In the evolving landscape of the WordPress industry, striking a balance between the cost of open-source contribution, business involvement, and the sustainability of WordCamps has become a critical necessity. In this talk, we’ll take an honest look at the issues at hand.
We’ll explore the ‚costs‘ and ‚returns‘ of open-source contribution at the individual level. Unseen sacrifices, such as (mental) health and time, too often go unnoticed. Meanwhile, the desired ‚returns‘ range from financial gains and increased visibility to simple recognition. However, not everyone has equal opportunities. We’ll confront the barriers that hinder successful contribution, striving for a truly equitable and sustainable WordPress ecosystem.
Shifting our attention to the business sector, we’ll discuss why many companies remain reluctant to provide ongoing support for contributors, both within and outside their organization. Additionally, we’ll tackle the crucial issue of the perceived lack of return on investment (ROI) for businesses at WordCamps.
As we strive for the future sustainability of the WordPress open-source project and its events, we propose a reevaluation of current restrictions on commercial discourse in our community and during events. We need an environment that offers tangible benefits to both contributors and businesses, without forsaking the communal spirit at the heart of the project.
This talk will critically examine existing norms and practices and issue a clear call to action:
It’s time to pave the way for sustainable contribution to the project, including WordCamps, creating a more balanced WordPress ecosystem.