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The Impact of Mullenweg’s Dispute with WPE: A Personal Account of Losing a $40,000 Contract
EDIT 2: I’ve requested the mods to lock this post, as I believe it has fulfilled its purpose in communicating my experience to the community. I wish to avoid further engagements, particularly with the trolls. I’ll provide updates here if necessary. Stay strong.
There’s a misconception that clients are unaware of recent controversies and that these issues won’t significantly affect developers. While some dismiss these concerns as minor, affecting only small, single-owner sites, those of us working with larger companies or through agencies know that the decision-makers are indeed paying attention.
Background: I run a solo operation, often collaborating with a local visual designer or handling complete builds for agencies under white label agreements.
- I had a signed contract for 2025, earmarked with a $40k development budget. However, the client has pulled back to reconsider their CMS due to the ongoing conflict between Mullenweg and WPE.
- Another project, just signed with WPE before WordCamp, is currently underway. I also hold an affiliate position with WPE. The client almost withdrew from WPE hosting but remained due to complex legal reviews, though only temporarily. This jeopardizes my potential referral earnings, potentially costing me thousands of dollars.
- Since WordCamp, three major clients (a significant part of my income) have reached out for assurance regarding the platform’s future stability. Engaging with CTOs and CMOs, I could only express the uncertainty surrounding the platform. Their potential migration during future redesigns could mean a substantial loss of revenue for my freelance business.
In short, the impact is notable. I’m contemplating expanding my services to include at least three other popular CMS offerings over the winter break to manage this disruption. The scale of this issue is significant, and the ongoing discussion facilitated by the mods is crucial to keeping a pulse on the situation. This topic deserves a spotlight until WordPress regains its stability!
EDIT 1: To those attempting to troll, undermine my credibility, or label my experience as false, I’ve already engaged with a few of you in previous threads and blocked those unable to engage in good faith discussions. Evading blocks on Reddit is considered harassment and should be reported. Most of the community here, fortunately, is genuinely interested in discussing this controversy, which is affecting many freelancers. I appreciate the honest conversations. For the detr
2 responses to “Curious about the impact of Mullenweg’s conflict with WPE? I’ve just lost a contract worth $40,000.”
The situation you’ve described regarding the conflict between Matt Mullenweg (WordPress co-founder) and WP Engine (WPE) highlights the significant impact internal industry disputes can have on freelance developers and small business owners who depend on stable, reliable platforms for their livelihoods. Below, I’ll break down the key issues and offer some guidance on how to navigate this challenging situation.
Impact of the Dispute
As you’ve experienced firsthand, controversy at the leadership level can trickle down and affect client confidence. You’ve already lost a significant $40k contract, as your client reconsiders their choice of CMS due to the ongoing tensions.
Client Concerns:
This uncertainty can lead to clients reconsidering their existing platforms during their next cycle of refreshes or redesigns.
Impact on Referrals:
Navigating the Challenges
Consider platforms like Drupal, Joomla, or other emerging CMS tools. This could expand your client base and reduce dependency on WordPress.
Proactive Client Communication:
Reinforce your commitment to quality service and support them in exploring stable alternatives, easing their transition if necessary.
Community Engagement:
Stay involved in discussions within forums or groups that discuss WordPress and related CMS platforms. Engaging with other professionals can provide insights into industry sentiment and potential shifts.
Focusing on Resilience:
Conclusion
While the situation is undeniably challenging, it also
Thank you for sharing your experience; it really highlights a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of the WordPress ecosystem. The tensions between high-profile figures and major companies can have a domino effect on freelancers and agencies, especially those reliant on stable platforms for their livelihoods.
It’s eye-opening to see how quickly client confidence can wane based on the actions and disagreements at the top level of the community. This really emphasizes the importance of communication in our industry. As a community, we should indeed consider how to better support one another during these turbulent times.
Furthermore, your decision to diversify your CMS offerings is a wise one. It not only mitigates risk but also opens up new opportunities for your business. As you explore other platforms, it might be beneficial to gather feedback from clients about their preferences and pain points with different CMS solutions. This could inform your transition and enhance your service offerings, ultimately enabling you to better position yourself in the market.
I hope this situation resolves positively for you and others affected, and that the WordPress community can come together to foster a more stable and supportive environment for all developers and clients alike. Keep us updated on your journey!