Jonathan and Luke celebrate the 100th episode of Crossword! Join them as they reminisce about the past five years, revisit some of their favorite moments and biggest disagreements, and reflect on how much has changed in the WordPress world – and in their own lives.
Luke and Jonathan discuss the latest news from WordCamp Asia, particularly the absence of any significant controversy at the event. They also talk about the importance of community contributions, the need for clear guidelines for sponsorships and explain what hard yakka means for anyone not from Australia.
In this episode Luke and Jonathan talk about the intersection of politics and WordPress including the recent dismantling of 18F. They also discuss the WordPress Sentiment Analysis Report and the WordPress alternatives that they have been dabbling with.
In the wake of the current uncertainty in the WordPress community, the repository has become a valuable source of objective reporting that is not found elsewhere. Jonathan and Luke discuss the importance of independent journalism, the challenges of covering a complex and emotionally charged conflict, and the vital role the repository plays in holding powerful…
The WordPress plugin repository is seeing an influx of AI-generated plugins, and Luke is on the front lines. He and Jonathan discuss the challenges of reviewing AI-generated code, and the potential implications for the future of the plugin repo. Is this a threat to the ecosystem, or a sign of exciting new possibilities?
Jonathan seeks WordPress therapy from Luke, grappling with a growing sense of unease about the state of the project. They discuss the challenges of navigating a rapidly changing landscape, the importance of finding opportunities amidst the chaos, and the need for honest conversations about the future of WordPress.
From Post Status’s non-profit transformation to the emergence of the WPCC, the foundations of the WordPress ecosystem are shifting. Maybe. Jonathan and Luke discuss the potential for positive change, or further fragmentation.
Luke asks Jonathan if he has started investing time in other platforms and technologies in light of recent events. Jonathan shares his evolving perspective on WordPress and the open web. They also grapple with quantifying the real-world impact of this series of events.
Automatic is reducing its contributions to WordPress core, and Luke suspects it’s a strategic move by Matt to exert control. Jonathan explores alternative interpretations, but both agree that this action carries significant risks for the future of the project.
Crossword returns for Season 8. Jonathan and Luke catch up after the holiday break, review the news, and decide not to talk about cricket. Is the WordPress community finally getting back to business, or are there more surprises in store?
Luke expresses fear of being “canceled” from the WordPress community for criticizing Matt Mullenweg. Jonathan questions the likelihood of such retribution, but Luke points to the banning of Ryan McCue and others as evidence of Matt’s willingness to silence dissent. Is there a price to pay for speaking truth to power in the WordPress world?
What does a healthy future look like for WordPress? Luke shares three key takeaways from a WordCamp Sydney hallway track: the importance of centralization, the need for better governance, and the potential benefits of commercializing WordPress.org. Do Jonathan and the wider community agree?
Is the WordPress drama finally winding down? Jonathan senses a de-escalation, but Luke points out there are still some unsettling loose ends. They discuss new data on WordPress growth, the departure of more plugins from WordPress.org, and the lingering questions about the future of the project.
Matt Mullenweg’s actions have sparked an identity crisis within the WordPress community. Luke and Jonathan grapple with the realization that their sense of belonging and purpose is intertwined with a project that might be slipping away. Can they find a way to reconcile their personal investments with the unsettling reality of WordPress today?
Luke has reached a point of acceptance about the future of WordPress, but that doesn’t mean he’s giving up. Join the conversation as he and Jonathan explore the different paths forward, from Matt Mullenweg’s potential departure to the emergence of a more unified and empowered community.
