An in-Kind Donation and a Long-Time Host  🔗 **Source:** [An in-Kind Donation and a Long-Time Host](https://www.delta.blog/an-in-kind-donation-and-a-long-time-host/) > [!note]+ Document Notes > tags: [#WordPress, #ConflictsOfInterest, #CorporateImpact] > Author: Samuel Sidler > Source: The Delta > Reference: [An In-Kind Donation and a Long-Time Host](https://www.delta.blog/an-in-kind-donation-and-a-long-time-host/) > date created: 2024-11-24 15:45 > > # Title: An In-Kind Donation and a Long-Time Host > <!-- deep-read:sections start --> ## Table of Contents: - [📝 Summary](#-summary) - [📖 Main Content](#-main-content) - [🗒️ Notes](#-notes) - [📖 References](#-references) - [🗣️ Paraphrase](#-paraphrase) - [📰 Newsletter](#-newsletter) - [✅ Action Items](#-action-items) - [🧪 Hypotheses](#-hypotheses) - [📊 Methodology](#-methodology) - [❓ Questions](#-questions) - [🔮 Future Research](#-future-research) - [💡 Implications](#-implications) - [🧠 Learning Styles Assessment](#-learning-styles-assessment) - [📊 Accessibility Assessment](#-accessibility-assessment) - [🌍 DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Assessment](#-deib-diversity-equity-inclusion-and-belonging-assessment) - [✅ Logical Validity](#-logical-validity) - [🔍 DARVO Analysis](#-darvo-analysis) - [🔍 SEO Evaluation](#-seo-evaluation) - [🎯 Conclusion](#-conclusion) ## 📝 Summary: This article examines potential conflicts of interest between Matt Mullenweg, Automattic, Salesforce, and Bluehost in the WordPress ecosystem. Key points include Salesforce's $300 million investment in Automattic, Slack's in-kind donation to WordPress, and Bluehost's prominent role as WordPress.org’s host. The article highlights the need for greater transparency in how corporate ties influence the WordPress community. ## 📖 Main Content: The WordPress ecosystem faces scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest involving corporate partners. Salesforce’s 2019 investment in Automattic established a 10% stake and closer ties between the two entities. In 2021, Salesforce acquired Slack, which had donated a high-tier account to WordPress.org since 2014. Acknowledgments of Salesforce's support raise questions about the timing and implications of such public statements. Bluehost, part of Newfold Digital (formerly EIG), has long been featured as a recommended host for WordPress.org, despite ongoing concerns about its business practices. The selection criteria for hosts appear subjective, further emphasizing the need for transparency in decisions affecting the community. ### 🗒️ Notes - **Salesforce and Automattic**: - $300M investment in 2019 for a 10% stake. - Salesforce acquired Slack in 2021, linking it further to WordPress via its in-kind donations. - **Bluehost’s Role**: - Long-standing hosting provider for WordPress.org. - Operates under Newfold Digital, which benefits from Automattic partnerships like WP Cloud. - **Transparency Concerns**: - Community members question the lack of disclosure regarding conflicts of interest. - Hosting recommendations are defined by Mullenweg with little oversight. ## 📖 References: - Sidler, S. *An In-Kind Donation and a Long-Time Host*. Retrieved from [https://www.delta.blog/an-in-kind-donation-and-a-long-time-host/](https://www.delta.blog/an-in-kind-donation-and-a-long-time-host/) ## 🗣️ Paraphrase: 1. Original: “Salesforce was the sole investor in Automattic’s Series D, acquiring a 10% stake, which created several connections between the two organizations.” Paraphrase: "In Automattic's Series D funding round, Salesforce's exclusive $300M investment secured a 10% stake, strengthening ties between the companies." 2. Original: "Bluehost’s presence as a recommended WordPress host is under scrutiny due to its connections to Automattic through WP Cloud and trademark licenses." Paraphrase: "Bluehost's status as a recommended host raises concerns given its links to Automattic via WP Cloud partnerships and WordPress trademark agreements." ## 📰 Newsletter: **Corporate Partnerships in WordPress: Transparency Needed** The latest insights from Samuel Sidler uncover possible conflicts of interest in the WordPress ecosystem. With Salesforce’s $300M investment in Automattic and its acquisition of Slack, coupled with Bluehost's long-standing presence as a WordPress.org host, the lines between corporate influence and open-source principles blur. Transparency is essential to maintain trust within our community. [Read more here](https://www.delta.blog/an-in-kind-donation-and-a-long-time-host/). ## ✅ Action Items: 1. **Community Discussions**: Host forums to discuss hosting recommendations and potential biases within WordPress.org. 2. **Transparency Frameworks**: Develop guidelines for disclosing corporate relationships in open-source projects. 3. **Educational Outreach**: Use this case study in workshops about navigating corporate influence in open-source communities. ## 🧪 Hypotheses: 1. Greater transparency reduces community concerns about corporate conflicts of interest. 