For context, when the OP speaks about the "new checkbox" and related legal implications, I believe they are talking about this one <a href="https://mastodon.social/@nixCraft/113282425644840219" rel="nofollow">https://mastodon.social/@nixCraft/113282425644840219</a><p>In the wordpress.org login form you now have to check a box saying “I am not affiliated with WP Engine in any way, financially or otherwise.” There are instances of people unable to login unless they choose to lie <a href="https://wordpress.org/support/topic/cant-log-in-to-org-due-to-wp-engine-affiliation/" rel="nofollow">https://wordpress.org/support/topic/cant-log-in-to-org-due-t...</a><p>Note that wordpress.org was supposed to be the community site, not the for-profit one
Every step of the way Matt/Wordpress has really made the wrong decision in the worst way possible. He wants to have his cake (distribute free and open source software) and eat it to (force some companies to pay him money) which is completely incompatible.
> I don’t want to pay an attorney hundreds of dollars an hour to determine if the new required login checkbox applies to me.<p>Seems like the right choice if not for now in the future, at this rate the petty childish behavior is looking to escalate further.
This page is still up: <a href="https://wordpress.org/five-for-the-future/pledge/wp-engine/" rel="nofollow">https://wordpress.org/five-for-the-future/pledge/wp-engine/</a><p>Ironically, it's the second Google hit for "wpengine." Appears to be self written, but nonetheless, describes WP Engine as having "played an integral role in supporting the WordPress project." I would think at this point both sides would have wanted it removed.
It's crazy how much this drama has seeped into every aspect of the WordPress ecosystem, and how Matt/Automattic have tried to make it everyone's concern by tying it into the .org site as well.<p>Should raise some serious worries about how 'independent' the foundation and open source project are compared to Automattic and WordPress.com. Wouldn't be surprised if people tried to fork the project at this rate.
The new checkbox that's required to log into WordPress.org:<p>> [ ] I am not affiliated with WP Engine in any way, financially or otherwise.<p>From the article I expected a link to very long terms, but this feels very on-brand for the pettiness of the whole drama so far.
I dont fully understand this but it seems fucked. It sounds like a real job with all the real job issues and none of the pay. Actually antipay as it is an expensive hobby ... might as well snowboard.<p>Edit: some of that team seem sponsored so maybe I am wrong?
> because I don’t want to pay an attorney hundreds of dollars an hour to determine if the new required login checkbox applies to me<p>Why would you need to do that? Just use your own judgment, what's the downside of getting this one wrong?
I mean yeah, something like this was bound to happen.
It'll be interesting to see what becomes of the WordPress ecosystem after the current crises is 'resolved'.<p>From my view, WordPress usage was definitely already in decline, but its status as an entrenched juggernaut kept it relevant. Perhaps bringing attention to everyone that quietly used WordPress means those people will start to look for alternatives?