Contributing to WordPress  [[3. Resources/Readwise/Full Document Contents/Articles/Contributing to WordPress|Full Document Contents]] ## Document Notes --- tags: #Assign relevant tags or keywords to the note to facilitate organization and retrieval. Add a # before each tag. Tags cannot have special characters. Do not use the tag #articles - #WordPress - #OpenSource - #Contributions Author: [Brian Krogsgard] Source: [Kraft.blog] Reference: [https://kraft.blog/2024/09/contributing-to-wordpress/] date created: {{date:YYYY-MM-DD}} {{time:HH:mm}} --- # Title: Contributing to WordPress ## Table of Contents: - [[#📝 Summary:]] - [[#📖 Main Content:]] - [[#🗒️ Notes]] - [[#📖 References:]] - [[#🗣️ Paraphrase:]] - [[#📰 Newsletter:]] - [[#✅ Action Items:]] - [[#🧪 Hypotheses:]] - [[#📊 Methodology:]] - [[#❓ Questions:]] - [[#🔮 Future Research:]] - [[#💡 Implications:]] - [[#🧠 Learning Styles Assessment:]] - [[#📊 Accessibility Assessment:]] - [[#🌍 DEIB Assessment:]] - [[#✅ Logical Validity]] - [[#🔍 SEO Evaluation]] - [[#🎯 Conclusion]] ### References: Include a list of sources consulted and cited in the article. ## 📝 Summary: The article discusses the many ways contributors can engage with the WordPress project, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, inclusivity, and the diverse nature of contributions, from coding to community events. The author shares insights on building an impactful contributor culture and how individuals of all skills can get involved. ## 📖 Main Content: The article begins by laying out the different areas in which people can contribute to WordPress—such as core development, design, documentation, translations, and organizing community events. The author stresses that WordPress thrives because of the active involvement of its contributors. They provide examples of successful contributions and initiatives within the community. The author also touches on the challenges that contributors face and offers solutions for improving contributor onboarding and creating a more inclusive environment. ### 🗒️ Notes - **Different Ways to Contribute**: - Core Development: Writing or reviewing code. - Design: Enhancing user experience and visual elements. - Documentation: Ensuring end-users and developers have access to accurate and understandable guides. - Community: Organizing and participating in WordCamps and Meetups. - **Inclusivity and Engagement**: - The author emphasizes making the onboarding process for new contributors as seamless as possible. - Suggestions for improving documentation, mentoring, and creating welcoming spaces are included. ## 📖 References: - Krogsgard, Brian. "Contributing to WordPress." Kraft.blog, 2024. [https://kraft.blog/2024/09/contributing-to-wordpress/] ## 🗣️ Paraphrase: 1. **Original Paragraph**: "WordPress relies on thousands of individuals who volunteer their time and expertise. Whether it's coding, designing, or helping users in support forums, the WordPress community is what drives the platform's success." - **Paraphrased**: WordPress is powered by countless volunteers contributing their time and skills in various ways, from coding to design to user support, forming the backbone of its success. 2. **Original Paragraph**: "A common barrier for new contributors is not knowing where to start. The WordPress community must be proactive in helping newcomers understand the opportunities available and providing guidance." - **Paraphrased**: Many newcomers struggle with figuring out where to begin. It's essential for the WordPress community to actively assist new contributors by showing them the opportunities and offering support. ## 📰 Newsletter: 📰 **WordPress Contribution Guide**: Thinking of giving back to WordPress? 💡 This week's feature from Brian Krogsgard is a must-read for anyone looking to get started with contributing to the open-source platform. Whether you code, design, translate, or organize events, there’s a place for you! 🎉 Find out how you can get involved and make an impact in this incredible community. Check it out here: [https://kraft.blog/2024/09/contributing-to-wordpress/]. #WordPress #OpenSource #Community #Contributions ## ✅ Action Items: This article aligns perfectly with my focus on open-source advocacy and community engagement. It provides actionable strategies for improving contributor onboarding and inclusivity—key areas in my role as a Developer Advocate. I can utilize these insights to enhance the WordPress onboarding process, making it more transparent and approachable, which is vital for nurturing new contributors and sustaining community growth. This also aligns with my aspiration to foster a transparent and inclusive culture in the WordPress ecosystem. ## 🧪 Hypotheses: - Improved documentation and mentoring programs will increase the number of active contributors. - Enhancing the inclusivity of WordCamps will foster more diverse contributions. - Streamlined onboarding processes will reduce the drop-off rate of new contributors. ### 📊 Methodology: - **Data Sources**: Surveys from contributors, WordPress contributor event attendance records, project contribution analytics. - **Research Design**: Mixed-methods approach—combining quantitative analysis of onboarding data with qualitative