2. Corporate investments in open-source projects may create both opportunities and ethical dilemmas. 3. Public acknowledgment of contributions influences community perceptions. ### 📊 Methodology: - **Qualitative**: Interviews with stakeholders about the impact of Salesforce and Bluehost relationships. - **Quantitative**: Surveys measuring community trust regarding hosting recommendations. ### ❓ Questions: - How should corporate investments in open-source projects be disclosed? - What criteria should guide hosting recommendations on WordPress.org? ### 🔮 Future Research: - Study the impact of corporate relationships on the governance of open-source projects. - Explore frameworks for balancing corporate support with community-driven decision-making. ### 💡 Implications: Transparent governance practices could strengthen trust within open-source ecosystems, ensuring ethical collaboration between corporations and communities. ### 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment: - **Visual Learners**: Include charts explaining Automattic-Salesforce financial relationships. - **Social Learners**: Organize group discussions about the implications of corporate partnerships. - **Improvement**: Provide infographics for hosting criteria comparisons. ### 📊 Accessibility Assessment: - **Alt Text**: Ensure all diagrams include alt text. - **Keyboard Navigation**: Evaluate WordPress.org's hosting page accessibility. ### 🌍 DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Assessment: - **Strengths**: Highlights fairness concerns in hosting recommendations. - **Improvement**: Incorporate diverse community feedback in decision-making processes. ### ✅ Logical Validity: - **Strong Point**: Raises well-supported concerns about transparency and decision-making processes. - **Weak Point**: Lacks detailed counterarguments from Automattic or Bluehost. ### 🔍 DARVO Analysis: - No DARVO tactics identified; focuses on factual assessments of relationships and their implications. ### 🔍 SEO Evaluation: - **Keywords**: “WordPress hosting,” “conflicts of interest,” “Salesforce Automattic.” - **Improvements**: Refine meta descriptions for clarity and relevance. ## 🎯 Conclusion: This case underscores the need for transparent practices in balancing corporate support and community governance in open-source ecosystems like WordPress. <!-- deep-read:sections end --> [[3. Resources/Readwise/Full Document Contents/Articles/An in-Kind Donation and a Long-Time Host|Full Document Contents]] ## Document Notes --- tags: #WordPress #ConflictsOfInterest #CorporateImpact Author: Samuel Sidler Source: The Delta Reference: [An In-Kind Donation and a Long-Time Host](https://www.delta.blog/an-in-kind-donation-and-a-long-time-host/) date created: 2024-11-24 15:45 --- # Title: An In-Kind Donation and a Long-Time Host ## Table of Contents: - [[#📝 Summary:]] - [[#📖 Main Content:]] - [[#🗒️ Notes]] - [[#📖 References:]] - [[#🗣️ Paraphrase:]] - [[#📰 Newsletter:]] - [[#✅ Action Items:]] - [[#🧪 Hypotheses:]] - [[#📊 Methodology:]] - [[#❓ Questions:]] - [[#🔮 Future Research:]] - [[#💡 Implications:]] - [[#🧠 Learning Styles Assessment:]] - [[#📊 Accessibility Assessment:]] - [[#🌍 DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Assessment:]] - [[#✅ Logical Validity:]] - [[#🔍 DARVO Analysis:]] - [[#🔍 SEO Evaluation:]] - [[#🎯 Conclusion:]] ## 📝 Summary: This article examines potential conflicts of interest between Matt Mullenweg, Automattic, Salesforce, and Bluehost in the WordPress ecosystem. Key points include Salesforce's $300 million investment in Automattic, Slack's in-kind donation to WordPress, and Bluehost's prominent role as WordPress.org’s host. The article highlights the need for greater transparency in how corporate ties influence the WordPress community. ## 📖 Main Content: The WordPress ecosystem faces scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest involving corporate partners. Salesforce’s 2019 investment in Automattic established a 10% stake and closer ties between the two entities. In 2021, Salesforce acquired Slack, which had donated a high-tier account to WordPress.org since 2014. Acknowledgments of Salesforce's support raise questions about the timing and implications of such public statements. Bluehost, part of Newfold Digital (formerly EIG), has long been featured as a recommended host for WordPress.org, despite ongoing concerns about its business practices. The selection criteria for hosts appear subjective, further emphasizing the need for transparency in decisions affecting the community. ### 🗒️ Notes - **Salesforce and Automattic**: - $300M investment in 2019 for a 10% stake. - Salesforce acquired Slack in 2021, linking it further to WordPress via its in-kind donations. - **Bluehost’s Role**: - Long-standing hosting provider