To Log into WordPress, You Now Have to Agree Pineapple on Pizza Is Good

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

HN submission / domain issues

  • The linked site’s domain is “shadowbanned” on HN: new submissions are auto-killed and must be manually vouched.
  • Some participants say this stems from frequent paywalls and user flagging; others question why paywalled mainstream sites aren’t treated the same.
  • Vouching is described as a user power (with enough karma), effectively reversing a flag.

Context: WordPress login checkbox

  • Previously, the login page had a mandatory checkbox declaring no affiliation with a specific hosting company; a court ordered its removal.
  • The new pineapple-on-pizza checkbox is widely seen as a petty, mocking “revenge” or trolling of that court order.
  • Some note that it’s technically about a changeable opinion, unlike the earlier factual affiliation statement.

Legal and governance concerns

  • Several commenters argue this behavior looks childish and could harm WordPress’s legal position, potentially edging toward contempt.
  • Others think it’s probably still compliant, though deliberately provocative.
  • There is discussion of top lawyers leaving the parent company and of the high-profile outside counsel involved.
  • The situation is used as an example of the risks of a “BDFL” model; some want stronger, independent governance, while others note foundations can also fail or be captured. The existing WordPress Foundation is mentioned as not preventing the current mess.

User trust, alternatives, and forks

  • Multiple commenters say this reinforces their decision to leave WordPress or avoid betting future projects on it.
  • Alternatives like Kirby and Payload are mentioned positively, though licensing and technical details are briefly debated.
  • Some ask why the opposing company doesn’t just fork WordPress; replies suggest they don’t want the cost and prefer to remain economically parasitic on the ecosystem.

Pineapple-on-pizza and taste tangents

  • Large subthread debates pineapple as a topping, beans in chili, BBQ styles, and taste science (basic tastes, fat taste, mouthfeel, spiciness).
  • Many treat the checkbox as a trope comparable to perennial online “is X authentic” food arguments and social signaling about taste.
  • Some worry less about the checkbox itself and more about the disrespectful, unserious tone from a major platform steward.