In recent developments within the WordPress community, DreamHost has been removed from WordPress.org’s recommended hosting page. This change, executed by Samuel Wood (Otto), a “Tech Ninja” for Audrey Capital, leaves Pressable, Bluehost, and Hostinger as the current recommendations from WordPress.
The removal of DreamHost has reignited discussions about the transparency and criteria for listings on the WordPress recommended hosting page. Historically, the selection process has been muddled, leading to community speculation regarding the requirements for inclusion or exclusion. The current criteria, as stated on the hosting page, mention factors such as contributions to WordPress.org, customer base size, ease of WordPress installation and upgrades, adherence to the GPL, design, tone, historical perception, correct usage of the WordPress logo, proper capitalization of “WordPress,” security issue management, and up-to-date system software.
However, the application of these criteria remains unclear. For instance, the removal of SiteGround from the recommended list last year prompted WordPress contributors to call for more objective guidelines and transparency in the selection process. The lack of a clear framework has led to perceptions of arbitrariness in these decisions.
In response to these concerns, discussions have emerged about revamping the recommended hosting page. One initiative, “Project Bedrock,” aims to create a directory where any hosting company meeting predefined requirements can be listed as recommended or compatible with WordPress. This effort seeks to establish a more inclusive and transparent approach to hosting recommendations, potentially addressing longstanding community concerns.
As the WordPress community continues to evolve, ensuring clarity and fairness in hosting recommendations remains a priority. Implementing transparent guidelines and involving community feedback are essential steps toward maintaining trust and supporting the diverse ecosystem of WordPress users and providers.
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