WordPress is unique because it’s a blend of two entities:
- WordPress.org is the free, open-source WordPress software anyone can use to create a website. It’s maintained by the WordPress Foundation, a non-profit organization founded to ensure free access to the software. No single person or company owns this side of WordPress; it’s a collaborative effort by volunteers worldwide.
- WordPress.com, on the other hand, is a for-profit, paid service built on the WordPress.org software. It’s run by Automattic, a company founded by Matt Mullenweg, one of the original creators of WordPress. Automattic handles the hosting and provides additional features and support, making it easier for users to build and manage their WordPress sites without dealing with hosting or technical details.
In summary, WordPress.org is community-owned and maintained, while WordPress.com is owned by Automattic, a company spearheaded by WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg.