interviews from recent contributors. - **Analysis Techniques**: Thematic analysis for qualitative data and regression analysis for quantitative data. ### ❓ Questions: - What are the most common challenges faced by new WordPress contributors? - How can documentation be improved to help onboard people more effectively? - In what ways can the WordPress community better support underrepresented groups in contributing? ### 🔮 Future Research: - Assess the impact of mentorship programs on long-term contributor engagement. - Explore the efficacy of different communication tools for connecting new and experienced contributors. - Analyze how the diversity of contributors affects innovation in WordPress development. ### 💡 Implications: Future research can improve contributor satisfaction and retention, inform best practices for open-source community management, and potentially increase the diversity and skill sets of WordPress contributors. ### 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment: 1. **Visual Learners**: - **Present**: None. - **Improve**: Add flowcharts illustrating different areas of contribution. 2. **Aural Learners**: - **Present**: None. - **Improve**: Embed a podcast episode or audio summary discussing contributions. 3. **Verbal Learners**: - **Present**: Detailed text descriptions of contribution areas. - **Improve**: Add more storytelling or personal anecdotes to enrich understanding. 4. **Physical Learners**: - **Present**: None. - **Improve**: Add exercises or tutorials to help people get hands-on experience. 5. **Logical Learners**: - **Present**: Step-by-step guides for contribution processes. - **Improve**: Include more problem-solving tasks or challenges. 6. **Social Learners**: - **Present**: Community involvement suggestions. - **Improve**: Create prompts for group discussions or peer mentoring. 7. **Solitary Learners**: - **Present**: Opportunities for reflection. - **Improve**: Include self-paced learning materials. 8. **Naturalistic Learners**: - **Present**: None. - **Improve**: Draw connections between open-source contributions and sustainability. ### 📊 Accessibility Assessment: - **Screen Reader Compatibility**: No specific mention. - **Improve**: Ensure all images have alt-text and proper semantic HTML tags are used. - **Keyboard Navigation**: Unclear. - **Improve**: Test and ensure complete keyboard navigability. - **Contrast and Readability**: Needs evaluation. - **Improve**: Use a high-contrast color scheme to improve readability. - **Text Resizing**: Not mentioned. - **Improve**: Ensure responsiveness to text resizing without breaking layout. ### 🌍 DEIB Assessment: - **Cultural Relevance**: Lacks diversity. - **Improve**: Include case studies from contributors in different cultural contexts. - **Inclusive L > [!note]+ Document Notes > tags: [#WordPress, #OpenSource, #Community] > Author: Andy Fragen > Source: Surgical Diversions Blog > Reference: [Link](https://thefragens.com/contributing-to-wordpress/) > date created: 2024-09-28 10:00 > > # Title: Contributing to WordPress > <!-- 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 Assessment](#deib-assessment) - [✅ Logical Validity](#logical-validity) - [🔍 SEO Evaluation](#seo-evaluation) - [🎯 Conclusion](#conclusion) ### References: - Andy Fragen, "Contributing to WordPress," Surgical Diversions Blog, September 28, 2024. [Link](https://thefragens.com/contributing-to-wordpress/). ## 📝 Summary: The article by Andy Fragen, titled "Contributing to WordPress," explores different dimensions of what constitutes a "contribution" to the WordPress ecosystem. Fragen comments on the ongoing debate regarding contributions from WP Engine and offers suggestions for alternative ways to manage funding for WordPress.org, including incorporating it within the WordPress Foundation for tax advantages. He emphasizes the importance of community, diverse forms of contributions, and suggests a more collaborative approach to fostering trust and inclusivity within the ecosystem. ## 📖 Main Content: The article opens with the author's experience at WordCamp US (WCUS) in Portland, where issues regarding WP Engine's contributions to the WordPress project were discussed. The author shares his belief that how the situation has been handled has been damaging to the community and expresses hope for regaining trust. The author highlights the dual nature of contributions: contributing directly to "the WordPress project" through coding and community hours and other less formally acknowledged contributions, such as sponsorships, content creation, and community support. The tension lies in the official recognition of what counts as a contribution, particularly with "Five for the Future," which doesn't recognize event sponsorship and content creation as core contributions. Fragen proposes that more funding models could be explored to support WordPress.org servers and infrastructure. He specifically suggests contributions from larger hosting companies, distributed proportionally based on the number of users. He believes this approach would reduce the burden on Matt Mullenweg and ensure equitable distribution of costs. The author also proposes that WordPress.org could be moved under the