for WordPress.org. - Operates under Newfold Digital, which benefits from Automattic partnerships like WP Cloud. - **Transparency Concerns**: - Community members question the lack of disclosure regarding conflicts of interest. - Hosting recommendations are defined by Mullenweg with little oversight. ## 📖 References: - Sidler, S. *An In-Kind Donation and a Long-Time Host*. Retrieved from [https://www.delta.blog/an-in-kind-donation-and-a-long-time-host/](https://www.delta.blog/an-in-kind-donation-and-a-long-time-host/) ## 🗣️ Paraphrase: 1. Original: “Salesforce was the sole investor in Automattic’s Series D, acquiring a 10% stake, which created several connections between the two organizations.” Paraphrase: "In Automattic's Series D funding round, Salesforce's exclusive $300M investment secured a 10% stake, strengthening ties between the companies." 2. Original: "Bluehost’s presence as a recommended WordPress host is under scrutiny due to its connections to Automattic through WP Cloud and trademark licenses." Paraphrase: "Bluehost's status as a recommended host raises concerns given its links to Automattic via WP Cloud partnerships and WordPress trademark agreements." ## 📰 Newsletter: **Corporate Partnerships in WordPress: Transparency Needed** The latest insights from Samuel Sidler uncover possible conflicts of interest in the WordPress ecosystem. With Salesforce’s $300M investment in Automattic and its acquisition of Slack, coupled with Bluehost's long-standing presence as a WordPress.org host, the lines between corporate influence and open-source principles blur. Transparency is essential to maintain trust within our community. [Read more here](https://www.delta.blog/an-in-kind-donation-and-a-long-time-host/). ## ✅ Action Items: 1. **Community Discussions**: Host forums to discuss hosting recommendations and potential biases within WordPress.org. 2. **Transparency Frameworks**: Develop guidelines for disclosing corporate relationships in open-source projects. 3. **Educational Outreach**: Use this case study in workshops about navigating corporate influence in open-source communities. ## 🧪 Hypotheses: 1. Greater transparency reduces community concerns about corporate conflicts of interest. 2. Corporate investments in open-source projects may create both opportunities and ethical dilemmas. 3. Public acknowledgment of contributions influences community perceptions. ### 📊 Methodology: - **Qualitative**: Interviews with stakeholders about the impact of Salesforce and Bluehost relationships. - **Quantitative**: Surveys measuring community trust regarding hosting recommendations. ### ❓ Questions: - How should corporate investments in open-source projects be disclosed? - What criteria should guide hosting recommendations on WordPress.org? ### 🔮 Future Research: - Study the impact of corporate relationships on the governance of open-source projects. - Explore frameworks for balancing corporate support with community-driven decision-making. ### 💡 Implications: Transparent governance practices could strengthen trust within open-source ecosystems, ensuring ethical collaboration between corporations and communities. ### 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment: - **Visual Learners**: Include charts explaining Automattic-Salesforce financial relationships. - **Social Learners**: Organize group discussions about the implications of corporate partnerships. - **Improvement**: Provide infographics for hosting criteria comparisons. ### 📊 Accessibility Assessment: - **Alt Text**: Ensure all diagrams include alt text. - **Keyboard Navigation**: Evaluate WordPress.org's hosting page accessibility. ### 🌍 DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Assessment: - **Strengths**: Highlights fairness concerns in hosting recommendations. - **Improvement**: Incorporate diverse community feedback in decision-making processes. ### ✅ Logical Validity: - **Strong Point**: Raises well-supported concerns about transparency and decision-making processes. - **Weak Point**: Lacks detailed counterarguments from Automattic or Bluehost. ### 🔍 DARVO Analysis: - No DARVO tactics identified; focuses on factual assessments of relationships and their implications. ### 🔍 SEO Evaluation: - **Keywords**: “WordPress hosting,” “conflicts of interest,” “Salesforce Automattic.” - **Improvements**: Refine meta descriptions for clarity and relevance. ## 🎯 Conclusion: This case underscores the need for transparent practices in balancing corporate support and community governance in open-source ecosystems like WordPress. ## Highlights - [According to the court](https://www.cand.uscourts.gov/judges/martinez-olguin-araceli-amo/?ref=delta.blog), the public hearing on WP Engine’s motion for preliminary injunction will be streamed on Zoom. