In this episode, I’m laying out the foundation for a new initiative I’m calling The Thriving Project. It’s a simple, community-driven effort to refocus the conversation around why WordPress matters—especially in this era of AI hype and increasing web complexity. This isn't a top-down campaign. There’s no committee. It’s just us, the WordPress community, creating and sharing authentic content that answers a powerful question: Why WordPress?

Whether you’re a developer, marketer, agency owner, or solo creator, I’m encouraging you to take a moment over the next 90 days to write a blog post, record a podcast, make a LinkedIn carousel, or shoot a video sharing your personal story or professional use case. Why do you use WordPress? How has it powered your career? What makes it relevant, especially now? This content isn’t just for vanity metrics—it’s a way to reconnect with the essence of WordPress as open publishing infrastructure, a business enabler, and a creative toolbox.

The episode also touches on my experience with past marketing efforts inside the WordPress ecosystem—like the now-defunct Media Corps and the challenges of volunteer-led marketing teams. But rather than wait for centralized solutions, The Thriving Project is about creating decentralized momentum. It’s about amplifying voices, celebrating wins, and fostering pride in our platform without the red tape.

Great Takeaways & Quotes:

• “We all know WordPress has a marketing problem… but we don’t have to wait for an official fix.”
• “This isn’t just about WordPress thriving—it’s about you and your brand thriving by sharing your ‘why.’”
• “WordPress is a bridge to open publishing. It’s portable, empowering, and still one of the smartest decisions for your business.”

Important URLs Mentioned:

• mattreport.com
• thewpminute.com
• LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and other platforms where the #WhyWordPress hashtag may emerge

Let me know if you're on board or planning to contribute—I’d love to help amplify your story.