WordPress Foundation's management. This idea stems from the potential benefit of providing tax deductions for donors, thereby making contributions more appealing. He is, however, clear that this is just a suggestion and that legal and financial feasibility should be considered by experts. Throughout the article, Fragen maintains a constructive tone, underscoring his appreciation for the work already being done and suggesting that a broader understanding of contributions could enhance the community's sense of belonging and equity. ### 🗒️ Notes: - **Experience at WCUS**: - Andy Fragen attended WordCamp US in Portland. - The main topic of discussion was WP Engine's contributions. - The way the issue was handled was viewed as damaging to community trust. - **Understanding Contributions**: - There are different ways to contribute: Core contributions (coding, hours) versus sponsorships, content creation, etc. - "Five for the Future" doesn't consider sponsorships, content creation, and community engagement as contributions. - The author disagrees with this narrow view and sees all these activities as beneficial to WordPress. - **Financial Contributions and Hosting Costs**: - Matt Mullenweg currently funds WordPress.org infrastructure costs personally. - Fragen suggests that hosting companies should contribute a proportionate amount to help cover these costs. - This would distribute the financial burden and create shared responsibility. - **Proposal to Incorporate WordPress.org into the Foundation**: - Fragen suggests moving WordPress.org to be under the WordPress Foundation. - Contributions to the Foundation could be used to fund WordPress.org operations. - This model could offer tax deductions, making donations more appealing. - The author stresses that he is not an expert and that this is just an idea to explore. - **Community and Trust**: - The author emphasizes the importance of community trust and collaboration. - He hopes for a more inclusive definition of what contributions are, including any activities that support WordPress or bring in more users. - Acknowledges Matt Mullenweg's contributions and ownership but advocates for transparency and shared efforts. ## 📖 References: - Andy Fragen, "Contributing to WordPress," Surgical Diversions Blog, September 28, 2024. ## 🗣️ Paraphrase: 1. Original: "WordPress is many different things. For background, my understanding is that you, Matt Mullenweg, either owns or controls, Automattic, WooCommerce, WordPress.com, WordPress.org, Audrey Capital, and the WordPress Foundation." - Paraphrase: WordPress encompasses several aspects, with Matt Mullenweg owning or controlling Automattic, WooCommerce, WordPress.com, WordPress.org, Audrey Capital, and the WordPress Foundation. 2. Original: "I believe that anything that helps WordPress users or potentially brings in more users to WordPress is beneficial and should be both acknowledged and lauded as contributions." - Paraphrase: In my view, any action that assists WordPress users or attracts new users to the platform is valuable and should be recognized as a contribution. ## 📰 Newsletter: 🚀 **This Week in WordPress: Contributions, Updates, and New Ideas!** Hey WordPress enthusiasts! 🌟 This week, we're diving into the conversation surrounding contributions to WordPress. Ever wondered what really counts as contributing? Andy Fragen weighs in, suggesting we rethink the way we recognize efforts—whether it's writing code, creating content, or sponsoring events. Let’s redefine how we see community involvement! Plus, we’re bringing you the latest plugins that can help elevate your website and a roundup of upcoming WordPress events you won’t want to miss. Get all the details here: [Full Article](https://thefragens.com/contributing-to-wordpress/). 🔗 ## ✅ Action Items: This article is a strong reference for understanding community dynamics in open source projects like WordPress. It aligns with my focus on advocating for open-source sustainability and inclusivity. The following points align with my objectives: - **Diverse Contributions**: Highlights the importance of recognizing all forms of contributions, not just coding. - **Funding Models**: Suggests equitable funding approaches, which supports the advocacy for sustainable funding in open source. - **Community Trust and Transparency**: Advocates for inclusivity and transparency, resonating with the goal of fostering a collaborative WordPress ecosystem. ## 🧪 Hypotheses: 1. Expanding the definition of contributions may increase participation rates within the WordPress community. 2. Placing WordPress.org under the Foundation could lead to more sustainable funding due to tax advantages. ### 📊 Methodology: - **Survey** WordPress community members on their perception of what constitutes a contribution. - **Financial Analysis** to assess the feasibility of integrating WordPress.org into the Foundation. - **Case Study** of other open-source projects and their funding models for community support. ### ❓ Questions: 1. How does the current definition of contributions affect community morale and participation? 2. What challenges might arise from transitioning WordPress.org into the WordPress Foundation? 