In Brief
Posted: 4:13 AM PST · December 17, 2024
Image Credits: boonchai wedmakawand / Getty Images
Paul Sawers
Pineapple on pizza is delicious — and if you disagree, you can’t log in to WordPress.org
There are few matters in life that divide a room more than the question of whether putting pineapple on pizza is acceptable. This contentious issue has been debated by food enthusiasts for years, but it seems that now, even accessing the WordPress.org developer portal and forum may require agreeing with this polarizing viewpoint.
Users have reported seeing an extra checkbox on the WordPress.org log-in page, requiring them to confirm that ‘Pineapple is delicious on pizza.’ This unexpected twist has left many in the tech community scratching their heads, wondering what’s behind this unusual requirement.
WordPress.org login: Pineapple on pizza
Image Credits: TechCrunch / Screenshot
At first glance, it might seem like a harmless or even playful move by the WordPress Foundation. However, digging deeper reveals that this checkbox is actually part of an ongoing saga between WordPress and WP Engine, currently unfolding in the courts.
The Backstory
Automattic, the developer behind WordPress, blocked WP Engine from accessing core resources of the open-source project back in September. As part of this move, Automattic also inserted a checkbox requiring users to confirm that they are not affiliated with WP Engine. This decision sparked a heated debate within the tech community.
A Court-Ordered Reversal
Last week, a court ordered Automattic to reverse course on both counts, effectively ending their efforts to restrict access for WP Engine users. In response, Automattic was forced to restore WP Engine’s ability to access core resources and remove the checkbox confirming non-affiliation with WP Engine.
The Pineapple Checkbox: A New Twist
However, in a surprising move, Automattic has replaced the original checkbox with a new one, requiring users to confirm that pineapple is delicious on pizza. This unexpected development has left many wondering what’s driving this requirement and whether it’s related to the ongoing dispute between WordPress and WP Engine.
The Implications
The inclusion of this pineapple checkbox raises several questions about the role of user preferences in accessing online resources. While some may view this as a lighthearted or humorous move, others see it as an attempt to exert control over users’ opinions or values.
As a result, users who do not agree with the statement ‘Pineapple is delicious on pizza’ will be unable to access the WordPress.org developer portal and forum. This decision has sparked debate within the tech community, with some arguing that it’s an infringement on users’ freedom of expression.
The Bigger Picture
This development serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play in the tech industry. The ongoing dispute between WordPress and WP Engine highlights the tensions between open-source projects and proprietary companies, as well as the importance of user preferences in online interactions.
In this context, the pineapple checkbox can be seen as a reflection of the contentious nature of debates surrounding free speech, personal opinions, and the limits of digital control.
Related Topics
- Apps
- Automattic
- Enterprise
- In Brief
- Pineapple pizza
- TC
- WordPress
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