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by kmeisthax 554 days ago
>and I do think the lawsuit sets a precedent that OSS developers are required to provide software with warranty

If Matt hadn't tried to extort WP Engine he would have been perfectly within his right to say "large hosts have to pay to use the WordPress plugin directory". The injunction is purely about one specific company who was allegedly harmed by Automattic.
2 comments
jonnypants83 553 days ago
I agree in general, but there's still a problem with encouraging people for decades to build businesses around a version of WP hardcoded to .org, not letting them "phone home," not making clear that they were building on a private company instead of a foundation with a clear mission statement, and then pulling the rug without notice. I don't think all of those steps would be legal, either.
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acdha 552 days ago
The other lasting problem is that he completely destroyed the foundation’s credibility as an independent organization. I don’t see it retaining non-profit status unless he and his cronies are completely removed.

It’d make sense for a true non-profit to ask all hosting companies and other high volume users to help fund it, but if it’s not a fully-owned subsidiary of Automattic that’d be everyone, not just when he needs leverage against one company.

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