October 28, 2024 at 02:36AM
Organizers of WordCamps have been ordered by Automattic employees to take down social media posts and share login credentials, amidst tensions over WordPress’s control and rival WP Engine’s contributions. This has led to volunteer frustration and concerns over community engagement and autonomy, harming events like WordCamp Sydney.
### Meeting Takeaways:
1. **Social Media Credential Directive**:
– WordCamp organizers are required to remove specific social media posts and share their login credentials with Automattic due to ongoing issues with new organizing teams losing access to event accounts.
2. **Background on the Directive**:
– The order was issued by an Automattic employee, with the stated aim of improving access continuity for organizers.
– This directive is occurring amidst tensions between Automattic’s CEO, Matt Mullenweg, and WP Engine regarding the use of the WordPress trademark and contributions to the WordPress community.
3. **Community Conflict**:
– WP Engine has support from events like WordCamp Sydney, which recently defended their sponsorship on social media.
– Automattic requested that WordCamp Sydney remove their defense post, leading to concerns about freedom of expression within the community.
4. **Reactions to Requests**:
– Organizers perceived the takedown requests as threats, fearing exclusion from future organizing roles if they did not comply.
– Concerns were raised about the legitimacy of the credential-sharing request, with feelings of it being a “hostile takeover” rather than a genuine effort to improve operations.
5. **Impact on WordCamp Sydney**:
– The situation has contributed to disappointing ticket sales for WordCamp Sydney, frustrating organizers who feel their efforts are being undermined by external pressures.
6. **Historical Context**:
– The letters’ content reflects a broader trend of control by Automattic over community events, which has historically led to disengagement within the community, according to former Automattic staffer Kellie Peterson.
7. **Overall Community Sentiment**:
– There is growing concern within the WordPress community about Automattic’s approach, with fears that it may lead to stagnation and fracture the community further.
These takeaways summarize the findings from the meeting regarding the ongoing issues faced by WordCamp organizers in relation to Automattic’s control.