Pro vs. Free Versions of Plugins and how they are listed on WordPress.org

  • Resolved bghooke

    (@bghooke)


    6 days, 19 hours ago

    Is it acceptable for Plugin developers to prominently feature in their plugin title and description on WordPress.org plugin functions that are only available via the paid version of the plugin? I understand that for many plugin developers, a free version with some features and a paid version with more features is an important part of how they fund plugin development and support, but it seems deceptive to list a free plugin on WordPress.org and in the title and top-line description of the plugin list lots of features that turn out to only be available on the paid version. I came across this plugin [ Plugin URL removed, it’s not necessary to name and shame them ] which is titled [ also removed ] but it turns out that the free version can only do the first of these. The plugin description continues in the same vein. If you scroll down to the feature list (which I should have done!) you’ll see that most features are “Pro.” So, they are not completely hiding the issue, but this list does also make it clear how little the free version can do.

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
  • Moderator Jan Dembowski

    (@jdembowski)

    Forum Moderator and Brute Squad

    6 days, 15 hours ago

    Is it acceptable for Plugin developers to prominently feature in their plugin title and description on WordPress.org plugin functions that are only available via the paid version of the plugin?

    Yes, it 100% is.

    *Looks for coffee, find none and that’s a shame.*

    Plugin developers are given a bit of latitude and the plugin guidelines, like the forum guidelines, are not hard set-in-stone rules. It is subjective and in the case of plugins that relies on the plugins team. That’s not up to popular opinion or even a vote.

    There are hard requirements such as the plugins must be completely opensource and compatible with the GPL terms and conditions. But the text that goes into the readme.txt gets some space to move back and forth. And developers in the plugins and theme repository here are permitted to upsell.

    *Ponders and really wishes for coffee.*

    Now that that is out of the way, if you see a plugin that you believe is violating the plugin guidelines, do not create a forum topic about it. Ever. It’s not cool to name and shame anyone. Instead, draft up a concise email with your concerns and email that with the plugin URL to plugins[at]wordpress.org and they can evaluate your concerns.

    They are a busy and overworked team so don’t be put off if you do not get a timely reply. All emails sent to them do get looked at your concerns will be addressed in email.

    • This reply was modified 6 days, 15 hours ago by Jan Dembowski. Reason: Grammar
    Thread Starter bghooke

    (@bghooke)

    6 days, 14 hours ago

    Thank you for the explanation and the information. Is there a way to delete this post since it sounds like I should not have made it?

    I tried to find a way to report this other than via the forum but could not find any information on how to do so.

    Moderator Yui

    (@fierevere)

    永子

    6 days, 12 hours ago

    You have asked a question and got an answer, we shouldnt delete this topic as it may add value to those who will have same question.

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)

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