I tried to install this plugin and got this error:
Plugin could not be activated because it triggered a fatal error.
@urryes thanks!
I think I will try create a new plugin, if possible with an “import from RootsPersona” feature.
I asked ChatGPT to analyse the latest version of Rootpersona and here is what I got:
Quick reality check on the codebase you uploaded
This code is structurally old for modern WordPress and modern PHP:
- Shortcodes-based UI ([rootsPersona…]) rather than blocks.
- Heavy custom DB layer (31 custom tables)
- PHP 8+ breakages are very likely. I can already see wide usage of each() (removed in PHP 8), plus other “old PHP era” patterns. So even if the plugin “loads”, it will be flaky on current stacks.
The last point might explain the errors @gwledford got.
I’m originally not a dev but I’m getting good at using AI for quick plugin creation, and a genealogy one is important to me (and I don’t like any of the other ones I tried). Tell me if you want to help/participate.
Hopefully the original developer will take a weekend and fix this one. It’s really got a good look and feel (I used it years ago on my ancestral page) but it’s useless with the current security risks. Thank you for trying to revitalize this one!
Likewise, I’d love to see this plugin updated or redeveloped if possible 🙏!
Plugin Author
urryes
(@urryes)
Gulford, I’m sorry, but the patched version of the plugin did have activation issues. They’ve been fixed now, and I’ve tested them on a couple of my subdomains, but you still need to be prepared for anything—you can’t test every possible combination.
I’ve given up on Ed Thompson (EdBecky) and am relying solely on myself and the AI.
Patricia BT (@patricia70) thank you for your concern. I think together we can continue developing and refining the plugin. ChatGPT is good, but AI Cursor is much better.
I don’t have much time to deal with GitHub, so here’s a direct link to the new version of the plugin: https://urryes.ru/wp-content/uploads/2026/rootspersona.zip
In this version:
- Security issues resolved
- Fatal crash issues resolved
- Improved algorithm for validating uploaded headcom files
- Fixed editing of the Bio field (previously, it was impossible to use HTML tags – they were cut off when saving, now you can).
- Experimental features (SVG generation) – not recommended for now – poorly constructed.
Please provide feedback. The new version of the plugin is currently working on my website: https://urryes.ru/
Hello all. Sorry for the lack of response. I didn’t realize this conversation was going on on the plugin site. @urryes would you still like access to the project?
Plugin Author
urryes
(@urryes)
Hello, Ed. Yes, I still want it. Your plugin is, in my opinion, the best for WordPress. It’s a shame you don’t have time for it.
Unfortunately the new version doesn’t install, either. Here is the install error message I get:
The plugin generated 1520 characters of unexpected output during activation. If you notice “headers already sent” messages, problems with syndication feeds or other issues, try deactivating or removing this plugin.
Plugin Author
urryes
(@urryes)
gwledford (@gwledford) sent me please php version, error screenshot. Here or via email urryes@gmail.com
Let me know if you’d like any help, my father uses this plugin and I can spend a day or so fixing stuff for you.
If you manage to get the original plugin itself updated on GitHub, you should talk to the plugins team (email is at https://developer.wordpress.org/plugins/wordpress-org/plugin-developer-faq/) and they should be able to have you re-submit the latest release.
I’m not sure if @urryes has commit access to the plugin itself on .org SVN but if not then @ed4becky would have to commit the code changes. Once that’s submitted and reviewed+approved by .org, then @ed4becky should be able to add @urryes as a code committer and transfer ownership of the plugin to facilitate more easy updates.
Again I’m happy to help where needed.
FYI I only saw the https://github.com/urryes/rootspersona-security-issues-resolved-2025/ repo, did not see any other repo from @ed4becky referenced.
Happy to help get tooling for .org releases done too, I’ve been doing that for my other plugins lately. Check out https://github.com/pods-framework/pods-alternative-cache/tree/main/.github/workflows specifically the tests-plugin-checker.yml and wordpress-plugin-deploy.yml for .org related things. That is an easier plugin to reference as my others are more complicated.
Plugin Author
urryes
(@urryes)
Thanks, Scott! I’ve already spent days fixing the plugin’s bugs (both discovered through use and using the WordPress Plugin Check (PCP) plugin). The test is currently showing no errors. I’ve tested the plugin on a couple of sites, but further testing wouldn’t hurt. Please download and test the new version from my website: https://urryes.ru/wp-content/uploads/2026/rootspersona-3.9.zip
Or from SVN: https://plugins.svn.wordpress.org/rootspersona/tags/3.9/ . The previous version I sent to the WordPress team for review was apparently rejected, but I’m not entirely sure, as I haven’t received any response. I’ll try resubmitting the new version.
I tried to install the version you linked on your site and it installed but doesn’t activate on the newest version of WordPress:
Plugin could not be activated because it triggered a fatal error.
Plugin Author
urryes
(@urryes)
gwledford (@gwledford), without a precise error description, it’s impossible to fix it. I’ve already written this before, and I’ll say it again: please send me the PHP version on your hosting and a screenshot with as detailed a description of the error as possible. This is here or by email at urryes@gmail.com
Plugin Author
urryes
(@urryes)
I tried to get the plugin back into action, but it didn’t work. The guys on the WordPress team advised me to recreate the plugin. So, there’s nothing I can do; I’ll have to do it.
Here’s the conversation:
“Hello,
We have reviewed your request for plugin review, however will not be able to take action to re-enable to plugin just yet.You need to contact the plugins team using a contact address that is actually on file for the plugin.
Your email address is not listed as the plugin owner, and a similar email is listed as a contributor only.
The transfer of a plugin which was abandoned will not be re-enabled since so much time has passed. The best option for you at this time is to fork this plugin and submit it as a new plugin via the new plugin submission page.
https://wordpress.org/plugins/developers/“
