The Growing Divide: How WordPress Plugin Administrators Are Failing Developers

WordPress failing developers


The WordPress ecosystem is one of the most influential platforms powering the modern internet, supporting over 40% of all websites globally. At its core lies a thriving community of developers who create plugins and themes that extend the platform’s functionality.

These developers work tirelessly to deliver innovative, secure, and user-friendly tools that empower millions of users worldwide. However, a troubling issue has emerged within the ecosystem: the mistreatment of developers by WordPress plugin administrators.

This growing divide is threatening the health and vitality of the WordPress community as a whole.

Understanding the Administrator-Developer Relationship

The WordPress Plugin Repository is a critical hub for the ecosystem, serving as the primary channel for developers to distribute their plugins to the broader WordPress community. Plugin administrators—tasked with overseeing this repository—hold immense power in maintaining quality, security, and compliance.

While this role is crucial, it also creates an inherent power imbalance between administrators and developers. Administrators are the gatekeepers who can approve, reject, or remove plugins, often with minimal oversight or accountability.

Developers, on the other hand, are at the mercy of these decisions, which can have far-reaching consequences for their livelihoods and reputations.

Common Complaints from Developers

Over the years, many developers have voiced concerns about their experiences with WordPress plugin administrators. Some of the most pressing issues include:

Lack of Transparency

Developers often receive vague or generic explanations when a plugin is rejected or removed from the repository. For example, a plugin might be flagged for violating guidelines without clear details on which rules were broken or how to address the issues. This lack of transparency leaves developers in a frustrating position, unsure of how to proceed.

Active Install Growth Chart was discontinued by WordPress which resulted in a lack of transparency. This chart shows developers the number of active installations on the plugin.

The growth of the plugin will be prompted to initiate more add-ons and this depends on the growth of WooCommerce as well.
It also helps understand where the plugin stands and this chance for developers is now robbed by WordPress.

Inconsistent Enforcement of Guidelines

Developers frequently report that rules are not applied uniformly across the board. Smaller, independent developers often feel they are scrutinized more harshly than larger organizations or established brands. This perceived favoritism fosters resentment and discourages newcomers from contributing to the ecosystem.

Delays in the Review Process

Submitting a plugin or update to the WordPress Plugin Repository can be a lengthy process. Review queues often stretch for weeks or even months, delaying the launch of critical updates or new features. For developers, these delays can result in lost revenue, user dissatisfaction, and reputational damage.

David Artiss, a WordPress developer, mentioned the long wait time after the plugin was submitted to WordPress.
He noticed the fact that while you wait for the approval of the plugin, you cannot submit new ones. He also spoke about clearer guidelines that can help overcome rejections in the first place.

Unprofessional Communication

Communication from plugin administrators is another sore point. Developers have shared instances where feedback from administrators was curt, dismissive, or even condescending. Such interactions can demoralize developers who are genuinely trying to comply with repository guidelines.

A WordPress developer had to file a Code of Conduct violation report against the WordPress community due to reasons like derogatory comments, harassment, and retaliation for raising voice.

Arbitrary Plugin Removal

Perhaps the most severe issue is the arbitrary removal of plugins without adequate warning or explanation. Developers whose plugins are suddenly de-listed face significant consequences, including loss of income, damage to their user base, and harm to their professional reputations.

The Human and Economic Impact

The mistreatment of developers has tangible consequences for individuals and the broader WordPress ecosystem. For independent developers and small teams, these challenges can be financially and emotionally devastating.

Imagine dedicating months of effort to creating a plugin, only to have it rejected or removed without clear justification. The loss of potential revenue and the emotional toll of such experiences can push talented developers to abandon WordPress altogether.

For the WordPress community, this exodus of developers is a significant loss. Each developer who leaves takes with them their unique skills, creativity, and potential contributions. Over time, this brain drain could stifle innovation and weaken the platform’s competitive edge.

Why This Matters for the WordPress Ecosystem?

The success of WordPress hinges on the collaborative efforts of developers, administrators, and users. Developers drive innovation by creating tools that expand the platform’s functionality. Administrators ensure the ecosystem remains secure and user-friendly. Users rely on this ecosystem to power their websites and businesses.


When developers feel mistreated, the entire ecosystem suffers. Disenchanted developers may switch to competing platforms, reducing the diversity and quality of plugins available on WordPress. Users, in turn, may seek alternatives, further eroding WordPress’s market share.

Solutions for a Healthier Ecosystem

To bridge the growing divide between plugin administrators and developers, the WordPress community must adopt measures that prioritize fairness, transparency, and mutual respect. Here are some actionable recommendations:

Establish Clear and Detailed Guidelines

The WordPress Plugin Repository guidelines must be comprehensive and easy to understand. Ambiguities should be minimized, and examples of compliance and non-compliance should be provided. Clear guidelines empower developers to meet expectations and reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings.

Improve Communication Channels

Administrators should communicate with developers respectfully and constructively. Feedback should be specific, actionable, and delivered in a tone that fosters collaboration rather than conflict. Additionally, a system for follow-up questions and clarifications could help developers address concerns more effectively.

Introduce a Dispute Resolution Process

An independent dispute resolution mechanism could address grievances between developers and administrators. This process would provide developers with a fair opportunity to appeal decisions and ensure accountability on both sides.

Streamline the Review Process

Investing in automation and additional personnel could help reduce delays in plugin reviews. Faster review times would enable developers to release updates and new plugins more efficiently, benefiting users and the ecosystem as a whole.

Recognize and Reward Developers

The WordPress community should celebrate the contributions of developers through initiatives like awards, showcases, and developer spotlights. Recognizing the value of developers fosters goodwill and encourages ongoing participation.

A Call for Collaboration

The WordPress ecosystem thrives on collaboration. Developers and administrators play complementary roles, and mutual respect is essential for the platform’s continued success.

By addressing the concerns of developers and fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment, the WordPress community can ensure its long-term growth and vitality.

Ultimately, the WordPress ecosystem is strongest when all stakeholders feel valued and supported. It’s time to prioritize the well-being of developers and work together to build a future where innovation and collaboration can flourish.