Contributing to the WordPress Ecosystem (My Thoughts)
Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2025 8:58 am
Last week I attended WordCamp US in Portland. It was an amazing event and I had great conversations with many friends, WPBeginners, and many new members of the WordPress community.
After the event, there was a lot of conversation about contributing to WordPress, so I wanted to share my perspective as an observer and participant in this community software movement that is WordPress.
The Ripple Effect: How Small Contributions Shape the WordPress Ocean
I accidentally discovered WordPress in 2006, when I was 16 years old. Over the past 18 years, I have watched WordPress evolve and grow to power well over 43% of all websites on the Internet.
This is remarkable growth. But what is even more incredible is how it all happened and what we can all do to continue to grow.
Many WordPress users and beginners don’t realize that WordPress is free and open source software . It was built by the amazing WordPress community , made up of thousands of developers, designers, and builders who volunteer their time to make WordPress the best website operating system on the planet.
When I explain this concept to a regular entrepreneur or investor, it turns out that the WordPress movement is entirely community driven (Open Source + Open Hearts).
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” ~ African Proverb
The WordPress community is truly special, and I am forever grateful for the impact WordPress has had on my family’s life.
Today I want to share my journey of contributing to WordPress, why we chose to donate, and how you can support WordPress too.
What Does it Mean to Contribute to WordPress?
My WordPress Contribution Journey
Our Contributions to WordPress + Open Source
Symbiotic Mutualistic WordPress Contributions
Why I changed my mind on WordPress Contributions.
After the event, there was a lot of conversation about contributing to WordPress, so I wanted to share my perspective as an observer and participant in this community software movement that is WordPress.
The Ripple Effect: How Small Contributions Shape the WordPress Ocean
I accidentally discovered WordPress in 2006, when I was 16 years old. Over the past 18 years, I have watched WordPress evolve and grow to power well over 43% of all websites on the Internet.
This is remarkable growth. But what is even more incredible is how it all happened and what we can all do to continue to grow.
Many WordPress users and beginners don’t realize that WordPress is free and open source software . It was built by the amazing WordPress community , made up of thousands of developers, designers, and builders who volunteer their time to make WordPress the best website operating system on the planet.
When I explain this concept to a regular entrepreneur or investor, it turns out that the WordPress movement is entirely community driven (Open Source + Open Hearts).
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” ~ African Proverb
The WordPress community is truly special, and I am forever grateful for the impact WordPress has had on my family’s life.
Today I want to share my journey of contributing to WordPress, why we chose to donate, and how you can support WordPress too.
What Does it Mean to Contribute to WordPress?
My WordPress Contribution Journey
Our Contributions to WordPress + Open Source
Symbiotic Mutualistic WordPress Contributions
Why I changed my mind on WordPress Contributions.