WordPress’ Recommended Hosting page has been a topic of discussion recently after SiteGround was removed from the listings. The process for being listed on this page has historically been secretive, leading to speculation about the criteria and whether money is involved. However, WordPress co-creator Matt Mullenweg has hinted at the possibility of re-opening the survey and making the process more transparent.
The current criteria for being listed on the Recommended Hosting page include contributions to WordPress.org, size of customer base, ease of WP auto-install and auto-upgrades, avoiding GPL violations, design, tone, historical perception, using the correct logo, capitalizing WordPress correctly, not blaming WordPress for security issues, and having up-to-date system software. However, it is not clear how these criteria are being applied.
Mullenweg has invited contributors to provide input on questions or data that the survey should collect to help determine which hosts should be recommended. The survey used in 2016 when the page was last updated included questions about international hosts, indicating a desire to make the recommendations more inclusive.
The WordPress Hosting team has been working on a project called “Project Bedrock” that aims to create a directory where any hosting company that meets certain requirements can be listed as recommended hosting or compatible with WordPress. This project is seen as complementary to the official recommendations but may create confusion with multiple similar hosting resources.
Some technical criteria that the survey could focus on include PHP versions, database versions, SSH access, automatic updates, one-click WordPress installation, free TLS certificates, and backup options. These criteria would help users evaluate the performance and capabilities of different hosting providers.
The 2023 survey is still in the early stages and will likely be discussed at WordCamp US’ upcoming Community Summit. Contributors have suggested that the requirements for revamping the page should be a topic of discussion at this event.
Namecheap co-founder Matt Russell has suggested leveraging WPHostingBenchmarks performance data for evaluating hosting providers. This data is considered to be open, fair, and comprehensive. Russell also recommends revamping the page as a directory with options to select budget, regions/country, and more, providing users with more flexibility in their hosting choices.
Transparency is a concern for many contributors, including Kevin Ohashi, the founder of Review Signal and WPHostingBenchmarks. Ohashi believes that the process and criteria for being listed on the page should be transparent and clear from the beginning. He also suggests that no person employed by a hosting company should be involved in the evaluation process to eliminate bias.
Ohashi emphasizes the need for ethics and accountability in the hosting industry. He believes that companies should compete based on quality and product, rather than engaging in deceptive practices. Ohashi sees an opportunity to improve the ecosystem and hopes that Mullenweg will take action in this regard.
In conclusion, the Recommended Hosting page on WordPress.org is undergoing changes, with SiteGround being removed and the possibility of re-opening the survey. The criteria for being listed on the page are not transparent, but efforts are being made to make the process more inclusive and comprehensive. Transparency and ethics are important considerations for contributors, who hope to see improvements in the hosting industry.
