In this off-the-cuff response episode, I react to a pointed comment left on a recent YouTube live stream I hosted with Mark Z. Mansky. The topic? AI and its role in the WordPress ecosystem—something I think about a lot both at Gravity Forms and through the work I do with The WP Minute. The commenter, frustrated by AI's use of "stolen" code and content, challenged the moral and ethical implications of using AI in development and creative work. So, I took a beat to respond—not as a definitive authority, but as someone also trying to navigate this shifting landscape.

This episode is less polished, more personal. I dive into the contradictions and moral gray areas we’re all grappling with as AI tools become more accessible and influential. I share my cautiously optimistic view of where this tech is heading, and why I think adoption will remain uneven due to competition, complexity, and user habits. I also challenge the notion that AI is the first to commoditize creativity—Google did it long ago with SEO and structured data.

It’s not about blindly defending AI. I’m right there with you asking, “Is this sustainable?” and “Where does this leave original creators?” But I also can’t ignore the reality: this isn’t new. Developers (and creators) have always borrowed, repurposed, and remixed—AI just happens to be doing it at warp speed. This conversation is a reminder that these tools didn’t invent the game—they're just playing it faster.

Key Takeaways

• “I’m not saying AI will take over everything, but it’s not going away either.”
• “Google gamified the entire internet before AI ever did. SEO was the original MMORGP.”
• “Copy-paste culture in coding isn’t new. AI just made it instant.”
• “In open source, sharing and remixing code is the whole point—so where do we draw the line?”
• “We need to explore this tech critically, not evangelize it blindly.”

URLs Mentioned

• https://www.youtube.com/live/fIYMsn3DcPI

In this episode, I'm addressing the ongoing discussion about AI's impact on jobs, businesses, and particularly, those of us deeply involved in web and content creation. It's easy to get swept up in the fear that AI will soon replace all of our roles—whether you're building websites, editing videos, or crafting copy. But I think it's crucial not to leap to extremes. AI isn't something that's going away quietly, but nor will it completely eliminate the human factor, at least not in the immediate future.

The heart of my advice revolves around human connection. Rather than panicking about pivoting your entire business, double down on understanding and engaging with your customers. The value in maintaining strong, meaningful interactions will likely become even more critical. I foresee a shift from focusing solely on deliverables—like websites, content, or features—to prioritizing deeper relationships and tailored experiences. Your expertise, insights, and ability to genuinely connect might become your most valuable assets.

While it's important to stay informed about AI and how it's evolving—be it through APIs, LLMs, or new middleware like MCPs—it's equally vital to maintain perspective. We're in a dynamic and uncertain phase, and no one can predict exactly how things will unfold. So, rather than reacting impulsively, invest time in building deeper client relationships and adapting thoughtfully to the changes.

Great Takeaways:

• "The value of human interaction will likely become your key competitive edge."
• "Instead of panicking, talk to your customers regularly and understand their changing needs."
• "AI won't replace meaningful relationships—it might even make them more valuable."
• "Don't pivot blindly; enhance your current strengths and deepen your customer engagements."

Important URLs Mentioned:

• Learn how to vibe code WordPress plugins the right way

In this solo episode, I ask a critical question for WordPress agency owners and freelancers: where do you stand with AI? Are you ignoring it, dabbling with it, or going all in and restructuring your agency around it? It’s time to figure out what kind of role this technology plays in your day-to-day work and how it might shape your future.

I compare today’s AI shift to the 2008 financial crisis that helped fuel the rise of WordPress agencies. Back then, budget-conscious clients and evolving CMS features gave WordPress a clear advantage. Today, the same kind of shift is happening with AI, but the pace is faster and the stakes are higher. The good news is that clients are still learning and need guidance, which opens the door for agencies to lead with clarity and experience.

At the WP Minute, we’re ramping up our focus on agency content. Whether you’re hearing clients ask about AI, seeing DIY sites that need fixing, or rethinking how you price your services, I want to hear from you. Let’s get the conversation going and share how real agencies are navigating this transition.

Takeaways and Quotes:

• “Where do you land on the spectrum: zero, one, or two? Zero being ignoring AI, two being fully transformed by it.”
• “We’re at another pivotal moment like the WordPress 3.0 days, only now it’s about how AI reshapes how we work.”
• “Clients are still learning how to take photos on iPhones. You think they’re ready to fully trust AI for business workflows?”
• “There’s a huge trust gap with AI. That’s where agencies can step in and lead.”

Important URLs:

• The WP Minute – Subscribe for agency-focused podcast content
• @mattreport on Twitter – Respond to the episode with your AI stance (zero, one, or two)
• Agency Series with Toby & Kurt – A behind-the-scenes look at running a WordPress agency

Let’s make this a conversation. Agencies aren’t over, they’re evolving. Where do you fit in?