Mark on WordPress

What my new job means for my WordPress contributions

Posted in b5media, wordpress by Mark Jaquith on May 28th, 2007

On June 1st, I will start working for b5media Inc, a blog network running WordPress (read more here). Early on in the discussions for this position, I put my foot down on this point: I wasn’t interested in taking the job if b5media was going to use me to influence the WordPress project in ways that would be bad for the community. I wanted to retain complete independence with regard to my WordPress contributions. They were surprised that we were even talking about it — “that goes without saying!” I figured it did, but I had to be sure. And now, I want you to be sure.

My contributions to WordPress will continue to be made using my independent judgement. All changes that b5media wants to go into WordPress will have to go through the proper channels, as they always have. They won’t get any special consideration. If it’s not right for WordPress, it won’t go in.

And here it is, from the CEO’s mouth.

10 Responses to 'What my new job means for my WordPress contributions'

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  1. Joining b5media [ Tempus Fugit | TxFx.net ] said, on May 28th, 2007 at 3:03 pm

    [...] I lose nothing in independence, and gain much in that part of my “on the clock” time is going to be spent making WordPress better. Read more about this at my WP.com blog. [...]

  2. David said, on May 28th, 2007 at 3:41 pm

    Great job with the job. :) I know you’ll enjoy it. Congrats and I look forward to continuing to watch MarkJaquith.WordPress.com.

  3. David Precious said, on May 28th, 2007 at 7:23 pm

    Congratulations on the job Mark, sounds like a nice role, doing something you enjoy and are passionate about!

  4. Trevor Turk said, on May 28th, 2007 at 8:54 pm

    Just wanted to say thanks for all your contributions to WordPress. I hope you like your new job (congrats), and I’m sure you’ll continue being a positive in the Wonderful World of WordPress!

  5. Shai Coggins said, on May 28th, 2007 at 11:53 pm

    Great to have you join us, Mark! Looking forward to working with you. :-)

  6. Why We Hired Mark Jaquith said, on May 29th, 2007 at 1:25 pm

    [...] clarifies how this affects his WordPress contributions on his WordPress.com blog: My contributions to WordPress will continue to be made using my [...]

  7. Will said, on May 30th, 2007 at 4:04 am

    Congrats buddy!

  8. Mark on WordPress/b5, Me on Automattic « Changing Way said, on May 30th, 2007 at 12:14 pm

    [...] Some of the above will cease to be true on Friday June 1, when Mark will start work for b5media, a WordPress-powered blog network. He emphasized in a recent post that: I wasn’t interested in taking the job if b5media was going to use me to influence the WordPress pr… [...]

  9. Claude Gelinas said, on June 1st, 2007 at 9:14 pm

    Well, this sounds like an upward career move, indeed ; )

    I went to see what the b5media blog network looked like and the blog authors clearly put a lot of effort in their work. In roughly 30 minutes, I learned many new things so yes, I bookmarked some blogs!

    Continue your excellent work.

  10. Memozza said, on November 7th, 2007 at 1:49 pm

    Very interesting page

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