The WordPress dot org theme directory was refreshed and is now block based. There is no functionality differences to the previous version, but the post said that new features were coming.

Matt Mullenweg’s keynote presentation from WordCamp Europe has been released. It has some interesting topics. The WordPress Playground got a number of mentions. Overall, one of the main take-aways is that he wants to open WordPress for more innovation and creativity.

The WordPress plugin directory raised the ceiling that shows the number of active installs from 5+ million to 10+ million. Elementor, Contract Form 7, Yoast SEO, and the Classic Editor are now in the 10+ million club.

The WordPress org Themes Team is finding that reviewing block themes is much faster. Consequently, team members are helping out in other theme related areas. This was discussed in the latest team meeting along with steps to formalize the changes. One of these changes is to help theme authors transition to block based themes.

Josepha decided to give direction to the WordPress org’s marketing direction. The dot org’s marketing team and slack channel has been suspended and an Automattic team has been tasked to setup a “Media Corps.” The idea is to identify longstanding WordPress news sources and designate them as media partners who receive regular briefings etc. This is to be a one year experiment. The roadmap for the project was published by the new lead for this initiative.

The WordPress plugin directory has gotten a redesign.

The WordPress org home page was just redesigned. This is a huge improvement. Hat tip to Miriam Schwab who mentioned it on X.

A Hallway Hangout is planned for agencies and freelancers to discuss using the Sited Editor for client sites. It looks like they plan to discuss the difference in workflows between using a Classic theme and the Site Editor.

Josepha suggests the formation of a WordPress Media Corps, a vetted group of media partners who would could attend project briefings and be privy to forward-looking plans.