TYPO3: It’s now or never!

The week before last I was able to say a few words about TYPO3 at TYPO3 Camp Berlin 15. Sebastian Kreideweiss asked me if I could briefly outline and present my view of the project. I’m often asked how the various changes are to be assessed and what the future holds. Although I don’t have the authority to interpret them, I do of course have my own thoughts on the matter. I have written them down briefly below.

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Where do we stand?

I think TYPO3 is at one of the most important points in its history. The next 12 months will be decisive as to whether TYPO3 continues to flourish or stagnate.

The chances of TYPO3 really finding its way back to the top have never been better in recent years!

Why is that, some of you are probably thinking. The following 4 points are decisive for me:

A resurrected Core Team and Mr. Full-Time PO

The fact that Matthes has made himself available as a full-time PO(or that WMDB has released him for this) is an absolute stroke of luck for TYPO3. His initiatives & coordination, his drive and motivation have led to many more people contributing and helping to move TYPO3 forward. What has been created by the team in the last few months is sensational and I am sure we will see more things that we would not have expected.

TYPO3 Neos -> NEOS CMS

For far too long, the balancing act between two products kept us busy. I realized this too late and thought it would be easier to continue developing everything under this umbrella. Unfortunately, it wasn’t. The situation paralyzed the Neos team and TYPO3. The fact that we have now been able to resolve this tension and that we have also been able to resolve it in such a way that both teams emerge stronger is of crucial importance. This split has released new energy in both teams. That’s exactly what we wanted to achieve. When Robert and I spoke a few hours before the announcement about the days ahead, we agreed that there would probably be quite a shitstorm. The fact that it didn’t come to that shows that there is probably a long and extensive discussion in this community and that people like to rant from time to time, but that arguments and values take precedence.

The TYPO3 spirit

TYPO3 events like the TYPO3 Camp Berlin show again and again how good the spirit in the community is. I wasn’t able to stay in Berlin for long, but you can feel it immediately. The camp was sold out and countless sessions were proposed. Where else do +150 people come together at the weekend to exchange ideas? It is this spirit that we have retained and that makes TYPO3 so special.

TYPO3 Association

I don’t think the TYPO3 Association has ever been so active and it will probably become even more active. The many new people are good for the committees and we are already doing much more than ever before. Preparations for the structural change have begun. There is a lot to do and, to be honest, I don’t really have a plan yet for how we want to implement many of the points. This work will keep me on my toes for the next few months and I hope we can achieve as many goals as possible, as formulated in Scenario 3.

What next?

There is nothing good unless you do it.

Erich Kästner

We have it in our hands. Each and every one of us. No, Matthes won’t do it alone, neither will Olivier, and neither will the Association. It takes everyone to turn the future of TYPO3 into a bright one. I repeat myself: the chances have never been as good as they are now. So let’s get on with it.