our efforts on contributions that benefit the broader WordPress ecosystem."

Legal Battles and Community Reactions

WP Engine initiated a lawsuit against Automattic and Mullenweg last year following a public campaign led by Mullenweg against the company, during which he took control over its ACF plugin. A judge issued a preliminary injunction favoring WP Engine, describing Mullenweg’s actions as intended to cause disruption.

The conflict has led to staff turnover at Automattic, as the company offered buyouts to employees discontented with the battle against WP Engine. Additionally, Automattic recently dissolved its sustainability team, sparking criticism from within the community.

In a Slack message, Mullenweg commented that it was "probably a good time to officially dissolve the team entirely," indicating that the team had not met its objectives. This decision has drawn backlash, including pushback from journalist Kara Swisher.