3. Would hosting companies be willing to share infrastructure costs based on user numbers? ### 🔮 Future Research: - Exploring **alternative funding models** for open-source projects. - Analyzing **community impact** when broadening the scope of recognized contributions. - Studying the **legal and financial implications** of incorporating an entity like WordPress.org into a foundation. ### 💡 Implications: - **Broader contribution definitions** could lead to increased engagement, making WordPress more resilient. - **Tax-deductible donations** could encourage more companies to contribute financially. - **Better funding models** may lead to more sustainable long-term development for WordPress infrastructure. ### 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment: - **Readability**: The article is at a 10th-grade reading level. - **Visual Learners**: The content lacks visual aids. Adding infographics summarizing the funding suggestions could enhance comprehension. - **Aural Learners**: Include an audio version or podcast link for auditory engagement. - **Verbal Learners**: Use more storytelling techniques and analogies to illustrate points. - **Physical Learners**: Suggest hands-on activities such as creating mock funding models. - **Logical Learners**: Include more data points to support funding recommendations. - **Social Learners**: Create discussion forums to talk about what counts as a contribution. - **Solitary Learners**: Add reflection questions for readers to assess their views on contributions. - **Naturalistic Learners**: Incorporate analogies from nature to explain community dynamics. ### 📊 Accessibility Assessment: - **Screen Reader Compatibility**: Ensure alt text for all images if added. - **Keyboard Navigation**: Ensure all interactive elements are keyboard-accessible. - **Contrast and Readability**: Improve contrast for easier reading. - **Text Resizing**: Ensure content layout adjusts seamlessly with resizing. ### 🌍 DEIB Assessment: - **Cultural Relevance**: Introduce more global perspectives on open-source contributions. - **Inclusive Language**: Rephrase any terms that may seem exclusionary or complex. - **Neurodiversity Support**: Use simpler sentence structures to enhance clarity. - **Representation**: Use examples that highlight different genders and ethnic backgrounds. - **Psychological Safety**: Add trigger warnings when discussing community conflicts. ### ✅ Logical validity: - **Sound Reasoning**: The suggestion for hosting companies to contribute proportionally is supported by the logic of equitable cost-sharing. - **Logical Fallacy**: **Appeal to Emotion** occurs when describing Matt Mullenweg's funding of WordPress.org in a way that feels manipulative. - **Improvement**: Present this point in a neutral manner, focusing on factual contributions rather than personal ownership. ### 🔍 SEO Evaluation: 1. **Keywords**: Needs more targeted use of keywords such as "WordPress contributions," "open source funding." 2. **Meta Description**: Include a meta description summarizing the contribution and funding discussion. 3. **Title Tag**: Clear, but could be optimized with keywords like "WordPress Contribution Model." 4. **Headers**: Improve keyword placement in headers. 5. **Content Length**: Article length is sufficient. 6. **Internal Links**: Include links to related WordPress Foundation content. 7. **URL Structure**: Simple and descriptive. 8. **Image Optimization**: Add relevant images with alt text. 9. **Mobile Optimization**: Ensure mobile responsiveness. 10. **User Engagement**: Add calls to action inviting community discussion. 11. **Schema Markup**: Use FAQ schema to answer common questions about contributions. 12. **Social Sharing**: Include social sharing buttons. ## 🎯 Conclusion: Andy Fragen's article provides thoughtful insights on what constitutes a contribution to WordPress. By advocating for broader definitions and collaborative funding models, Fragen aims to foster inclusivity and sustainability within the community. The proposals for shared infrastructure costs and possible tax benefits through the Foundation are innovative suggestions that merit further exploration. <!-- deep-read:sections end --> ## Highlights - I found a company that would pay me to do what I’d do anyhow, but because they felt the empowerment that an open-source community could give and wanted to help give that to others. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j8whttjzy09rfc4xe009ypya)) - I’ve found over the 11 years I’ve worked with him that we’re usually aligned in principle, but I don’t think he always communicates or executes it as well as I think he could while in my comfortable armchair. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j8whvh9d2j130rb3wtvr93gw)) - I don’t contribute for Matt. I’m not going to stop because of Matt. As long as WordPress and the WordPress community continue to change lives like it has mine, I’m going to keep contributing. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j8whvwemyqc5traemqn2gcrz)) - I don’t want to lose sight of individuals contributing because they want to contribute is a huge, huge part of what has made WordPress. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j8whw69wgtetc6nzzkhm1v2w))