“Too often, open source contributors spend time on tasks that machines could handle faster, more consistently, and without the risk of burnout. In a primarily volunteer-driven project like WordPress, time and resources are limited. Every manual task carries a high opportunity cost, distracting contributors from work that would be more impactful long-term.
But saving time is not the only benefit of automation. When implemented thoughtfully, it can reinforce and preserve institutional knowledge making collaboration more sustainable. It can empower you to take advantage of AI, reduce friction, prevent mistakes, and even lower the barrier of entry for new contributors.
This talk will highlight real-world examples of automation within the WordPress project, including what has worked well and what could have gone further. It will introduce a framework for evaluating when and where automation is worthwhile, and offer practical guidance for building tools that are lightweight, maintainable, and contributor-friendly.”