There’s a recurring narrative within the WordPress community that suggests some mysterious entities—be it individuals or companies—are out to get WordPress. However, my observations tell a different story. The issue isn’t that people are against WordPress; it’s that they don’t give it the respect it deserves. Let’s delve into why this is the case.
The Misconception of Inferiority and the Role of Competing Interests
Firstly, there’s a damaging perception that WordPress is an inferior technology. This misconception often stems from past negative experiences, usually due to poor implementation by someone who was supposed to be an “expert” in setting up WordPress sites.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Many of these detractors are actually salespeople or advocates for other CMS platforms. These platforms, often not open-source and backed by venture capital, have a clear agenda: to sell their licenses. To make their offerings seem more appealing, they overpromise their capabilities and portray WordPress, the market leader, in the worst possible light. While it’s crucial for the WordPress community to be vigilant in pointing out misinformation or outright lies, we must also be open to legitimate criticism. If the criticisms align with the product roadmap, acknowledging and accommodating these concerns can only serve to improve WordPress.
The Security Angle
Another significant contributor to WordPress’s tarnished image is the issue of security. The marketplace is flooded with products that don’t prioritize security, putting users at risk and further damaging WordPress’s reputation. This makes community-driven security initiatives all the more crucial for restoring trust in the platform. Creators of WordPress products, such as plugins or themes, should be acutely aware that their frivolous approach to security can cause significant damage to the entire community.
The Way Forward
Instead of being sidetracked by perceived external threats, the WordPress community should concentrate on actionable improvements: elevating project implementation standards and ensuring both the quality and security of WordPress products. To shift the prevailing perception of WordPress, we should focus on quality, security, and openness to valid criticism.
Moreover, showcasing WordPress’s adoption by esteemed organizations like NASA or Vox Media will resonate more powerfully than merely citing statistics about the number of WordPress-powered sites 😉
P.S. By raising standards in both quality and security, WordPress not only improves itself but also contributes to the broader mission of keeping the web open and accessible.