US vs THEM

Jeff Chandler raises an important “insider” issue within the WordPress community. I’ve not only heard the same types of comments, but felt similar at times. But just like any other “Us vs Them” type scenario, it only improves with people willing to do the brave thing and break through it with experience.

Anyone who feels threatened, or intimidated by the WordPress Core team simply needs to speak up, contribute, learn about how to contribute, and do it regularly.

I’ve challenged myself to contribute to each new default theme each year, and I’ve been active in contributing in Plugin Directory Meetings. I can say that the more I contribute with quality input and feedback and code the more accustom the team is to me and my personality and the more I grow as a contributor.

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Author: Matt Cromwell

I help product businesses turn customer insight into better experiences that keep people renewing year after year. I co-founded GiveWP, growing it into the leading online donations platform for WordPress. After its acquisition by StellarWP, I became Senior Director of Customer Experience, scaling those same data-driven systems across flagship brands like LearnDash, KadenceWP, and The Events Calendar. Beyond my formal roles, I co-host WP Product Talk, a weekly show where WordPress founders share what works (and what doesn’t) in growing sustainable products. I’ve also spoken at WordCamps and CloudFest EU, helping teams connect customer experience with product strategy so every decision moves the business forward. Over a decade in customer experience and product growth, my focus hasn’t changed: connect what customers feel with how teams build — and turn that alignment into meaningful, measurable growth.

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