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jdg0g50sd25c919j8rhh92x1)) - [A preliminary injunction is an extraordinary and drastic remedy.](https://www.justice.gov/archives/jm/civil-resource-manual-214-injunctions?ref=delta.blog) WP Engine’s filing and subsequent reply for the motion outline what it considers “irreparable injury”, meaning money alone will not make WP Engine whole. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jdg0j0g938ynfcddr3tjay8v)) - [According to the court](https://www.cand.uscourts.gov/judges/martinez-olguin-araceli-amo/?ref=delta.blog), the public hearing on WP Engine’s motion for preliminary injunction will be streamed on Zoom. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jdg0etwec4j568wbejnrqdzj)) - Putting this altogether, here’s a timeline of all of the above: 1. In 2014, Slack provides the WordPress community with a paid instance, without payment. 2. In 2019, Automattic receives $300 million from Salesforce, in exchange for 10% of the company. 3. In 2021, Salesforce acquires Slack. 4. On October 17, 2024, Mullenweg goes to Hawaii to meet Marc Benioff—perhaps alongside other businesspeople—who nominally oversees Salesforce’s investment in Automattic. 5. On October 18, 2024, Mullenweg posts a “thank you” to Salesforce, on WordPress.org, which he has called his personal website. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jdhpphda02kj0ma1qsnxk71s)) - What we don’t know is *why now?* What conversation led to the post on October 18? Salesforce, a 10% owner in Automattic, may have *requested* more recognition for their donation, via Benioff. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jdg0n85bfafxdw0hgeb8nfds)) - Criteria Pressable Bluehost Hostinger DreamHost Contributions to WordPress.org[[9]](https://www.delta.blog/an-in-kind-donation-and-a-long-time-host/#fn9) (assuming Five for the Future) [11 hours per week](https://wordpress.org/five-for-the-future/pledge/pressable/?ref=delta.blog) [72 hours per week](https://wordpress.org/five-for-the-future/pledge/bluehost/?ref=delta.blog) [160 hours per week](https://wordpress.org/five-for-the-future/pledge/hostinger-international/?ref=delta.blog) [39 hours per week](https://wordpress.org/five-for-the-future/pledge/dreamhost/?ref=delta.blog) Size of customer base [~10,000](https://trends.builtwith.com/hosting/Pressable?ref=delta.blog) [~1.5 million](https://trends.builtwith.com/hosting/BlueHost?ref=delta.blog) [~110,000](https://trends.builtwith.com/cms/Hostinger-Website-Builder?ref=delta.blog) [~125,000](https://trends.builtwith.com/mx/DreamHost?ref=delta.blog) Ease of WP auto-install and auto-upgrades Automated Automated Automated Automated Avoiding GPL violations ?? ?? ?? ?? Design Has one Has one Has one Has one Tone Has one Has one Has one Has one Historical Perception [4.8](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/pressable.com?ref=delta.blog) [4.2](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.bluehost.com?ref=delta.blog) [4.7](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/hostinger.com?ref=delta.blog) [4.7](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.dreamhost.com?ref=delta.blog) Using the correct logo ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Capitalizing WordPress correctly ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Not blaming us if you have a security issue ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Up-to-date system software ✔️ ✔️ ✔️[[10]](https://www.delta.blog/an-in-kind-donation-and-a-long-time-host/#fn10) ✔️ ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jdhqf3gz3jv3b7jwq0abex48)) - If the table above looks ridiculous, that’s because it is. Almost all of the defined criteria are incredibly subjective. “Tone”? How does one even begin to rate the tone of a given brand? Perhaps, [as Mullenweg recently quipped](https://x.com/photomatt/status/1851853926263591391?ref=delta.blog), hosts that market “Black Friday” deals have a poor tone and need to grow up? That would likely exclude every host on the list, however. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jdhqfhckc1h5wn2qwnhga59d)) - let’s look at each of these hosts individually: 1. Pressable is owned by Automattic, thus under full control of Mullenweg. 2. Bluehost is a subsidiary brand of Newfold Digital, and was formerly part of Endurance International Group (EIG). Mullenweg has previously noted that Newfold has a licence to use the WordPress trademark. Let’s come back to this one in a moment. 3. Hostinger is privately-owned and operated. With the inclusion of “WordPress” in the primary navigation of its website, Hostinger likely has written permission to use the WordPress trademark in some contexts. 4. DreamHost is privately-owned and operated. With the inclusion of “WordPress” in the primary navigation of its website, DreamHost likely has written permission to use the WordPress trademark in some contexts. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jdhqgb47mcb6efkgbmna14p8))