Good morning: More than 43 percent of all websites on the internet run WordPress (AJ is one of them). The basic WP has always been free, and a whole ecosystem of developers has grown up around the platform. But in the past few years WordPress has been beating the bushes to earn revenue, starting to charge for plugins that had previously been free. And this week, WP’s CEO Matt Mullenweg, attacked a company that has successfully built its services atop WP. When an open-source company such as WP, which has become important web infrastructure powering almost half the internet can’t thrive, what does it say about the economics of scale online?
Here are other highlights from the past day:
- National Symphony Orchestra Strike Ends After Historic Walkout
In an unexpected move, musicians from the National Symphony Orchestra staged their first strike since 1978, bringing attention to long-standing labor negotiations. The strike, which lasted three and a half hours, raised concerns about working conditions and pay for orchestral musicians. Read more on The New York Times. - The Fight to Save the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine
The Internet Archive, known for preserving billions of web pages, is now facing multiple lawsuits that could threaten the future of its Wayback Machine. This case is pivotal in the battle over the preservation of digital history, raising questions about access to information in the digital age. Read more on Wired. - Clarice Rivers: Muse and Bohemian Icon Dies at 88
Clarice Rivers, the woman who inspired Niki de Saint Phalle’s famous Nana figures, passed away at the age of 88. A poet, playwright, and actor, Rivers was a pivotal figure in the bohemian art circles of her time, and her life was considered a form of art itself. Read more on The New York Times. - The Warhol Decision’s Ripple Effect in the Art World
The recent Supreme Court ruling on Andy Warhol’s art has raised new concerns in the art world, particularly around copyright law and how it impacts artistic expression. This landmark case has sparked significant debate among legal experts and artists alike. Read more on Oregon ArtsWatch. - Herb Alpert Releases His 50th Album at Age 90
Jazz legend Herb Alpert, nearing 90 years old, celebrates the release of his 50th album and is preparing for a 2025 tour. Alpert reflects on how music has been a healing force in his life, providing creative energy that continues to sustain him. Read more on NPR.
As usual, the rest of the stories we collected are below.
Doug