Tag: Democratizing publishing (WordPress)

The phrase “democratizing publishing” is closely associated with WordPress and its mission. It originates from WordPress’s philosophy and is often used by Matt Mullenweg, co-founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, to describe the platform’s goal of making publishing accessible to everyone.

Origin of the Phrase:

• WordPress Mission Statement: The WordPress open-source project emphasizes empowering users to create content online without needing advanced technical skills. This aligns with the broader vision of enabling freedom of expression and reducing barriers to publishing.
• Matt Mullenweg’s Advocacy: Mullenweg has repeatedly used the term in speeches, interviews, and WordPress documentation to reinforce the idea that WordPress is a tool for equalizing access to online publishing, ensuring it remains free and open-source for anyone to use.
• Automattic’s Branding: Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, Akismet, and other WordPress-related services, often uses this phrase in marketing materials and corporate messaging.

This phrase symbolizes WordPress’s commitment to maintaining a free, open-source ecosystem and empowering individuals and organizations to share their voices online. However, as the WP Engine case illustrates, achieving this ideal can sometimes clash with the realities of business and governance in such a vast ecosystem.