As a Bristol-based web design studio specialising in bespoke WordPress development, we’ve been watching the recent WordPress controversy with interest. For those who haven’t been following along, here’s what happened and why it ultimately doesn’t change our approach to building exceptional websites for our clients.
The WordPress Controversy Explained
In September 2024, Matt Mullenweg, the co-founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, made headlines when he publicly called WP Engine “a cancer to WordPress” during his WordCamp US keynote. Quite the statement.
The dispute centred around trademark usage, with Mullenweg accusing WP Engine of profiting from WordPress and WooCommerce trademarks without adequately contributing back to the ecosystem. Things escalated quickly when Automattic took the dramatic step of blocking WP Engine customers from receiving WordPress core and plug-in updates—a move that potentially left thousands of websites vulnerable.
WP Engine responded with legal action, and eventually, a California court ruled that access must be restored and restrictions lifted. The legal battle continues and may stretch into 2027, but the immediate crisis for website owners has been averted.
Why WordPress Remains Unshakeable
Despite this corporate drama, it’s crucial to understand that WordPress itself remains rock-solid, and here’s why:
The Power of Open Source
WordPress is protected by the GNU General Public License (GPL), which grants users fundamental freedoms that no individual or company can revoke:
- Freedom to use: Anyone can use WordPress for any purpose
- Freedom to study and modify: The source code is available for inspection and customisation
- Freedom to share: WordPress can be freely redistributed
This means that despite Mullenweg’s position as co-founder, he cannot fundamentally restrict how WordPress is used. The attempted blocking of updates was a strategic move using Automattic’s control of WordPress.org, not a limitation of the software itself—and the courts quickly recognised this overreach.
Reliability That Stands the Test of Time
WordPress has powered websites reliably for nearly two decades. With its robust codebase and regular updates, it continues to be one of the most stable content management systems available. For our Bristol clients, this translates to websites that remain functional and secure year after year.
Security Through Community
With thousands of developers constantly reviewing the code, security vulnerabilities are typically identified and patched quickly. This global community of watchful eyes provides a level of scrutiny that proprietary systems simply cannot match.
Unmatched Flexibility for Bespoke Web Design
As web designers and developers, what we value most about WordPress is its incredible flexibility. It provides a solid foundation that we can build upon to create truly bespoke websites. From custom branding integration to specialised functionality, WordPress adapts to our creative vision rather than constraining it.
Client-Friendly Backend
Most importantly for our clients, WordPress offers an intuitive interface that makes content management straightforward. After we complete a new website, clients can update content, add blog posts, and manage their digital presence with minimal training. This ease of use is paramount for busy business owners who need to focus on their core operations.
Hosting Matters: Finding the Right Home for Your WordPress Site
While WordPress itself is free, hosting is an essential consideration for any website. The recent controversy highlighted some important aspects of this decision:
WP Engine: Premium Service at Premium Prices
WP Engine, the hosting provider at the centre of the controversy, does provide excellent WordPress-specific hosting with impressive performance and support. However, their services come at a premium price point that may not be necessary for all websites. Kinsta is a popular alternative, offering similar performance benefits to WP Engine but with different pricing structures that might better suit certain projects.
Krystal: Our Recommended UK-Based, Eco-Friendly Option
For our clients, we often recommend Krystal hosting. As a 100% renewable energy-powered, family-run business based right here in the UK, they align with values that many of our clients share. Their commitment to sustainability is matched by excellent performance, and they even offer free hosting for charities—a policy we wholeheartedly support.
Their UK-based servers also ensure optimal loading speeds for local audiences and compliance with UK data regulations, which is increasingly important for businesses concerned about data sovereignty.
Looking Forward: WordPress Is Bigger Than Any Individual
Perhaps the most important takeaway from this controversy is that WordPress has grown far beyond its founders. Powering over 40% of the internet, it now belongs to the global community of users, developers, and businesses that rely on it.
For our logo design, branding, and web design projects in Bristol, WordPress continues to be our platform of choice precisely because of this community-driven nature. It allows us to create bespoke digital experiences that meet our clients’ unique needs while providing them with a familiar, easy-to-use system for managing their online presence.
The recent drama, while certainly noteworthy, ultimately reinforces what we’ve always known: WordPress is resilient, adaptable, and here to stay. As we continue creating custom WordPress solutions for businesses across Bristol and beyond, we remain confident in our choice of platform and excited about its future.
If you’re considering a new website and would like to discuss how a bespoke WordPress solution could benefit your business, we’d be delighted to chat. Our expertise in logo design, branding, web design, and WordPress development ensures a cohesive digital presence that truly represents your brand.
