Welcome to ForkedWord
Yes, we are a fork of WP, created to meet specific needs that we believe will enhance user experiences. We are committed to being crystal clear with you—the users—about who we are, what we do, and how we operate. ForkedWord isn't just a fork; it's a new vision of what WP could evolve into—a more secure, modern, and streamlined version that prioritizes core functionality and reduces reliance on third-party plugins.
Even in these early stages, ForkedWord already has a repo of all plugins with 100k+ active installs, and we're actively working on a plugin that will allow users to access this repo, alongside the next update of ForkedWord.
Who are we?
Our security company, Planet Zuda, has spent over a decade working on plugin security, providing free reports to creators. We've also handled significant cybersecurity cases, including the removal of nation-state malware. From our experience, we've learned that even popular plugins with larger user bases may contain vulnerabilities.
Smaller Plugins
Smaller plugins, those with fewer than 100k installs, often do not undergo the same level of scrutiny after being approved to be listed as larger ones. If someone wants to add a smaller plugin to our repo, it will need to pass a paid security audit. The audit looks for potential vulnerabilities, and if we find the plugin harmful or risky, we reserve the right to reject it.
What ForkedWord Could Be
Our goal is to integrate essential features, such as SEO, directly into the core of the system, reducing the need for additional plugins. This reduces the stress on users by lowering reliance on third-party solutions for basic functions, allowing users to focus on unique plugins for customization.
Getting Rid of Bloated Code While Adding New Features
We've been reviewing the codebase for what feels like the millionth time in a decade. It still has some bloat. One example we've already addressed is the about.php page, which should have been a single page but was unnecessarily split into separate files, complicating the structure. By consolidating these elements, we removed bloat without impacting the functionality of the site or plugins.
Disclaimers
- Plugin Audits: While we aim to include plugins that meet security standards, we cannot guarantee that all vulnerabilities will be identified or fixed. Users should maintain their own security measures in addition to using our platform.
- Third-Party Plugins: ForkedWord and Planet Zuda are not responsible for any damages or issues that arise from the use of third-party plugins, even if they pass our audits.
- Use at Your Own Risk: ForkedWord is provided without warranties. Users should take their own precautions and are responsible for their own site security.
We hope this gives you a clear vision of where ForkedWord is headed. Join us on Discord and Slack—let's build something great together.